Title: Realizing 6G Networks: Integrating Non-Terrestrial Networks and Transformative Technologies for Ubiquitous Connectivity

Date : 9 September 2024
Venue : To be announced

ABSTRACT

Reliable wireless connectivity is the backbone for the development of modern society. It drives economic growth, innovation, and social equality. The United Nations has recognized the importance of “universal and affordable access to the Internet” as one of its 2030 Sustainable Development Goal. Sixth generation (6G) and beyond wireless networks envision a seamless integration of satellite, aerial, terrestrial, and maritime networks to provide ubiquitous and uninterrupted connectivity. The objective is to provide connectivity to a large number of devices (known as massive connectivity), to support substantial traffic demands, and expand coverage. However, the success of integrated networks is constrained by several challenges, including resource optimization, when the users are resource-constrained and have diverse requirements and applications.

This talk will start with a brief overview of the requirements and challenges in 6G networks, with an emphasis on non-terrestrial networks. I will discuss the enabling technologies in 6G research including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-altitude platforms (HAPs), and multi-access edge computing (MEC) can enhance coverage, reduce latency, and improve resilience. Quantum-inspired machine learning and digital twin technologies will be discussed as transformative approaches to optimize network operations and predict complex behaviors. My recent research on resource management for massive IoT connectivity in aerial and self-sustaining networks will be shared, highlighting novel algorithms and protocols that enhance spectral and energy efficiency while meeting diverse device constraints. I will then share future research challenges to develop efficient and low-complexity resource management schemes to tackle the challenges of seamless connectivity of heterogeneous devices anytime and anywhere.

BIOGRAPHY: Waleed Ejaz is an Associate Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Lakehead University, Barrie Campus, ON, Canada. From September 2018 to August 2020, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering & Applied Science at Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC, Canada. Before that, he occupied academic and research positions at Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University), Carleton University, and Queen’s University in Canada. Dr. Ejaz earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Computer Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan, and the National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, respectively. He obtained his Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering from Sejong University, Republic of Korea. Dr. Ejaz has co-authored over 150 papers in prestigious journals and conferences and 3 books. His research interests include communication and networking technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT), 6G and beyond networks, machine learning and AI for wireless networks, and mobile edge computing. He is also an Associate Editor of the IEEE Open Journal of Communication Society. He was Associate Editor of IEEE Communications Magazine and IEEE Canadian Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Additionally, Dr. Ejaz has completed certificate courses on “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education” from the Chang School at Ryerson University. He is a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Ontario, Canada and a senior member of IEEE.

Research group’s page: https://www.wejaz.ca/