Abstract: A self-optimizing operating system for next-generation cellular networks is provided. The system provides telecommunications operators with an efficient and flexible network control platform that hides low-level network details through a virtual network abstraction and allows them to define centralized and high-level control objectives with no need for in-depth and detailed knowledge of cross-layer optimization theory or the underlying wireless protocol stack implementation.

Abstract: A radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC) and corresponding method may be implemented within RAN and in next-generation cellular networks to improve performance. The RIC comprises an interface to a RAN and further comprises a data-driven logic unit. The data-driven logic unit (i) produces, based on data received from the RAN via the interface, a representation describing a state of the RAN and (ii) based on the representation describing the state, instructs an action associated with at least one network element. The interface transmits a message based on the action instructed. The message is to be routed to the at least one network element. The representation is based on a context of the RAN. The message transmitted enabling re-configuration of the at least one network element. The re-configuration improves performance of the at least one network element within the context.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for allocating resources to users in a wireless network including a plurality of edge nodes that provide wireless network access and multi-access edge computing functions. Slice requests are received from the users for a type of resource, including one or more of networking resources, storage resources, and computation resources. A set of slice requests to be admitted is determined based on resource availability constraints among one or more of the networking resources, the storage resources, and the computation resources at each edge node.

Abstract: A steganographic communication system and method are provided. A covert packet generator can embed a stream of covert data as covert data symbols within primary I/Q symbols of a primary data stream in a covert packet. The covert packet has a data structure having a header, a payload, and a payload error detecting code. The header includes information on how to demodulate the covert packet by a receiver. The covert packet generator can also determine if a number of primary I/Q symbols is large enough to generate the header and can generate displacements in the primary I/Q symbols in a constellation diagram randomly in a plurality of transmissions to mimic channel noise. A transmitter and receiver can provide mutual authentication for covert transmissions.