This document presents a comprehensive validation and integration methodology designed to ensure the realization of the MultiX technologies using vertical oriented Proof of Concepts (PoCs). The document provides an overall description of the methodology to be used during the project execution, focusing on the roadmap and phases envisioned during the project, and the mechanisms established to monitor the progress of the integration and validation activities, and at the same time assess the completeness of the targeted tests. This document also describes the MultiX Open Labs environments, detailing the available and targeted technologies to be used during the validation activities, and the mechanisms to access the testbeds to deploy software components. Finally, this document provides an initial set of experiments and demonstrations envisioned during the project execution providing details regarding the MultiX sensing technologies to be validated and the targeted KPIs.
This paper introduces a new concept called MultiX to advance the ongoing discussion on 6G Radio Access Network (RAN) evolution. The pioneering MultiX fusion Perceptive 6G-RAN (MP6R) system integrates multi-sensor, multi-static, multi-band, and multi-technology sensing techniques. Such system is capable of realizing the sought-after multi-sensorial perception, a feature requested by forthcoming 6G applications, and builds on top of three key innovations: i) the MultiX Perception System (MPS) introduces three levels of sensing functions into the RAN stack to support advanced Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) capabilities ; ii) the MP6R Controller (MP6RC) extends RAN control plane functionalities to coordinate and control multi-technology integration, while considering new connectivity approaches and mobility challenges for sensing and localization services; and iii) the Data Access and Security Hub (DASH), a novel data plane entity that aggregates multi-sensor data of diverse technologies, thus providing secure data access, processing, storage, and exposure, ensuring data privacy and trustworthiness.
In military contexts, information and communication services are critical, relying on secure and robust infrastructures. However, current network architectures in defense are often static and inflexible. Software-Defined Networking offers significant advantages in terms of flexibility, agility, net-work management, and operational costs. These properties are essential in dynamic environments, and SDN technology can further enhance these benefits by incorporating Software-Defined Radio technologies, which are highly used in defense environments. Additionally, SDN networks can ensure redundancy and resilience against failures. The adoption of SDN facilitates the flexible integration of Quantum Key Distribution networks, which provide an inherently secure method for cryptographic key distribution across network nodes. However, current QKD implementations face limitations in scope and flexibility, as they are generally based on fixed, point-to-point connections and static infrastructure. Together, SDN and QKD present synergistic benefits: SDN enables a flexible QKD network with enhanced control and monitoring capabilities, while QKD ensures secure communication even against quantum threats within the SDN architecture. The DISCRETION project develops an SDN solution integrating QKD capabilities for secure communications, enhancing European defense capabilities through these advanced technologies. Cipher Machines within DISCRETION assure the red-black network segregation, an essential feature in military networks. This is provided by enabling real-time encryption and decryption using keys supplied by the SDN-QKD layer, alongside pre-shared keys. For mobility and tactical scenarios, SDR solutions are evaluated and incorporated into the SDN solution to support radio network segments and ensure secure communications in mobile contexts. The proposed DISCRETION solution was deployed at the REPMUS 2024 defense event, yielding notable results.
The DISCRETION project aims at the development of a prototype of a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) integrating a Software Defined Network (SDN) solution providing quantum-safe secure communications capabilities, in a way that European Defence can benefit from the flexibility, security, and resilience that these technologies bring to the communication networks. DISCRETION integrates these disruptive technologies within a red-black network separation principle, in compliance with the doctrine of military network segregation. The encryption and protection of all data between red and black networks is realized through dedicated hardware hardened Cipher Machines (CM) using the keys obtained from QKD systems integrated by the SDN and a Key Management System (KMS). Both SDN and KMS were developed in DISCRETION in compliance with the ETSI GS QKD015 and QKD004 standards. We explore the Continuous-Variables (CV) QKD technology, which is currently regarded as one of the main building blocks for large-scale deployment of quantum cryptography, since it facilitates coexistence with traditional optical networks, using classical photonics platforms. In this work, we present a field live demonstration of the DISCRETION project in the context of the Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems (REPMUS 24) organized annually by the Portuguese Navy and NATO. We also show how Software Defined Radios (SDR) can be securely connected to the DISCRETION's system from various locations to get a set of keys generated and distributed by a CV-QKD Network and use them for encrypted communications in a mission. Finally, we show how we can use the quantum generated keys to feed CM to protect red side messages sent through unsafe black network connections.
The first outdoor field-trials of 3x1-distributed fiber-wireless mmWave antenna-system are experimentally presented, delivering uninterrupted real-time MEC-services at 2Gb/s user-rate and 0.195ms latency over an SDN-controlled coordinated multipoint X-haul with 7km fiber and 30m radio-distance. (c) 2025 The Author(s).
