NEXASPHERE

Objectives

NexaSphere aims to design and prototype satellite-compliant technology to support a 3D network of networks. Such a framework seamlessly integrates multi-path transmission to enhance multi-connectivity in an energy-saving manner, bringing together spaceborne and airborne platforms with terrestrial infrastructure.

The main goal is to deliver societal benefits to the future European landscape, with a particular focus on mobile transportation (including air mobility, railway, and automotive sectors), smart cities, and communities beyond the year 2030.

NexaSphere’s primary objective is to conceptualize and develop advanced hardware prototypes and software algorithms for a sustainable multi-connected 3D network. This network will integrate radio and wireless-optical technologies and enabling network orchestration through AI-driven programmability.

Additionally, NexaSphere aims to extend the edge-cloud continuum into space, creating a Radio & Wireless-Optical Connectivity Continuum from short-range to long-range. By integrating scalable simulation models in a hardware-in-the-loop approach and conducting in-lab and relevant environment validation, NexaSphere seeks to demonstrate proof-of-concept for this TN/NTN unified network architecture.

Vision

The vision of NexaSphere is to establish a 3D network of networks that natively integrates multi-path transmission for seamless multi-connectivity. This ecosystem will leverage spaceborne and airborne platforms in conjunction with terrestrial infrastructure to enhance connectivity for the future EU society. The impact will be profound across key sectors, including:

Romars’ role

In this project, RomARS is in charge of:

- Design and implementation of the most suitable non-3GPP multi-access configurations;
- Integration with HPE CN platform to validate ATSSS solution in the target use-cases;
- Development of an ATSSS-compliant client and server proxy combining L2 steering/switching with either MP-TCP and MP-QUIC bonding solution tailored to application-specific requirements and satellite link characteristics;
- Assessment of QoE/QoS of target applications and fine-tuning of the solution.