Short description of the content on this page of the website.
Open Topics in the Area of Software Defined Radio, Cellular Networks, High-Altitude Platforms, Meshed Networks.
Software Defined Radio (SDR) for Computing Network Nodes
Supervisor: Juan Cabrera
Radio communication systems used to be implemented mostly with hardware solutions. It was difficult to make quick changes since they involved hardware replacement, e.g., filters, and modulators, and demodulators. This changed in the later years with Software Defined Radios SDR. This technology allows developers to build up complete radio communication stacks with off-the-shelf hardware. At the Comnets Chair, we have access to a testbed of multiple SDR devices that allows us to test a plethora of communication schemes for communication networks. We are interested in deploying and evaluating the performance of multiple communication schemes for wireless network nodes that perform computation, storage, and transport of information. These types of nodes tend to be at the edge of the network, and using them for computation and storage can drastically reduce latency and increase the reliability of communication.
Motivation links:
https://youtu.be/DEeOFE_DreU
https://youtu.be/1bgC3AjCnA4
https://youtu.be/xQVm-YTKR9s
At a glance
Type: Student thesis; Diploma/Master thesis (with task extention)
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Python, basic knowledge of
digital communication (digital modulation,
CDMA, OFDM)
Study of cloud radio access network and edge computing in High-Altitude Platforms (HAP) and nanosatellites
Supervisor: Riccardo Bassoli
High-Altitude Platforms (HAP) and nanosatellites represent the new way to provide connectivity and computing in remote/tactical areas, where no infrastructure is available. This can also become a useful solution in urban areas in case of natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes). However, HAP-based or satellite-based cloud radio access network open various fundamental challenges in edge computing and network virtualisation. The thesis’ work will be devoted to study, analyse and test (via simulation) specific characteristics of these systems. The details of the thesis’ topic and the level of the targets will be adapted according to the student’s preferences, motivation and talent.
Motivation links:
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9046846
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9172316
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9316545
At a glance
Type: Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: background on
telecommunications, programming
and ComNets2
Study and Development of eSIM Infrastructure for IoT Devices in 5G
Supervisor: Thomas Höschele
While GMSA has successfully specified and rolled out the SGP.22 standard, which enables remote provisioning of eSIM for smartphones; the final version of the SGP.32 standard is still in development. The SGP.32 standardizes the remote provisioning of IoT devices, which is very important to support cellular use cases for industrial scenarios like warehouses and manufacturing. As these IoT devices will have limit input capabilities the provisioning process faces challenges. The thesis aims to integrate, qualify and extend open source tools for an architecture to provisioning eSIM on 5G-Devices and develop a way to provision eSIM in the IoT world. The details of the thesis’ topic and the level of the targets will be adapted according to the student’s preferences, motivation and talent.
Motivation links:
https://www.gi-de.com/de/spotlight/digital-security/neue-spezifikation-zur-remote-sim-bereitstellung
https://iot-analytics.com/role-of-esim-for-iot-better-security-simplified-roaming-easier-provisioning/
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: background on
telecommunications, programming
and ComNets2
Simplified IMS in Private 5G Networks
Supervisor: Thomas Höschele
Voice communication is a major feature of 5G networks. Within the 5G-Core the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is responsible for voice calls and voice transfer (Voice over NR). A typical IMS is a heavily large function, even comparable to the 5G core itself. Particularly for private 5G networks which require a lean core installation this would be too much. A solution is a simplified IMS, only consisting of the minimal necessary functionalities, procedures and services to enable voice calls a connection to a SIP client. The thesis aims to develop, implement and test a simplified IMS in a private 5G network enabling native voice calls. The details of the thesis’ topic and the level of the targets will be adapted according to the student’s preferences, motivation and talent.
