The first work, titled: xApp Driven RAN Optimisation for Mission Critical Robots in a Multi UE Environment, demonstrates a practical approach to achieving deterministic wireless performance for mission-critical robotic systems in industrial and healthcare environments. Traditional network slicing cannot guarantee per-UE behaviour because PRB allocation remains under the control of the gNB’s generic scheduler. To address this limitation, the team developed a custom PRB-allocation xApp on the Near-RT RIC, enabling fine-grained, real-time control of radio resources for critical devices. Using an srsRAN gNB, Open5GS core, and OSC Near-RT RIC, the xApp dynamically prioritised a robotic UE over a non-critical UE, resulting in higher throughput, smoother motion, and reduced jitter. These results show that RIC-driven RAN optimisation can deliver predictable, stable wireless links for safety-critical robots, paving the way toward fully deterministic 5G/6G operation in multi-robot and time-sensitive deployments.
The second work, titled: Testing the Resilience of the IP and IPX Backbone This project examines the resilience of UK Internet and IPX connectivity by mapping real-world inter-network relationships and replicating them at scale. Using iNetVisor, a tool that collects routing data and constructs detailed network graphs, the team uncovered a heavy national reliance on a small number of international providers and peering points, particularly in London and Slough. The analysis also revealed that 22% of UK IP networks unknowingly peer with providers that have a strong presence in Russia, highlighting geopolitical risks to network sovereignty. To analyse failure scenarios—such as the loss of major hubs like Telehouse London—the researchers built TERIS, a Kubernetes-based emulation platform that reproduces domestic and international topologies, enabling systematic testing of how backbone disruptions affect overall Internet resilience
With Cheddar Colleagues - Dr Fatma BenKilifa (QMUL), Dr Yathreb Bouazizi (Imperial), and Dr Aisha Junejo (Keele U)
With Cheddar Lead - Prof Julie McCann (Imperial) and Cheddar Colleague - Dr Aisha Junejo (Keele U)
York Cheddar Team - Mr Mohit Bidikar, Dr Poonam Yadav (Cheddar York Lead), Mr Josh Levett and Dr Christopher Walker (JISC)