Fifth Generation (5G) networks unite traditional Internet and modern mobile telecommunications in a fully connected mobile world. Along with the key enabler concept of Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) that allows serving users directly from the network’s edge, 5G paves the way for disruptive, high-value, and sustainable business models in use cases with strict service performance requirements, particularly those related to real-time communication.

The ZeroDEAM project targets 5G services with strict performance requirements, particularly, regarding real-time communication and the problem of service “downtime” after handover events. Decreasing mobile users’ perception of service “Downtime” (i.e., achieving “Zero Downtime”) is pivotal for it prevents disruptions and inconsistences that can vigorously and indefinitely harm users’ Quality-of-Experience. Popular uses cases falling within the context of ZeroDEAM include eXtended Reality (XR), multi-user interactions (including gaming) and 3D holographic services, as well as other use cases where edge computing is seen as crucial. This is because MEC deployments provide the necessary computational processing power and data storage closer to the edge of the network in a distributed and low-latency access manner for running Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) models aimed for fighting Downtime, improving resource utilisation efficiency, and increasing the overall mobile user experience.

 The ZeroDEAM project has an emphasis on both research and practical deployment, where the intention is to develop viable intelligent/cognitive algorithms and techniques. The Smart Internet Lab at the University of Bristol has a proven track record of deploying and testing solutions in live networks, where they have experience with their own 5GUK Test Network, funded via the UK Government’s Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme. A key component of this research project will be the 5G-VINNI UK test network, hosted at BT Labs in Suffolk and built by SRUK together with Samsung Networks Europe. This EU project funded multi-site 5G network comprises of sub-6GHz and 28GHz radios and a commercial-grade virtualised RAN, Core and EMS. The test setup has already been used to demonstrate high-bandwidth, low latency video production, remote control of robots with VR-based image recognition, social care solutions for the elderly, and low latency cloud gaming.