Motivation links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_Multimedia_Subsystem
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285648601_Cloudifying_the_3GPP_IP_Multimedia_Subsystem_for_4G_and_Beyond_A_Survey
https://portal.3gpp.org/desktopmodules/Specifications/SpecificationDetails.aspx?specificationId=821
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: background on
telecommunications, programming
and ComNets2
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
Time-sensitive Networking (TSN) describes a set of IEEE standards to ensure deterministic transmissions over Ethernet networks. It is especially of interest for industrial applications, such as robot control or process automation where both (ultra) low latencies and reliability must be guaranteed. Recently, the integration of 5G and TSN started. In order to leverage 5G communication for industrial applications, TSN is targeted as an enabling solution. In ongoing research projects (at the chair, such as TICCTEC or stic5G), the integration of 5G as a virtual TSN bridge is under investigation. Part of the tasks is to extend the 5G core network with network functions (translator functions), to ensure correct QoS management within the 5G system, to research direct device-to-device (D2D) communication, and further associated fields of interest, such as implementing new scheduling algorithms or multi-path communication for enhancing the reliability.
Therefore, we offer topics on traditional wired Time-sensitive Networking (TSN) and the recent research area of 5G-TSN integration.
Software Defined Radio (SDR) for Computing Network Nodes
Supervisor: Juan Cabrera
Radio communication systems used to be implemented mostly with hardware solutions. It was difficult to make quick changes since they involved hardware replacement, e.g., filters, and modulators, and demodulators. This changed in the later years with Software Defined Radios SDR. This technology allows developers to build up complete radio communication stacks with off-the-shelf hardware. At the Comnets Chair, we have access to a testbed of multiple SDR devices that allows us to test a plethora of communication schemes for communication networks. We are interested in deploying and evaluating the performance of multiple communication schemes for wireless network nodes that perform computation, storage, and transport of information. These types of nodes tend to be at the edge of the network, and using them for computation and storage can drastically reduce latency and increase the reliability of communication.
At a glance
Type: Student Thesis,
Diploma/Master Thesis (with task extention)
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Python, basic knowledge of
digital communication (digital modulation,
CDMA, OFDM)
Study of cloud radio access network and edge computing in High-Altitude Platforms (HAP) and nanosatellites
Supervisor: Riccardo Bassoli
High-Altitude Platforms (HAP) and nanosatellites represent the new way to provide connectivity and computing in remote/tactical areas, where no infrastructure is available. This can also become a useful solution in urban areas in case of natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes). However, HAP-based or satellite-based cloud radio access network open various fundamental challenges in edge computing and network virtualisation. The thesis’ work will be devoted to study, analyse and test (via simulation) specific characteristics of these systems. The details of the thesis’ topic and the level of the targets will be adapted according to the student’s preferences, motivation and talent.
At a glance
Type: Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: background on
telecommunications, programming
and ComNets2
The following ComNets chair members are working on Time-Sensitive Networking: Stefan Senk, Hosein Kangvara Nazari, How-Hung Liu and Tobias Scheinert. If you are interested in one of the topics below, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us!
Open Topics in the Area of Software Defined Networks (SDN) & Network Functions Virtualization (NFV).
Improving Performance of Service Mesh for Cloud Native Applications
Supervisor: Tung Doan
Unlike traditional monolithic applications, cloud-native applications are the
collection of small and independent services, which are so-called microservices. As cloud-native applications have gained tremendous interest in recent years, many cloud vendors such as Google Cloud and Amazon Web Service already provided cloud platforms for cloud-native applications. Service meshes have been considered as a de facto communication subtrate for cloud-native applications. Specifcially, each service in a cloud-native application communicate to each other via a software proxy, called sidecar. A sidecar intercepts cloud traffic reaching a service and thus provides various control functions such as security and traffic management. However, as each sidecar is co-located with each service, this design introduces overhead (e.g., increasing latency and lower throughput) for cloud-native applications, especially for applications that include a significant number of services. This work aims to improve the performance of service mesh for cloud-native applications.
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Basic knowledge of computer networks, basic knowledge of Linux, programming languages: C, Python, Go (preferably)
Investigating State Transfer For Programmable Network Devices
Supervisor: Tung Doan
Applications are classified into stateless and stateful. Stateless applications do not require acknowledging application states (i.e., historical processing values) to handle users‘ requests. Meanwhile, stateful applications rely on application states for proper processing. More importantly, application states are used to provide the fault tolerance and scalability of applications that require state transfer between applications. For instance, this demo shows how we used application states.
