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Engin Zeydan

Publications and source records attributed to Engin Zeydan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Modular Multi-Domain Digital Twin Architecture: Sustainable Intent-Driven 6G Management

Future 6G networks will operate across distributed and heterogeneous domain infrastructures, making conventional single-domain management insufficient for proactive, trustworthy automation. Network Digital Twins (NDTs) enable what-if analysis, AI-assisted optimization, and risk-free validation of control actions before deployment, yet monolithic end-to-end twins remain impractical due to scalability, fidelity, and cross-domain coordination challenges. Accordingly, this paper proposes a Digital Twin-enabled 6G architecture that exposes NDT capabilities as a specialized service domain within a multi-domain orchestration framework built on a state-of-the-art service-based 6G architecture. A DT Orchestrator interprets \textit{predictive} and \textit{prescriptive} what-if queries and composes domain-specific DT modules and simulators on demand, while decision authority remains with the requesting entity. Furthermore, a generalized workflow covers telemetry synchronization, simulation-based decision support, and closed-loop execution. The framework is demonstrated through a green-networking use case that couples a system-level O-RAN cellular digital twin component with a two-stage solar-allocation simulator, evaluated over a 105-base-station deployment in Poznan using simulative datasets. Joint coverage and renewable optimization reduces daily grid consumption by 28.5\% with 32 solar panels at the diminishing-returns threshold, with 17 base stations identified as both coverage-active and high-priority solar candidates as evidence that cross-domain NDT coordination enables sustainable, intent-driven 6G network management.

cs.NI

Tokalator: A Context Engineering Toolkit for Artificial Intelligence Coding Assistants

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted coding environments operate within finite context windows of 128,000-1,000,000 tokens (as of early 2026), yet existing tools offer limited support for monitoring and optimizing token consumption. As developers open multiple files, model attention becomes diluted and Application Programming Interface (API) costs increase in proportion to input and output as conversation length grows. Tokalator is an open-source context-engineering toolkit that includes a VS Code extension with real-time budget monitoring and 11 slash commands; nine web-based calculators for Cobb-Douglas quality modeling, caching break-even analysis, and $O(T^2)$ conversation cost proofs; a community catalog of agents, prompts, and instruction files; an MCP server and Command Line Interface (CLI); a Python econometrics API; and a PostgreSQL-backed usage tracker. The system supports 17 Large Language Models (LLMs) across three providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google) and is validated by 124 unit tests. An initial deployment on the Visual Studio Marketplace recorded 313 acquisitions with a 206.02\% conversion rate as of v3.1.3. A structured survey of 50 developers across three community sessions indicated that instruction-file injection and low-relevance open tabs are among the primary invisible budget consumers in typical AI-assisted development sessions.

cs.SE

SEAL: An Open, Auditable, and Fair Data Generation Framework for AI-Native 6G Networks

AI-native 6G networks promise to transform the telecom industry by enabling dynamic resource allocation, predictive maintenance, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications across all layers, which are essential for applications such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and immersive XR. However, the deployment of 6G systems results in severe data scarcity, hindering the training of efficient AI models. Synthetic data generation is extensively used to fill this gap; however, it introduces challenges related to dataset bias, auditability, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. In this regard, we propose the Synthetic Data Generation with Ethics Audit Loop (SEAL) framework, which extends baseline modular pipelines with an Ethical and Regulatory Compliance by Design (ERCD) module and a Federated Learning (FL) feedback system. The ERCD integrates fairness, bias detection, and standardized audit trails for regulatory mapping, while the FL enables privacy-preserving calibration using aggregated insights from real testbeds to close the reality-simulation gap. Results show that the SEAL framework outperforms existing methods in terms of Frechet Inception Distance, equalized odds, and accuracy. These results validate the framework's ability to generate auditable and bias-mitigated synthetic data for responsible AI-native 6G development.

cs.AI

HAPS-RIS-assisted IoT Networks for Disaster Recovery and Emergency Response: Architecture, Application Scenarios, and Open Challenges

