Special Issue on Advancing Communication Networks and Systems with Secure and Robust AI

Introduction:

The evolution of communication networks and systems, particularly in sixth-generation (6G) mobile infrastructures, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, leads to unprecedented hyper-connectivity and voluminous data-handling capabilities. However, realizing this vision is contingent upon overcoming critical challenges in design, autonomous operation, and robust security. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have emerged as important enablers to navigate these complexities.

This Special Issue is dedicated to fostering an exploration of the symbiotic relationship between advanced communication networks/systems and the principles of trustworthy AI. We seek contributions on the foundational underpinnings of responsible and effective deployment of AI within these digital infrastructures, aiming to catalyze the convergence of theoretical AI advancements with the operational demands of future communication ecosystems.

Topics covered include, but are not limited to: 

• Intelligent Future Internet Architectures and Network Management
• Trust, Security, and Privacy in AI-Augmented Communication Networks and Systems
• AI Applications in Cloud Computing and Distributed Networked Systems
• Advancing Next-Generation Communication Technologies
• Reliability, Resilience, and Performance in AI-Powered Mission-Critical and Cyber-Physical Systems
• Big Data Networking and Data-Driven Intelligence for Enhanced Communication Systems
• AI-native network designs and autonomous control
• Privacy-enhancing technologies for network operations
• AI for IoT, V2X, Industrial Internet, and Satellite Communications

Important dates:

• Submission deadline: December 1st, 2025
• First notification: February 1st, 2026
• Revised version deadline: March 15th, 2026
• Final notification: May 15th, 2026
• Publication date: July 2026 

Submission instructions:

Please read the Guide for Authors before submitting. All articles should be submitted online via the editorial management system; please select article type “Advancing Comms AI”.

Guest editors:

• Chunxiao Jiang (lead Guest Editor), Tsinghua University, China . Email: jchx@tsinghua.edu.cn
• Shangguang Wang, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China . Email: sgwang@bupt.edu.cn
• Zehui Xiong, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom. Email: zehui_xiong@sutd.edu.sg
• Prof. Quan Zhou, Beihang University, China. Email: quanzhou@buaa.edu.cn