Fibercop and the University of Naples Federico II join forces to drive innovation in networks

The network of the future will not just be faster. It will, in some way, have to learn about itself. It will need to predict how it will react to an increase in traffic, identify an anomaly before it turns into a fault, and understand where to redeploy resources and capacity. It is in this area that Fibercop is seeking to broaden the scope of its technological transformation, drawing on university research as well.

The wholesale fixed-line network operator has launched a partnership with the University of Naples Federico II focused on innovation in telecommunications infrastructure. The project involves CeSMA, the university’s Centre for Advanced Metrological and Technological Services, and brings together artificial intelligence, Digital Twin, edge cloud and quantum technologies within the same laboratory.

At the heart of the programme lies the Digital Twin: a virtual and dynamic replica of the real-world network on which to simulate behaviours, interventions and developments. The model will need to integrate cloud and edge cloud infrastructures, 5G and, in the future, 6G mobile networks, quantum communication systems and cybersecurity tools. It will act as a sort of digital test bed on which to observe the infrastructure without having to intervene directly on the physical one.

For Fibercop, which manages the access infrastructure open to operators, the stakes are high. Whilst fibre forms the physical backbone of the network, software and automation are gradually becoming its nervous system.

“The evolution of digital infrastructure requires close collaboration between businesses, research and education,” emphasises Massimo Sarmi, chairman and chief executive of Fibercop. “Artificial intelligence, digital twins, edge cloud and quantum technologies will be crucial to creating increasingly efficient and secure infrastructure.”