ComSoc Technology News (CTN)

Episode 23: Non-Terrestrial Networks: Potentials and Challenges

IEEE Communications Society — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:59:20 -0500

Welcome to the era of the "3D Networks”! The distinguish panel of CTN’s podcast #23 explores the push toward 6G, and how the boundaries of connectivity are moving off the ground and into the skies. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) represent a paradigm shift in how we think about coverage. By integrating satellites, high-altitude platforms (HAPS), and drones with traditional ground-based towers, we are moving toward a world where "dead zones" simply don't exist. The importance of NTNs extends far beyond just "better cell service”, they are becoming the backbone of critical global infrastructure providing ubiquitous coverage, network resiliency, and integrated sensing capabilities.

Speakers:

Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor; CIO, RakFort; Chair IEEE ComSoc ETI on ESIT & SIG on AITNTN; and Vice Chair WG3 one6G
Prof. Gunes Karabulut Kurt, Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in New Frontiers in Space Communications and Professor, Polytechnique Montréal

Dr. Carla Amatetti, Junior Assistant Professor, University of Bologna

Dr. Ayat Zaki Hindi, R&T scientist at Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology

Episode 22: Integrated Sensing and Communications: Standardization and Industry Updates

IEEE Communications Society — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:48:52 -0500

Welcome to CTN’s podcast episode 22, where we explore one of the most exciting frontiers in wireless technology: Integrated Sensing and Communications, or ISAC. Professor Aryan Kaushik hosts Dr Alain Mourad in this conversation where they unpack how ISAC is reshaping the future of wireless systems by merging communication and sensing into a unified framework. From next‑generation radar capabilities to smarter, more efficient networks, they walk you through the core concepts, emerging applications, and the research driving this rapidly evolving field. Watch and discover why ISAC is becoming a cornerstone of future 6G innovation.

Speakers:

Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor; CIO, RakFort; Chair IEEE ComSoc ETI on ESIT & SIG on AITNTN; and Vice Chair WG3 one6G

Dr. Alain Mourad, Senior Director, InterDigital, Inc.; and Chair of the ETSI Industry Specification Group on ISAC

Episode 21: 6G Beyond Just Communications: Synergies of ISAC, AI, ESIT and NTN

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In CTN’s podcast #21, professor Kaushik, host of the series, shares his views on 6G and Beyond Communications and the synergies with Sensing, Non-terrestrial networks and role that AI might play in this next generation of communications systems.

Hosted by: Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor; CIO, RakFort; Chair IEEE ComSoc ETI on ESIT & SIG on AITNTN; and Vice Chair WG3 one6G
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Episode 20: Integrated Sensing and Communications and Non-Terrestrial Networks: Latest Advances and Synergies

Prof. Aryan Kaushik, Prof. Wonjae Shin — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:29:38 -0400

Podcast #20 of CTN where we explore the technologies shaping 6G and beyond. In this episode, we dive into Integrated Sensing and Communications — combining radar-like sensing and high-speed data transfer into shared waveforms and hardware — and Non-Terrestrial Networks, linking satellites, high-altitude platforms, and UAVs for seamless global coverage. Professors Wonjea Shin and Aryan Kaushik discuss how this next generation of wireless technology will connect everyone and everything, enable new exciting services and how they coexist with each other.

Episode 19: Holographic MIMO Communications and Demo

Prof. Aryan Kaushik Prof. Boya Di — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In episode 19 of CTN’s podcasts, we dive into the cutting-edge world of holographic MIMO communications, a potential game-changer for 6G networks! Join us as we explore how this revolutionary technology uses massive antenna arrays to shape signals with incredible precision, with the promise of boosting speed and efficiency. We’re happy to spotlight the work of Professor Boya Di from Peking University in this area, her research on reconfigurable holographic surfaces is paving the way for ultra-massive MIMO systems.

Episode 18: 6G's Role in Connecting the Unconnected

Prof. Aryan Kaushik, Prof. Mohamed-Slim Alouini — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Podcast #18 of CTN delves into a critical topic at the intersection of technology and society: the role of communication technologies in connecting underserved communities. Despite the global transition from 5G to 6G, up to one-third of the world’s population still lacks access to broadband or any form of connectivity. How can 6G finally bridge the much-discussed digital divide? In this episode, host Professor Aryan Kaushik and guest Professor Mohamed-Slim Alouini explore this vital issue.