Existing studies have been proposed to utilize the states of applications deployed on general-purpose servers. Due to the emerge of latency-sensitive use cases such as autonomous driving and robots, there is a possibly to deploy applications directly on programmable network devices such as Tofino switches, thus allowing applications to process users‘ requests at line rate and consequently reducing latency. While ensuring line-rate processing for applications, programmable network devices have to maintain application states, thus making fault tolerance and scalability challenging. This work aims to investigate a solution for the state transfer of applications deployed on programmable devices.
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Basic knowledge of computer networks, basic knowledge of Linux, programming languages: C and Python
Improving The Performance of Ractive Programable Network Devices
Supervisor: Tung Doan
Traditionally, applications are deployed on general-purpose servers. Recently,
modern network devices such as Tofino switches are able to deploy applications with line-rate processing. However, applications on programable network devices have the abilities to rapidly react to the unexpected network behaviors such as link failure or traffic overload, thus so-called reactive programmable network devices. This requirement leads to the involvement of network control with low latency.
Recent studies such as Mantis have been proposed to employ switch’s CPU (Central Processing Unit) to provide control programs that reactive to unexpected network behaviors. To ensure the line-rate processing of applications, the goal of this work is to futher reduce the reactive time of control programs.
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Basic knowledge of computer networks, basic knowledge of Linux, programming languages: C and Python
Leveraging Network Programmability to Improve The Performance Of Network Coding
Supervisor: Tung Doan
Network coding has demonstrated its great potential to improve the performance in various scenarios such as unreliable communication networks and distributed storage systems. Due to the potential of network coding, recent years witness tremedous variations (e.g., Fulcrum coding). NCKernel, network coding support in Linux kernel, has been proposed to prove the practicality of network coding.
However, NCKernel is mainly used for handling network coding functions. The network support has not been considered yet in NCKernel. For instance, forwarding function is needed to allow recoder to receive the packets from encoder and then forward them to decoder. To tackle this issue, NCkernel relies on NCnet that is a seperate software entity dedicated to provide the network support for NCKernel. The use of NCnet in NCKernel introduces latency overhead. Therefore, the goal of this work is to improve the performance of NCKernel. Particularly, the forwarding function (i.e., similar to a layer-2 switch) will be directly implemented in NCKernel. The forwarding function should be transparent to sender and receiver, i.e., the sender only needs to know the IP address of the receiver and the network coding functions will be implemented in the network.
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Basic knowledge of computer networks, basic knowledge of Linux, programming languages: C and Python
Enhancing Traffic Classification with Programmable Data Plane Switches
Supervisor: Mingyu Ma, Yushan Yang
Machine learning has become an essential tool for solving networking challenges, such as traffic classification, anomaly detection, and network configuration. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, networks can dynamically manage data traffic and optimize overall performance. Recently, in-network machine learning solutions have emerged, driven by the evolution of network devices that are both high- performance and programmable. Technologies like Switch-ASICs, network interface cards (NICs), and FPGA-based network devices now utilize P4, a domain-specific language that enables the definition and customization of network protocols and processing functions directly within the data plane. This level of programmability opensnew possibilities for offloading traffic classification tasks to network hardware. In this project, students will identify an appropriate machine learning algorithm suited for network communication scenarios and deploy it on a Switch-ASIC (Tofino Switch) testbed. The goal is to enable real-time detection and classification of network traffic conditions directly within the switch hardware.
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Familiarity with Linux, programming skills in C and Python
DU Lossless Migration
Supervisor: Ricardo Pousa
With the advent of 5G, a continuous effort was seen to virtualize the functions supporting mobile communications. With an architecture based on NFV (Network Function Virtualization), it becomes possible to separate and freely allocate resources according to one’s network’s necessities. Coupled with the ever-increasing throughput requirements for new applications, edge computing presents itself as an attractive solution. In line with these trends, RAN (Radio Access Networks) are being rethought and partitioned into CU (Centralized Units) and DU (Distributed Units). This change can lead to lower bandwidth requirements, and give rise to in-network processing opportunities. The objective of this task is to implement an (Intra or inter-computer) migration procedure, that makes use of the containerized nature of next-generation networks while mitigating loss of functionality.
