Panel 1
Quantum Computing and Communications: opportunities and challenges
Moderator: Dr. Antonio Manzalini, Telecom Italia
Panelists:
– Prof. Alexandros Stavdas, UoP, Greece
– Davide Bacco, Technical University of Denmark, Department of Photonics Engineering (DK)
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 8th, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Athens time (UTC+3)
Abstract: The transformative role of Telecommunications and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) has long been witnessed as a precursor of the scientific progress and economic growth in the modern world. Today, like never before, we are witnessing a pervasive diffusion of ultra-broadband fixed-mobile connectivity, the deployment of 5G infrastructures integrating with Cloud-Edge Computing platforms and a wide adoption of Artificial Intelligence. This is the so-called Digital Transformation, bringing far reaching techno-economic impacts on our Society. Nevertheless, this transformation is still laying its foundations on Electronics and the expected end of Moore’s Law. Therefore, a rethinking of the ways of doing computation, communications and security have been already started, and the adoption of quantum technologies is under the spot. In fact, Quantum cybersecurity applications based on QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) equipment and QRNG (Quantum Random Number Generators) have higher TRL (Technology Readiness Levels), being already commercially available. Indeed, today, a second revolution seem to be underway: as a matter of fact, a first quantum revolution started decades ago, and it has already brought quantum technologies in our everyday life. The Experts of the panel will address opportunities challenges and challenges about the possible exploitation of quantum computing and communications technologies in the Telco domain, with particular focus on: 1) quantum computing for solving complex optimization problems and 2) quantum cybersecurity applications based on QKD and QRNG.
Panel 2
Computing at the edge: opportunities, challenges, and evolution.
Moderator: Marie-Jose Montpetit, Associate Professor at Concordia University and IRTF Chair of the Computing in the Network Research Group
Panelists:
– Flavio Bonomi, Nebbiolo Technologies
– Adam Drobot, OpenTechWorks
– Robert Gadza, Interdigital
– Barbara Martini, CNIT, Pisa
– Edgar Ramos, Ericsson
– Antonio Skarmeta, University of Murcia and Odin Solution S.L.
Date/Time: Thursday, Sept 9th, from 13:50 to 14:50 Athens time (UTC+3)
Abstract: More and more applications require computation closer to the users and the devices generating data. Hence edge and distributed computing are now central to the evolution of systems beyond the traditional client-server model. The progress in computing, storage, communication, and sensing capabilities embedded in small devices is enabling those new paradigms. However, several challenges must be addressed especially as they relate to performance, complexity, reliability, trust and dynamic operations. The functional distribution between edge and cloud computing and with computing infrastructure of 5G (and now 6G) systems may also be challenging. The different expectations of stakeholders, from operators to users, about the services and functionalities of systems will also impact how distributed edge computing will be developed and implemented. This panel aims at highlighting a few challenges and their potential solution from both academic and industrial perspectives.