Episode 17: All Things 6G and Sustainability

IEEE Communications Society — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:45:00 -0400

In podcast 17, professor Aryan Kaushik and Professor Lina Mohjazi discuss how sustainability can be intertwined into the fundamental design of 6G to create a sustainable ICT system but also an ICT system designed for sustainability. Professor Mohhazi discusses how their research focuses on how to understand the environment (users, traffic patterns, etc.) so that they can have a better design perspective on how they can come up with a system that’s capable of taking these environmental aspects, put them into constrains and design them into solutions without compromising the experience of the end user. This is a fascinating and relevant subject expertly presented by Professor Mohjazi.

Speakers:

Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor and Professor, Manchester Met, UK,
Prof. Lina Mohjazi, University of Glasgow, UK

Episode 16: Integrated Sensing and Communications for Future Wireless Networks

IEEE Communications Society — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:58:16 -0400

CTN Podcast discusses the latest book from Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor and Professor, Manchester Met, UK, on ISAC Technology, with contributions from over 50 experts worldwide including 10+ IEEE Fellows. ISAC is one of the new technologies that will make its way into 6G networks, and it promises to bring new and exciting applications that take advantage of communications and sensing technologies. In this book the fundamentals of ISAC are covered along with state of research and standardization efforts. The book is available in multiple formats at https://doi.org/10.1016/C2023-0-00539-8. Please listen to Professor Kaushik taking us on a tour of this very important publication.

Episode 15: O-RAN, Digital Twin, and Machine Learning for Sustainable 6G

IEEE Communications Society — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:44:11 -0400

O-RAN, Digital Twin, Machine Learning, all very popular topics being researched as we march towards the next evolution of wireless. But what does it all mean and how do they work together to bring us a more efficient, cost effective and easier to deploy networks and services? Professors Antonino Masaracchia and Mona Jaber join our very own Professor Aryan Kaushik to discuss this very topic, providing us their current views, discussing research efforts while addressing challenges and gaps that still exist.

Speakers:

Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor and Professor, Manchester Met, UK

Prof. Mona Jaber, Queen Mary University of London, UK

Prof. Antonino Masaracchia, Queen Mary University of London, UK

Episode 14: Electromagnetic Signal and Information Theory, and Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces

IEEEComSoc — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:19:11 -0500

In the podcast episode #14, Prof. Aryan Kaushik, IEEE CTN Senior Editor, chats with Prof. Marco Di Renzo on latest technology of Electromagnetic Signal and Information Theory (ESIT) which sets to unveil the fundamental limits of communication systems moving from first electromagnetic principles, and to develop electromagnetically consistent communication models, signal processing and optimization algorithms. The ESIT field is inherently interdisciplinary and intended to glue research across multiple scientific fields such as including communication and information theory, signal processing, antennas and propagation, electromagnetics, metamaterials, and optics. Within the framework of ESIT, Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces (SIM) is one of the emerging next generation technologies to enable smart radio environment. Tune in to our podcast and hear from experts on these topics. Led by both the professors in conversation, you can also follow the new IEEE ComSoc ETI on ESIT at https://www.comsoc.org/about/committees/emerging-technologies-initiatives/electromagnetic-signal-and-information-theory.

Episode 13: Digital Twins, Context-Aided Communications and 6G Technologies

IEEE Communications Society — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:29:27 -0500

With podcast episode #13, CTN continues to explore the capabilities that will help make 6G a successful evolution of 5G. In this episode Aryan Kaushik, professor at Manchester Met and CTN’s senior editor, discusses digital twins, context aided communication and other interesting technologies with professors Tommy Svensson from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and Berk Canberk from Edinburgh Napier University in UK. Digital Twin has been a hot space for research as it promises to improve network efficiency and automation, while context aware and aided communication has been an area of great promise but still looking for maturity. Will these technologies be ready for 6G and how will they enhance 6Gs capabilities? Watch and find out.