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Basic knowledge of Computer Networks, Linux, Docker, programming languages: C and Python, markup languages: YAML
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
Open Topics in the Area of Distributed Storage, Cloud Solutions, and Information-Centric Networking (ICN)
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
Motion Capturing and Data Analysis in Physiotherapy
Supervisor: Giang Nguyen
The vision of the spin-off project Veiio in Dresden is to develop an intelligent suit with fully integrated sensors and actuators that uses motion capture to provide real-time vibrotactile feedback to the wearer.
We offer a diploma thesis project in Motion Capture (MoCap) Data Analysis based on Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. In this project, you should develop a prototypical system that recognizes selected movement exercises and that evaluates the movement execution in real-time. Included tasks are also: acquiring the data with provided hardware, testing, and comparing different approaches for motion classification and evaluation, providing a simple interface for examining the algorithms.
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Profound knowledge in Python programming, experience with approaches from machine learning (e.g., scikit-learn, PyTorch)
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
Study of Simulation Platforms to Analyse Quantum Communication Networks
Supervisor: Riccardo Bassoli
Simulating quantum-mechanical properties of quantum communication networks is not an easy task and every existing simulator is based on some initial assumptions to allow classical modelling of quantum behaviours. Each quantum simulator has pros and cons to be analysed in order to use it correctly, to model a specific aspect (or a set of aspects) of future quantum communication networks. This is fundamental to be able to correctly interpret the results obtained after simulations. The details of the thesis’ topic and the level of the targets will be adapted according to the student’s preferences, motivation and talent.
At a glance
Type: Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: background on classical computer science and programming, ComNets2 and ComNets3
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
Open Topics in the Area of Software Defined Radio, Cellular Networks, High-Altitude Platforms, Meshed Networks.
Threat Analysis of a Neutral Host Network Architecture
Supervisor:
To propagate access to the public mobile network over a neutral host network, owned by a third party. With this solution, the internal switching architecture of a publicly accessible building is used. This technology is already specified, approved by all local network operators and in use in the United Kingdom, for example. There are currently no known active installations in Germany.
With every new technology and every new use case, new threats arise for the privacy and security of users, but also for network operators. In order to build trust in new technologies, it is of utmost importance to know not only which threats occur in the intended use cases, but also what the impact of each threat is and how to mitigate them.
In this student research project, you will create a systematic threat model for a given neutral host network architecture. You will use a reproducible and established method to evaluate the architecture in terms of its security and learn a lot about several known attacks. All possible threats shall be categorized. Countermeasures for threats shall be researched in scientific literature. If countermeasures do not exist, the student shall propose possible remedies.
Study of cloud radio access network and edge computing in High-Altitude Platforms (HAP) and nanosatellites
Supervisor: Riccardo Bassoli
High-Altitude Platforms (HAP) and nanosatellites represent the new way to provide connectivity and computing in remote/tactical areas, where no infrastructure is available. This can also become a useful solution in urban areas in case of natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes). However, HAP-based or satellite-based cloud radio access network open various fundamental challenges in edge computing and network virtualisation. The thesis’ work will be devoted to study, analyse and test (via simulation) specific characteristics of these systems. The details of the thesis’ topic and the level of the targets will be adapted according to the student’s preferences, motivation and talent.
At a glance
Type: Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: background on
telecommunications, programming
and ComNets2
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
The pathway to carbon neutrality is reshaping our traditional electricity consumption patterns. Historically reliant on centralized power utilities, we are witnessing a paradigm shift towards decentralized energy models. An increasing number of households and companies are shifting towards renewable energy solutions, notably solar panels, leading to the establishment of microgrids. These microgrids not only function autonomously but also possess the potential to feed excess energy back into the primary grid. As we advance into this new energy frontier, electric vehicles (EVs) are set to play a pivotal role. With the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability, EVs can serve as both consumers and providers of energy, enhancing grid flexibility but also adding further complexity. Leveraging cutting-edge communication technology such as 5G, we can seamlessly integrate multiple microgrids with EVs on the move. By tapping into the synergy among these entities and utilizing AI coupled with advanced optimization techniques, we pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Tasks
General tasks encompass three main areas: the development of testbeds, the creation of simulations, and the design of algorithms. Specifics can be tailored based on individual student preferences and interests.