Reliable and resilient communication is essential for disaster recovery and emergency response, yet terrestrial infrastructure often fails during large-scale natural disasters. This paper proposes a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS)-assisted Internet of Things (IoT) communication system to restore connectivity in disaster-affected areas. Distributed IoT sensors collect critical environmental data and forward it to nearby gateways via short-range links, while the HAPS-RIS system provides backhaul to these gateways. To overcome the severe double path loss of passive RIS at high altitudes, we propose a dynamically adjustable sub-connected active RIS architecture that can reconfigure the number of elements connected to each power amplifier through switching mechanisms. Simulation results demonstrate substantial gains in downlink and uplink data rates, as well as system energy efficiency, compared with conventional passive RIS schemes. Moreover, a 1 dB increase in ground-station transmit power yields approximately 20-30 Mbps improvement in gateway data rates. These findings confirm that HAPS-RIS technology offers an effective and energy-efficient approach for resilient IoT backhaul in 6G non-terrestrial networks, particularly in line-of-sight (LoS)-dominant HAPS-ground backhaul scenarios.

cs.NI

A Primer on Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) for Probabilistic Time Series Forecasting

This work introduces Probabilistic Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (P-KAN), a novel probabilistic extension of Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (KANs) for time series forecasting. By replacing scalar weights with spline-based functional connections and directly parameterizing predictive distributions, P-KANs offer expressive yet parameter-efficient models capable of capturing nonlinear and heavy-tailed dynamics. We evaluate P-KANs on satellite traffic forecasting, where uncertainty-aware predictions enable dynamic thresholding for resource allocation. Results show that P-KANs consistently outperform Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP) baselines in both accuracy and calibration, achieving superior efficiency-risk trade-offs while using significantly fewer parameters. We build up P-KANs on two distributions, namely Gaussian and Student-t distributions. The Gaussian variant provides robust, conservative forecasts suitable for safety-critical scenarios, whereas the Student-t variant yields sharper distributions that improve efficiency under stable demand. These findings establish P-KANs as a powerful framework for probabilistic forecasting with direct applicability to satellite communications and other resource-constrained domains.

cs.LG

Analysis of Post-Quantum Cryptography in User Equipment in 5G and Beyond

The advent of quantum computing threatens the security of classical public-key cryptographic systems, prompting the transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). While PQC has been analyzed in theory, its performance in practical wireless communication environments remains underexplored. This paper presents a detailed implementation and performance evaluation of NIST-selected PQC algorithms in user equipment (UE) to UE communications over 5G networks. Using a full 5G emulation stack (Open5GS and UERANSIM) and PQC-enabled TLS 1.3 via BoringSSL and liboqs, we examine key encapsulation mechanisms and digital signature schemes across realistic network conditions. We evaluate performance based on handshake latency, CPU and memory usage, bandwidth, and retransmission rates, under varying cryptographic configurations and client loads. Our findings show that ML-KEM with ML-DSA offers the best efficiency for latency-sensitive applications, while SPHINCS+ and HQC combinations incur higher computational and transmission overheads, making them unsuitable for security-critical but time-sensitive 5G scenarios.

cs.CR

On-Demand HAPS-Assisted Communication System for Public Safety in Emergency and Disaster Response

Natural disasters often disrupt communication networks and severely hamper emergency response and disaster management. Existing solutions, such as portable communication units and cloud-based network architectures, have improved disaster resilience but fall short if both the Radio Access Network (RAN) and backhaul infrastructure become inoperable. To address these challenges, we propose a demand-driven communication system supported by High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) to restore communication in an affected area and enable effective disaster relief. The proposed emergency response network is a promising solution as it provides a rapidly deployable, resilient communications infrastructure. The proposed HAPS-based communication can play a crucial role not only in ensuring connectivity for mobile users but also in restoring backhaul connections when terrestrial networks fail. As a bridge between the disaster management center and the affected areas, it can facilitate the exchange of information in real time, collect data from the affected regions, and relay crucial updates to emergency responders. Enhancing situational awareness, coordination between relief agencies, and ensuring efficient resource allocation can significantly strengthen disaster response capabilities. In this paper, simulations show that HAPS with hybrid optical/THz links boosts backhaul capacity and resilience, even in harsh conditions. HAPS-enabled RAN in S- and Ka-bands ensures reliable communication for first responders and disaster-affected populations. This paper also explores the integration of HAPS into emergency communication frameworks and standards, as it has the potential to improve network resilience and support effective disaster management.