Episode 12: Fluid Antennas for 6G and Beyond

Professor Aryan Kaushik and Professor Kai-Kit Wong — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 12:10:52 -0500

In Episode 12 of IEEE CTN podcast series Professor Aryan Kaushik and Professor Kai-Kit Wong discuss the concept of Fluid Antennas, or fluid antenna systems (FAS) which are software-controlled structures that can change their shape, size, and position to reconfigure their performance metrics. Can this modern concept help push the envelope of overall system performance? We also would like to encourage the listener to check out the newly established ComSoc Emerging Technology Initiative (ETI) at https://sites.google.com/view/ieee-consoc-eti-on-esit .

Episode 11: 6G: The Way Forward with Important KPIs and Technologies

Professor Aryan Kaushik, Professor Ana Garcia Armada — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 11:10:46 -0500

“6G: The Way Forward with Important KPIs and Technologies” is podcast #11 of IEEE’s ComSoc Technology News (IEEE CTN). In this podcast we are happy to have Professor Ana Garcia Armada from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and CTN’s Senior Editor Professor Aryan Kaushik from Manchester Met, UK sharing their views on what are the critical and important KPIs and technology adjustments that need to take place in order to make 6G the logical evolution in wireless communications. By identifying these key initial elements, R&D efforts can be more focused resulting in a smoother and valuable transition of the 5G era into the 6G era.

Episode 10: one6G's Activities and Views on 6G Framework Technologies

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:20:18 -0400

In Podcast #10, CTN brings you the wisdom of three excellent academic and industry researchers working together in the one6G organization (one6G – Taking communications to the next level) which looks to define what 6G might be from the European perspective. The discussion from this group is quite engaging and showcases the challenges but also the opportunities that lie ahead for 6G, while discussing the value of 5G and 5GA as the anchor for 6G. The challenges are not only technical and one6G is always looking for partners that can help solve all issues. Our thanks to the panelists for sharing their perspectives.

Episode 9: 6G Testbeds and Take on Key Enabling Technologies

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:18:58 -0400

In the previous podcast (#8) the speakers provided a perspective into the emerging 6G technologies and the state of industrial progress toward 6G. Podcast #9 continues to close the circle of pre-standardization and pre-commercialization activities with a discussion regarding early test beds being developed to prove either academically or by the industry the key technologies being researched for 6G. These include testbeds for sensing and communication (ISAC), experiments on localization and location awareness, integration of AI and communication and channel measurements for new spectrum to name a few. In this podcast, Professor Aryan Kaushik speaks with Professor Andrea Conti of the University of Ferrara, Dr. Paul Harris, Principal Wireless Architect, VIAVI Solutions and Mr. Meik Kottkamp, Principal Technology Manager, Rohde & Schwarz about their institutions pre-commercialization activities and how these will help pave the way to a successful introduction of 6G.

Episode 8: Integrated Sensing and Communications: Industry Perspective

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:16:42 -0400

Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) has gathered significant attention from the academic community in recent years and it has also made its way into the ITU-2030 usage scenarios. 3GPP has also taken up work on sensing and on the integration of communications systems with sensing capabilities, with the objective to include support for ISAC in initial releases of 6G. Beyond academic work, industrial players are busy at work trying to figure out how to implement and introduce these capabilities into products and services once standards are completed. In this podcast #8 of CTN, Professor Aryan Kaushik speaks with Dr. Richard Stirling-Gallacher about what he sees as the steps toward standardization and industrialization of this exciting technology.

Episode 7: Emerging 6G Technologies

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:15:11 -0400

CTN’s podcast #7 features a very distinguished academic panel discussing the emerging technologies that are being researched and developed in order to support the upcoming 6G network’s requirements. Some of these will be there on day one, while some still need more research but they all can be far reaching and have the potential to usher in many exciting new services. We wish to thank the panelists for their contribution to CTN’s podcast series.

Prof. Julie McCann, Professor, Imperial College London, UK
Prof. Muhammad Ali Imran, Professor, University of Glasgow, UK
Prof. Syed Ali Raza Zaidi, Associate Professor, University of Leeds, UK
Prof. Muhammad Zeeshan Shakir, Professor, University of the West of Scotland, UK
Prof. Bob Stewart, Professor, University of Strathclyde, UK

Episode 6: Machine Learning & AI based Wireless Connectivity for 6G & Beyond

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:58:05 -0400

CTN’s podcast #6 features Professor Yansha Deng discussing with our very own Professor Aryan Kaushik the vision of AI and how it will be enhancing the upcoming 6G technology cycle. The words “AI native” has been used extensively as it relates to 6G, and academic work has and is taking place in almost every research space, from physical layer, to cross layer to management and orchestration. This podcast provides great insights into the ways in which AI will make 6G promises become realities. Enjoy it.

