IEEE GLOBECOM 2024 Workshop on Open Research Infrastructures and Toolkits (OpenRIT6G)
The IEEE GLOBECOM 2024 Workshop on Open Research Infrastructures and Toolkits for 6G (OpenRIT6G) took place on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), South Africa. This workshop merged two significant research initiatives: the FutureG Experimental Test Platforms initiative from GLOBECOM 2023 and the OpenRIT6G initiative launched in Cape Town in March 2024. Key international stakeholders supported the workshop, including the German 6G Platform, Open6GHub, PAWR, SLICES RI, and the IEEE Future Networks initiative.
A Vision for Open and Federated Research Infrastructure
With the increasing complexity of modern networks, there is a growing need for open, modular, and federated network infrastructures that can cater to diverse vertical application needs. The workshop highlighted the importance of establishing open research environments that integrate AI, cloud-native architectures, Open RAN, and private networks. Participants discussed how these infrastructures can support innovation, facilitate reproducibility in research, and contribute to sustainable digital ecosystems.
Keynote speaker Tsabi Molapo (Telkom SA) opened the workshop with a talk on “Open Research Infrastructures and Tools for Connecting the Unconnected: Reshaping the Future of Connectivity.” The presentation underscored the role of open experimentation platforms in bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainable connectivity solutions.
Technical Contributions and Insights
The workshop featured insightful papers. Notable presentations included:
- LEO Satellite Mobile Direct NB-IoT Communication – A study from the University of Tokyo exploring low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications for IoT applications.
- Empirical Evaluation of Private 5G Networks for Urban Environments – A Germany-based study evaluating 5G cell performance for slow-speed vehicular use cases.
- Network Automation and Open RAN Developments – Several presentations explored AI-driven automation for Open RAN and multi-agent architectures for xApps in next-generation networks.
Panel Discussion: “Towards a Realistic 6G for All”
A highlight of the workshop was the international panel discussion, which featured experts from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies, including representatives from ICASA (the South African Regulator), NTT Docomo, Rutgers University, UFRJ/RNP (Brazil), and Eurescom. The discussion centred on the challenges and opportunities of 6G development, emphasising the evolving role of private networks and the necessity for open, accessible research infrastructures.
The IEEE GLOBECOM 2024 OpenRIT6G workshop successfully set the stage for further collaboration in open research infrastructures, paving the way for future innovations in NextG networking.
