NSF seeks input to inform the next generation of advanced networking systems

Information collected will inform and enhance next-generation communications

The U.S. National Science Foundation today issued a Dear Colleague Letter, or DCL, seeking U.S. industry partners and other U.S. federal agencies to form public-private partnerships to co-design and jointly support research programs in advanced networking systems. The programs built through these partnerships will develop innovations to enhance next-generation communications, sensing, networking and computing systems.

The far-reaching impact of innovation in networking systems has been remarkable, as shown by the critical role that broadband communication networks played in keeping people connected and businesses operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. NSF-funded research has greatly contributed to modern communication networks and systems. Information gathered through this DCL will enable NSF to continue to invest in a range of programs and partnerships to advance state-of-the-art advanced networking systems research.

Recent NSF public-private partnerships with industry and other government agencies and public-private consortia have paved the way for advanced networking research at scale on resilient network design, open-source wireless network software, and on the application of machine learning in wired and wireless networking. Increased demand for faster and more advanced wireless technologies requires that NSF continue to build partnerships and programs that allow research and innovation to develop at unprecedented levels to meet the needs of U.S. communities and businesses.

The programs resulting from this DCL are expected to fund collaborative fundamental research that moves beyond the traditional boundaries of individual research disciplines. Teams may consist of investigators from institutions of higher education (i.e., two- and four-year IHEs, including community colleges) that are accredited and have a campus located in the U.S.

To learn more, read the DCL.