Abstract
The RAIN4C project (Reliable Aerial and satellIte Networks: joint Communication, Computation, Caching for Critical scenarios) aims to design and validate a multi-layer networking framework that ensures robust and efficient digital services in critical environments, such as disaster-struck or infrastructure-poor regions. By integrating satellite links, drone swarms, and terrestrial users, RAIN4C explores novel strategies for resilient connectivity, distributed computation, and intelligent caching. The project investigates energy-efficient deployment of UAV-enabled cell-free massive MIMO systems, supports mission-critical applications such as extended reality over hybrid TN/NTN infrastructures, and develops solutions to mitigate phase misalignments in aerial communication. Expected outcomes include optimization frameworks for UAV service orchestration, seamless interoperability through programmable data planes, and software-defined digital twin architectures for system simulation and management. A proof-of-concept will be delivered using real UAVs and satellite connectivity, paving the way for agile, on-demand deployments of integrated aerial and space systems.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Angelo Trotta
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Informatica - Scienza e Ingegneria
Coordinator:
ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna(Italy)
Total Eu Contribution: Euro (EUR) 199.920,00
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 68.240,00
Project Duration in months: 29
Start Date:
28/09/2023
End Date:
28/02/2026