cs.NI

On the Architectural Split and Radio Intelligence Controller Placement in Integrated O-RAN-enabled Non-Terrestrial Networks

The integration of Terrestrial Networks (TNs) with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) poses unique architectural and functional challenges due to heterogeneous propagation conditions, dynamic topologies and limited on-board processing capabilities. This paper examines architectural and functional split strategies that are consistent with O-RAN principles for future integrated TN-NTN systems. A taxonomy of split options is proposed that distributes RAN and core functions between satellites and ground nodes, and trade-offs in terms of performance, latency, autonomy and deployment are analysed. In particular, we evaluate configurations ranging from pure on-board DU deployments to full gNB and UPF integration into satellites, including variations based on intra- and inter-satellite processing. In addition, the placement of Near-RT and Non-RT RAN Intelligent Controllers (RICs) is discussed, proposing flexible split strategies between space and ground to optimise the performance and scalability of the control loop. A comprehensive mapping between architectural splits and RIC placement options is provided, emphasising implementation constraints and interoperability considerations. The paper concludes by identifying key challenges and outlining future directions to enable standardised, modular and efficient TN-NTN convergence in the context of the O-RAN.

cs.NI

Quantum-Resistant Domain Name System: A Comprehensive System-Level Study

The Domain Name System (DNS) plays a foundational role in Internet infrastructure, yet its core protocols remain vulnerable to compromise by quantum adversaries. As cryptographically relevant quantum computers become a realistic threat, ensuring DNS confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity in the post-quantum era is imperative. In this paper, we present a comprehensive system-level study of post-quantum DNS security across three widely deployed mechanisms: DNSSEC, DNS-over-TLS (DoT), and DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH). We propose Post-Quantum Cryptographic (PQC)-DNS, a unified framework for benchmarking DNS security under legacy, post-quantum, and hybrid cryptographic configurations. Our implementation leverages the Open Quantum Safe (OQS) libraries and integrates lattice- and hash-based primitives into BIND9 and TLS 1.3 stacks. We formalize performance and threat models and analyze the impact of post-quantum key encapsulation and digital signatures on end-to-end DNS resolution. Experimental results on a containerized testbed reveal that lattice-based primitives such as Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism (MLKEM) and Falcon offer practical latency and resource profiles, while hash-based schemes like SPHINCS+ significantly increase message sizes and processing overhead. We also examine security implications including downgrade risks, fragmentation vulnerabilities, and susceptibility to denial-of-service amplification. Our findings inform practical guidance for deploying quantum-resilient DNS and contribute to the broader effort of securing core Internet protocols for the post-quantum future.

cs.CR

Quantum Technologies for Beyond 5G and 6G Networks: Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges

As the world prepares for the advent of 6G networks, quantum technologies are becoming critical enablers of the next generation of communication systems. This survey paper investigates the convergence of quantum technologies and 6G networks, focusing on their applications, opportunities and challenges. We begin with an examination of the motivations for integrating quantum technologies into 6G, investigating the potential to overcome the limits of classical computing and cryptography. We then highlight key research gaps, particularly in quantum communication, quantum computing integration and security enhancement. A comprehensive overview of quantum technologies relevant to 6G, including quantum communication devices, quantum computing paradigms, and hybrid quantum-classical approaches is provided. A particular focus is on the role of quantum technologies in enhancing 6G Radio Access Networks (RAN), 6G core and edge network optimization, and 6G security. The survey paper also explores the application of quantum cryptography with a focus on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC) and quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and assesses their implementation challenges and potential impact on 6G networks. We also discuss the significant challenges associated with integrating quantum technologies into existing communications infrastructures, including issues of technological maturity, standardization, and economic considerations. Finally, we summarize the lessons learned from current research and outline future research directions to guide the ongoing development of quantum-enabled 6G networks.

quant-ph

Blockchain for Federated Learning in the Internet of Things: Trustworthy Adaptation, Standards, and the Road Ahead