Episode 5: Non-Terrestrial Networks: From the eyes of Standardization and Technology Trends

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:55:08 -0400

Podcast #5 of CTN is proud to present Alessandro Guidotti, Senior Researcher, CNIT, Italy discussing Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) from the perspective of standardization activities and how the technology fits with the Terrestrial Networks (TN) evolution towards 6G. Since its inception, 3GPP has been focused on the standardization and evolution of terrestrial wireless networks and specifically cellular networks.

In the most recent release of 3GPP, and for the first time in its history, NTN networks appear as part of study and work items being taken up by 3GPP. Along with this, as the definition of 6G is starting to take shape, a number of objectives set forth by ITU will have to take advantage of a multitude of
network types to support the growing number of services, applications and social objectives. Please join us in this informative discussion between Dr. Guidotti and Professor Kaushik about this exciting evolution of wireless communications.

Episode 4: Metaprism and Smart Skin based Wireless Connectivity

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 11:40:33 -0400

Podcast #4 of CTN is proud to present Professor Davide Dardari from the University of Bologna where he discusses the use of metaprism materials and smart skins in wireless communication.

Metaprism, a concept rooted in metamaterials science, allows for the manipulation of electromagnetic waves depending on their frequency (frequency selectivity properties) and it is promising to revolutionize how we think of non-reconfigurable smart surfaces. Smart skins continue to advance how we are able to attach sensors to humans and things that surround us, bringing to the forefront a wide array of possible applications. What could happen if a smart skin made out of metaprism material is used to manipulate the electromagnetic environment? What type of applications can it serve and what are the challenges that still exist to exploit these concepts? And listen to how they plan to utilize metaprism based communications to celebrate Marconi’s original 1895 experiment. Join us in this informative discussion between Professor Dardari and Professor Kaushik of this very promising research domain.

Episode 3: Non-Terrestrial Networks and Rate-Splitting Multiple Access

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 11:37:59 -0400

In this episode, Prof. Aryan Kaushik hosts Prof. Wonjae Shin at the IEEE Globecom 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, over the discussion on Non-Terrestrial Networks for 5G-Advanced and 6G, timeliness with latest 6G framework and standardization, challenges to multi-beam satellite communication based NTN, fundamentals and benefits of implementing rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA) for interference management in NTN, and RSMA for integrated NTN-TN satellite connectivity with related challenges. This discussion has been carried out following a Tutorial speech on 6G NTN and Panel speech at the conference by both the professors, which received great interest from attendees.

Episode 2: Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) and Holographic MIMO (H-MIMO)

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 11:34:26 -0400

Prof Aryan Kaushik and Prof Di Renzo discusses the trends, challenges, potential use cases, applications and prospects of deploying RIS and H-MIMO in future communications networks. Professor Aryan Kaushik hosts Professor Marco Di Renzo in this podcast that sheds light on the role that these technologies can play as we approach 6G standardization. RIS has been the subject of numerous research activities that has seen the original concept of RIS assisted networks significantly evolve over the years as compared to H-MIMO. More recently we have seen the emphasis of the research community shifting towards H-MIMO research, specially as we move towards 6G and the potential use of higher frequencies than what has been defined for 5G. RIS and H-MIMO, two exciting technologies, we hope you enjoy this second CTN podcast.

Episode 1: Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) for Global Connectivity

IEEE Communications Society — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:26:21 -0400

Featuring Aryan Kaushik and Muhammad Zeeshan Shakir

This podcast on “Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) for Global Connectivity" discusses the trends, challenges, standardisation perspective, use cases, applications and future prospects of deploying NTNs into 5G-Advanced and 6G communications. We shed light on the role of airborne NTNs such as unmanned aerial vehicles/flying platforms, integration of NTNs with latest 6G usage scenarios such as integrated sensing and communications, importance of integrating NTNs with terrestrial networks, spectrum harmonization of NTNs and cellular networks, role of artificial intelligence and computing in NTNs, and use cases such as NTNs for public safety applications.