Digital Twin of Open Radio Access Network

The Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) architecture provides foundational blocks to build integration of AI and ML in access networks to transform data into intelligence in future wireless networks. The ORAN architecture can leverage ML and AI techniques within xApps and rApps to autonomously analyze network data, learning from interactions with the environment to make intelligent decisions to optimize network performance. xApps and rApps are software applications designed to operate within Near real-time (Near-RT) RIC and non-real-time (non-RT) RIC components of the O-RAN architecture, respectively. While ORAN provides essential ingredients of AI-native RAN, ML deployment in live networks presents a significant risk of deterioration of quality of experience. Digital Twin of the network in this case are essential to analyze, predict and update network operations and solutions to meet the real time requirements of the network. This project will study the modelling and analysis of digital twins for real time resource optimization and performance prediction and evaluation.

<p>The Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) architecture provides foundational blocks to build integration of AI and ML in access networks to transform data into intelligence in future wireless networks. The ORAN architecture can leverage ML and AI techniques within xApps and rApps to autonomously analyze network data, learning from interactions with the environment to make intelligent decisions to optimize network performance. xApps and rApps are software applications designed to operate within Near real-time (Near-RT) RIC and non-real-time (non-RT) RIC components of the O-RAN architecture, respectively. While ORAN provides essential ingredients of AI-native RAN, ML deployment in live networks presents a significant risk of deterioration of quality of experience. Digital Twin of the network in this case are essential to analyze, predict and update network operations and solutions to meet the real time requirements of the network. This project will study the modelling and analysis of digital twins for real time resource optimization and performance prediction and evaluation. </p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Digital Twin of Open Radio Access Network as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/14596/dr-maryam-hafeez">Dr Maryam Hafeez | School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering | University of Leeds</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>For further information please contact<br /> e: <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk </span></span></p>