As edge computing gains prominence in Internet of Things (IoTs), smart cities, and autonomous systems, the demand for real-time machine intelligence with low latency and model reliability continues to grow. Federated Learning (FL) addresses these needs by enabling distributed model training without centralizing user data, yet it remains reliant on centralized servers and lacks built-in mechanisms for transparency and trust. Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) can fill this gap by introducing immutability, decentralized coordination, and verifiability into FL workflows. This article presents current standardization efforts from 3GPP, ETSI, ITU-T, IEEE, and O-RAN that steer the integration of FL and blockchain in IoT ecosystems. We then propose a blockchain-based FL framework that replaces the centralized aggregator, incorporates reputation monitoring of IoT devices, and minimizes overhead via selective on-chain storage of model updates. We validate our approach with IOTA Tangle, demonstrating stable throughput and block confirmations, even under increasing FL workloads. Finally, we discuss architectural considerations and future directions for embedding trustworthy and resource-efficient FL in emerging 6G networks and vertical IoT applications. Our results underscore the potential of DLT-enhanced FL to meet stringent trust and energy requirements of next-generation IoT deployments.

cs.NI

Probabilistic Forecasting for Network Resource Analysis in Integrated Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks

Efficient resource management is critical for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) to provide consistent, high-quality service in remote and under-served regions. While traditional single-point prediction methods, such as Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM), have been used in terrestrial networks, they often fall short in NTNs due to the complexity of satellite dynamics, signal latency and coverage variability. Probabilistic forecasting, which quantifies the uncertainties of the predictions, is a robust alternative. In this paper, we evaluate the application of probabilistic forecasting techniques, in particular SFF, to NTN resource allocation scenarios. Our results show their effectiveness in predicting bandwidth and capacity requirements in different NTN segments of probabilistic forecasting compared to single-point prediction techniques such as LSTM. The results show the potential of black probabilistic forecasting models to provide accurate and reliable predictions and to quantify their uncertainty, making them indispensable for optimizing NTN resource allocation. At the end of the paper, we also present application scenarios and a standardization roadmap for the use of probabilistic forecasting in integrated Terrestrial Network (TN)-NTN environments.

eess.SP

Fed-KAN: Federated Learning with Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks for Traffic Prediction

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) are becoming a critical component of modern communication infrastructures, especially with the advent of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems. Traditional centralized learning approaches face major challenges in such networks due to high latency, intermittent connectivity and limited bandwidth. Federated Learning (FL) is a promising alternative as it enables decentralized training while maintaining data privacy. However, existing FL models, such as Federated Learning with Multi-Layer Perceptrons (Fed-MLP), can struggle with high computational complexity and poor adaptability to dynamic NTN environments. This paper provides a detailed analysis for Federated Learning with Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks (Fed-KAN), its implementation and performance improvements over traditional FL models in NTN environments for traffic forecasting. The proposed Fed-KAN is a novel approach that utilises the functional approximation capabilities of KANs in a FL framework. We evaluate Fed-KAN compared to Fed-MLP on a traffic dataset of real satellite operator and show a significant reduction in training and test loss. Our results show that Fed-KAN can achieve a 77.39% reduction in average test loss compared to Fed-MLP, highlighting its improved performance and better generalization ability. At the end of the paper, we also discuss some potential applications of Fed-KAN within O-RAN and Fed-KAN usage for split functionalities in NTN architecture.

cs.NI

Integration of Agentic AI with 6G Networks for Mission-Critical Applications: Use-case and Challenges

We are in a transformative era, and advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially the foundational models, are constantly in the news. AI has been an integral part of many applications that rely on automation for service delivery, and one of them is mission-critical public safety applications. The problem with AI-oriented mission-critical applications is the humanin-the-loop system and the lack of adaptability to dynamic conditions while maintaining situational awareness. Agentic AI (AAI) has gained a lot of attention recently due to its ability to analyze textual data through a contextual lens while quickly adapting to conditions. In this context, this paper proposes an AAI framework for mission-critical applications. We propose a novel framework with a multi-layer architecture to realize the AAI. We also present a detailed implementation of AAI layer that bridges the gap between network infrastructure and missioncritical applications. Our preliminary analysis shows that the AAI reduces initial response time by 5.6 minutes on average, while alert generation time is reduced by 15.6 seconds on average and resource allocation is improved by up to 13.4%. We also show that the AAI methods improve the number of concurrent operations by 40, which reduces the recovery time by up to 5.2 minutes. Finally, we highlight some of the issues and challenges that need to be considered when implementing AAI frameworks.

