Orange is a leading global telecommunications operator, offering a diverse range of services, including mobile and fixed-line communications, internet access, and digital solutions. With a strong presence in multiple countries, Orange is dedicated to delivering high-quality connectivity and innovative services that enhance the digital experience for individuals and businesses. Innovation is central to Orange’s strategy, driving the development of advanced technologies and solutions. The innovation team involved in the UNITY-6G project is known as AVN (Advanced Virtualized Architecture). AVN addresses several key areas of network innovation, with a particular focus on Virtualized Control and Management Plane. The team aims to develop a fully virtualized control and management plane that enables tailored deployment and orchestration for both B2B and B2C customers. Additionally, AVN seeks to establish a comprehensive End-to-End Chain and Orchestration, managing various negotiation layers through intent-based management, such as Business Support Systems (BSS), and orchestrating enablers across cloud capacities, including devices and network edges. The exploration of satellite technology and the utilization of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) are also significant focuses.
Orange leads a task “Distributed and Integrated UNITY-6G Architecture Design,” concentrating on designing a distributed and integrated architecture that includes both terrestrial networks (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN). This task involves specifying an AI-native architecture and collaboratively defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure the effectiveness of the UNITY-6G framework. In addition, Orange actively contributes to the work package “AI-driven Distributed Intelligence,” developing data-driven algorithms optimized for network orchestration, resource provisioning, and energy-saving solutions. Furthermore, Orange participates in the work package “Integration and proof of concept,” engaging in the integration and testing of Proofs of Concept (PoCs) to validate proposed solutions. Lastly, Orange is committed to promotional and dissemination efforts, representing UNITY-6G at key industry conferences and forums such as O-RAN and 3GPP SA5.
With its involvement in standards development, Orange will contribute its expertise to the definition of the UNITY-6G architecture. The AVN team will leverage its specialization in network optimization and automation to effectively address topics outlined in the project work package “AI-driven Distributed Intelligence.”
Participation in the UNITY-6G project is vital for Orange, aligning with two key innovation ambitions. Firstly, exploring the connection between TN and NTN in 6G will facilitate expanding network connectivity through satellite technology, particularly in rural areas. Secondly, the project addresses energy efficiency, positioning Orange at the forefront of research and innovation in network optimization and sustainability.
Reseacher & Project manager
Orange Innov France
Member of AlCom IC
PhD studient
Orange Innov France
Senior Researcher & program manager
Orange Innov France
The UNITY-6G project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 101192650. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
This work has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).