5G Scalable Hubs for Accessible and Resilient Education - [5G-SHARE]

Industry Cyber Critical Infrastructure

Region

international

Phase

Ongoing

Partners

9 partners

Abstract

The 5G-SHARE project represents a transformative, strategic leap in educational and research technology across Europe, uniting a consortium of 9 partners from 4 countries (Ireland, Romania, Czech Republic, and Italy), including 4 leading universities. The initiative focuses on deploying and interconnecting 4 advanced 5G Standalone (SA) Mobile Private Networks (MPNs), 3 of which will be newly installed, as Hybrid or Private, tailored to the specific 5G development needs of each country. By interlinking these networks, 5G-SHARE fosters collaborative, interoperable and secure scenarios that enhance cross-border data exchange, research innovation, and real-time applications. This infrastructure will support the implementation of 7 pioneering use cases spanning Extended Reality (XR) in education, Internet of Things (IoT) advancements, 3D content streaming, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven applications, and next-generation Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). These use cases will leverage the ultra-low latency and high-speed capabilities of 5G to redefine industry standards, cybersecurity frameworks, and innovative learning methodologies. A core aspect of 5G-SHARE is knowledge-sharing and large-scale pilot adoption. Each use case will involve multi-partner collaboration, particularly in addressing security challenges and establishing best practices for replicability across diverse campus environments. A flagship initiative within the project, the Hybrid XR Learning use case, will be jointly developed across all university partners, engaging a vast network of students and faculty members while contributing to a shared content library for immersive education. 5G-SHARE will set a new benchmark for high-impact 5G-powered education and research across Europe, deploying scalable, large scale, cross-border pilots involving thousands of users that drive innovation, connectivity, and cybersecurity while shaping the future of EU society, academia, industry, and digital ecosystems.

Project card

Project number: 101241240

Project acronym: 24-EU-DIG-5G Share

Call: CEF-DIG-2024-5GLSP

Topic: CEF-DIG-2024-5GLSP-SMARTCOM-WORKS

Type of action: CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) Infrastructure Projects

Granting authority: European Health and Digital Executive Agency

Coordinator: ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (ATU) Duration: 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2029

Use cases

UC1 – Hybrid XR Learning [HXRL]: This use case develops a 5G-enabled XR platform designed for interactive and immersive learning experiences. It facilitates real-time collaboration among students and educators across all participating universities, revolutionizing traditional teaching methods.

UC2 – XR 5G Fab Labs [XRFL]: By creating immersive XR labs for construction assembly training, this use case leverages digital twins and 5G technology to enable remote collaboration and hands-on learning experiences. It addresses industry needs by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

UC3 – 3D Volumetric Video Streaming [3DVVS]: Combining AI and 5G streaming capabilities, this use case enables the delivery of data-heavy 3D content, such as volumetric videos, for sports training and analysis. These simulations provide an unprecedented level of detail and interactivity, enhancing athletic performance and coaching strategies.

UC4 – 5G+ enabled MAR Devices for Real-Time Critical Operations [5GMAR]: This use case focuses on deploying private 5G networks in critical industries, particularly power plants, to support AR-based maintenance, training, and safety protocols. It showcases the potential of 5G to transform industrial operations and workforce development.

UC5 – Post-quantum Cryptography in 5G [PQC5G]: Addressing the critical need for secure digital infrastructure, this use case evaluates the application of post-quantum cryptography and incorporates advanced cybersecurity training to enhance EU digital sovereignty and resilience against emerging threats.

UC6 – 5G Sensing Network [5GSN]: This use case demonstrates the role of 5G in supporting real-time sensing applications. It includes RF spectrum monitoring and AI-driven data analysis, enabling efficient spectrum utilization, regulatory compliance, and advanced sensing technologies for various industries.

UC7 – AI-Augmented 5G Academic Network for Next-Generation Research and Collaboration [5GAIR]: Establishing high-speed 5G connections between universities, this use case facilitates the sharing of resources, collaborative research, and the joint development of educational and scientific initiatives. By enabling seamless communication, it lays the groundwork for a new era of academic collaboration.

Expected results

Establishment of 5G-connected campuses: • Develop and deploy a robust 5G-enabled infrastructure across four universities. • Establish Mobile Private Networks (MPNs), either hybrid or isolated, to enhance research activities and educational initiatives with cutting-edge connectivity solutions.

Enhancement of educational and training methodologies: • Utilize interactive and low-latency immersive training solutions [UC1 / UC2] to enrich the educational offerings. These solutions leverage AR/VR technologies, remote live training, 3D holograms, and advanced video recognition algorithms to facilitate Adaptive Learning and increase student engagement. • Implement the volumetric video streaming use case [UC3] to take advantage of 5G’s ultra-low-latency, high throughput, and network slicing capabilities. This ensures the delivery of real-time, high-fidelity 3D content streaming for seamless mixed reality experiences, with performance reliability and adaptive quality optimization supported by 5G URLLC.

Development of security and operational modules: Develop new modules for real-time critical operations and enhance network security through post-quantum cryptography [UC4, UC5]. These modules will fortify the 5G network against emerging cyber threats by providing quantum-resistant encryption and ensuring reliable, low-latency communications for critical infrastructures.

Implementation of intelligent sensing networks: Deploy 5G Sensing Networks [UC6] for applications such as intelligent RF spectrum monitoring and traffic management in urban settings. These networks will utilize 5G’s capabilities to support smart city initiatives, optimizing traffic flow and enhancing public safety through real-time data analytics.

Continuous advancement of 5G applications: Keep expanding and refining the development and integration of advanced 5G applications and services to ensure the project stays at the forefront of technological innovation and meets the dynamic needs of its stakeholders.