cs.AI

Analysis of Robust and Secure DNS Protocols for IoT Devices

The DNS (Domain Name System) protocol has been in use since the early days of the Internet. Although DNS as a de facto networking protocol had no security considerations in its early years, there have been many security enhancements, such as DNSSec (Domain Name System Security Extensions), DoT (DNS over Transport Layer Security), DoH (DNS over HTTPS) and DoQ (DNS over QUIC). With all these security improvements, it is not yet clear what resource-constrained Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices should be used for robustness. In this paper, we investigate different DNS security approaches using an edge DNS resolver implemented as a Virtual Network Function (VNF) to replicate the impact of the protocol from an IoT perspective and compare their performances under different conditions. We present our results for cache-based and non-cached responses and evaluate the corresponding security benefits. Our results and framework can greatly help consumers, manufacturers, and the research community decide and implement their DNS protocols depending on the given dynamic network conditions and enable robust Internet access via DNS for different devices.

cs.CR

Advanced Architectures Integrated with Agentic AI for Next-Generation Wireless Networks

This paper investigates a range of cutting-edge technologies and architectural innovations aimed at simplifying network operations, reducing operational expenditure (OpEx), and enabling the deployment of new service models. The focus is on (i) Proposing novel, more efficient 6G architectures, with both Control and User planes enabling the seamless expansion of services, while addressing long-term 6G network evolution. (ii) Exploring advanced techniques for constrained artificial intelligence (AI) operations, particularly the design of AI agents for real-time learning, optimizing energy consumption, and the allocation of computational resources. (iii) Identifying technologies and architectures that support the orchestration of backend services using serverless computing models across multiple domains, particularly for vertical industries. (iv) Introducing optically-based, ultra-high-speed, low-latency network architectures, with fast optical switching and real-time control, replacing conventional electronic switching to reduce power consumption by an order of magnitude.

cs.NI

Solutions for Sustainable and Resilient Communication Infrastructure in Disaster Relief and Management Scenarios

As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, ensuring a resilient communications infrastructure is of paramount importance for effective disaster response and recovery. This disaster-resilient infrastructure should also respond to sustainability goals by providing an energy-efficient and economically feasible network that is accessible to everyone. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the technological solutions and strategies necessary to build and maintain resilient communications networks that can withstand and quickly recover from disaster scenarios. The paper starts with a survey of existing literature and related reviews to establish a solid foundation, followed by an overview of the global landscape of disaster communications and power supply management. We then introduce the key enablers of communications and energy resource technologies to support communications infrastructure, examining emerging trends that improve the resilience of these systems. Pre-disaster planning is emphasized as a critical phase where proactive communication and energy supply strategies can significantly mitigate the impact of disasters. We explore the essential technologies for disaster response, focusing on real-time communications and energy solutions that support rapid deployment and coordination in times of crisis. The paper presents post-disaster communication and energy management planning for effective rescue and evacuation operations. The main findings derived from the comprehensive survey are also summarized for each disaster phase. This is followed by an analysis of existing vendor products and services as well as standardization efforts and ongoing projects that contribute to the development of resilient infrastructures. A detailed case study of the Turkiye earthquakes is presented to illustrate the practical application of these technologies and strategies.

cs.NI

MTDNS: Moving Target Defense for Resilient DNS Infrastructure

One of the most critical components of the Internet that an attacker could exploit is the DNS (Domain Name System) protocol and infrastructure. Researchers have been constantly developing methods to detect and defend against the attacks against DNS, specifically DNS flooding attacks. However, most solutions discard packets for defensive approaches, which can cause legitimate packets to be dropped, making them highly dependable on detection strategies. In this paper, we propose MTDNS, a resilient MTD-based approach that employs Moving Target Defense techniques through Software Defined Networking (SDN) switches to redirect traffic to alternate DNS servers that are dynamically created and run under the Network Function Virtualization (NFV) framework. The proposed approach is implemented in a testbed environment by running our DNS servers as separate Virtual Network Functions, NFV Manager, SDN switches, and an SDN Controller. The experimental result shows that the MTDNS approach achieves a much higher success rate in resolving DNS queries and significantly reduces average latency even if there is a DNS flooding attack.

cs.NI