WISPER center aims to pioneer 6G wireless communication research

Wireless 5G communication has been connecting the world since 2019. But while that technology produced faster data rates, improved coverage and processing time, the industry is now looking to the next generation for more security.

ECE Regents Professor Marwan Krunz and ECE Department Head Hongyi "Michael" Wu received $750,000 from the National Science Foundation to establish the Center for Wireless Innovation towards Secure, Pervasive, Efficient, and Resilient Next G Networks – also known as WISPER – with Virginia Tech and George Mason University.

Despite the center’s quiet title, Krunz and Wu expect WISPER to make a loud splash. Center researchers will substantially improve 6G functionality by testing creative solutions in security with artificial intelligence, and higher frequencies to support the needs of today’s technology.

“We need to make sure we have the infrastructure to support emerging applications and technologies like virtual reality. At the same time, it's got to be reliable and trusted,” said Wu, co-principal investigator on the project.

Funded by the NSF’s Industry University Research Cooperative Center program, WISPER brings together academics, industry and government. Virginia Tech will act as the lead site the first two years, then the lead will transfer to the University of Arizona.

“I'm particularly excited about the energy that I see from industry in supporting the center. We already recruited 27 companies,” Krunz said.