The SUSTAINET project tackles the challenge of achieving European digital sovereignty and climate neutrality with a holistic research approach—focusing on network resilience, energy efficiency, sustainability, high-performance connectivity, and cybersecurity. Seamless interconnection of digital systems is essential for future-proof communication infrastructures, especially in critical sectors such as energy. Resilient, scalable networks must be able to withstand failures and threats while integrating intelligent, context-aware services.
As part of the SUSTAINET-inNOvAte sub-project, we focus on developing frictionless, secure, and resilient communication infrastructures to meet the growing demands of Europe’s digital and green transformation. The project emphasizes ultra-reliable, low-latency networks for critical sectors such as industrial production, public utilities, and healthcare. Through the integration of time-sensitive networking, digital twins, trusted AI, and neuromorphic computing, SUSTAINET-inNOvAte explores new architectures for end-to-end connectivity and real-time service delivery.
In cooperation with Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH Nürnberg, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and noris networks AG, we will support the development at the network infrastructure level with its contribution “Sustainable Networks and Energy-Efficient System Software”. In particular, we will focus on the following aspects:
- Design of secure system software for sustainable networks
- Reporting of operating system components with regard to resource consumption
- AI-supported decision-making on the sustainability of networks
- Life cycle analysis of embedded and operational emissions
- Implementation of AI-based orchestration decisions
- Placement of services and their configuration
Our research will investigate the influence of the operating system on the resource consumption (i.e., power and energy) of networked systems. Unique to SUSTAINET-inNOvAte is the modeling, monitoring, and attribution analysis of CO2 emissions.