Trends and Challenges in Communication Networks
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2024) | Viewed by 4280

Special Issue Editors
Interests: self-adaptation; goal-based modeling; IoT; ambient intelligence
Special Issue Information
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
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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.
Keywords
- networks architecture
- network applications and services
- network management
- wireless networks (5G, B5G, etc.)
- network modelling and analysis
- network performance evaluation
- AI/ML for networking
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.