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis, project work
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Experience in one of the following programming languages: Python, Java, or C++, knowledge of optimization algorithms and AI is a plus.
We’re seeking enthusiastic and skilled students to join our team. If you are interested in this, please contact Razan Habeeb or Shiwei Shen
Open Topics in the Area of Human-Machine-Interfaces and Haptic Devices, Mobile Robotics, Navigation and Recognition, CeTIBAR Robot-aided Kitchen and Bar Service, Multi-Robot Coordination and Assembly.
Our dedicated team is continuously researching and developing our cutting edge technology to stay ahead of your needs. The robotic group stands for innovation, efficiency, and excellence in the areas of robotics.
Be part of this revolution and discover new ways of productivity with us!
Then follow the link and check out the website of the team robotics.
Open Topics in the Area of Post-Shannon Communication, Guesswork, and Molecular Communications
Guessing Noise to Decode Messages
Supervisor: Juan Cabrera
An ideal channel decoder would implement a maximum likelihood decoding technique to guess what message was transmitted. This is guessing which codeword was sent by maximizing the probability of receiving the obtained message. Because this is computationally complex, channel codes are designed backward. I.e., the design of a low-complexity decoder comes first followed by the encoder. This limits the type of codes that can be used because not all codes can be decoded in practical time. However, researchers from MIT and Maynooth University have proven that by guessing the noise in the transmission channel instead of the message, you can obtain results similar to a maximum likelihood decoder. The mathematical proof is complicated, yet the principle of operation is quite simple: If you receive a stream of bits that is not a valid codeword, you can flip one bit and ask if the new codeword is a valid one. If it is not, flip a different bit and repeat the process. If the probability of an error bit is low, then with a few flips and questions it is possible to decode. This opens the door to new codes since the decoding process is universal and potentially independent of the code used. We want to implement these novel techniques into our wireless system. To do that, we want to use Software Defined Radio to build the wireless channel and benchmark the novel decoder with state of the art codecs.
Motivation Links:
https://youtu.be/xQVm-YTKR9s
https://youtu.be/1bgC3AjCnA4
At a glance
Type: Student Thesis,
Diploma/Master Thesis (with task extention)
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: Python, basic knowledge of
digital communication (digital modulation,
CDMA, OFDM)
Molecular Communication for Leakage Detection Scenarios
Supervisor: Pit Hofmann, Pengjie Zhou
Inspired by our surrounding nature, molecular communication uses molecules and nano-particles as information carriers. Mainly intended for communication at the micro- and nano-scale level due to its biocompatibility and energy efficiency compared to conventional wireless systems, there is also a promising application for molecular communication in the macro-scale range with leakage detection. Leakage detection describes the process of identifying, locating, and assessing the presence of leaks in various system setups, such as pipelines, containers, or structures. The task involves investigating the potential of employing molecular communication principles for detecting leaks in a predefined system. The setup contains a mobile robot, e.g., a robot arm or the Boston Dynamics Spot robot dog, for exploring a room and a sensory part. The aim is to develop a robust and efficient system capable of detecting and localizing leaks in environments where traditional methods may be impractical or insufficient. The thesis will delve into the fundamentals of molecular communication, exploring how signaling molecules can be utilized to convey information about the presence and location of leaks. Furthermore, the research will focus on designing and implementing experimental setups to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Through this study, the goal is to contribute to the advancement of leak detection technologies, particularly in scenarios where conventional methods face limitations.
At a glance
Type: Student/Diploma/Master Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Requirements: basic knowledge of electrical engineering/communication science, Python
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
Drones and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)
Supervisor: Christian Vielhaus, Johannes Hofer
We are looking for a motivated student for a diploma thesis in the area of drones and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping.
The topic will involve the simulation of drones, the creation of maps, and path planning algorithms. You’ll get in touch with the following software/topics:
Are you interested? Then please go ahead, write us a message, come by for a coffee, and we talk about the details of the topic in person.
At a glance
Type: Diploma Thesis
Starting Time: immediate
Get in touch with Tung Doan. He will help you find a supervisor who will work with you on a tailored topic.
© 2025 ComNets | TU Dresden | All rights reserved
