Trends and Challenges in Communication Networks

Dear Colleagues,

In the last decades, communications networks have been undergoing a radical transformation driven by the growth in data consumption and the expansion of interconnected devices. This exponential increase, driven by trends such as high-definition video streaming, the Internet of Things (IoT) and the rise of cloud-based applications, is pushing the limits of current network capabilities. This landscape means that communication networks face significant challenges in keeping pace with this ever-increasing demand. Technology enablers such as Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) are transforming network architectures, fostering greater flexibility and agility. In addition, wireless technologies like 5G and beyond hold the potential for significantly faster data speeds, lower latency and the ability to connect a vastly larger number of devices.

This Special Issue aims to explore current challenges and advancements in communication network technologies and applications. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Network Scalability: Novel approaches to efficiently handling the growing volume of data traffic, including network architecture improvements and resource management strategies.
• Emerging Technologies: Research on next-generation wireless technologies (5G and beyond), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and in-network computing to address network challenges and enable new applications.
• Network Modeling and Analysis: Development of new theoretical frameworks and techniques for modeling network behavior, performance evaluation or capacity planning.
• Testing and Verification of Applications and Services: Innovative methodologies and tools for testing performance, realiability and security of communication network applications and services.
• Network Applications and Services: Exploration of network slicing for diverse applications, the role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in network optimization and management and the advancement of network security protocols to combat evolving cyber threats.

We encourage submissions that present original research, innovative solutions and critical analyses of current trends in communication networks.

Prof. Dr. Inmaculada Ayala Viñas
Dr. Laura Panizo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• networks architecture
• network applications and services
• network management
• wireless networks (5G, B5G, etc.)
• network modelling and analysis
• network performance evaluation
• AI/ML for networking