Overview

NextG research at Princeton draws on multiple disciplines and ranges from underlying theory to high-impact applications. From the edge to the cloud, and from circuits to sensors to security, Princeton researchers are creating the intelligent networks of the future.

NextG Research at Princeton: Interdisciplinary and focused on the full-stack

NextG research focuses on networks that are open, flexible, secure, resilient, and utilize new spectrum from radio to terahertz frequencies. Princeton's cross-disciplinary approach covers end-to-end systems, from theory to practice. University researchers cover the ‘full stack’ from the underlying technological fabric in integrated electronic and photonic circuits and systems, edge networks, IOT and cloud, to foundational theory, algorithms and AI approaches that make these networks scalable, efficient, secure, accessible.

Based in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and led by Dean Andrea Goldsmith, a renowned researcher and entrepreneur in wireless, the Princeton NextG community encompasses multiple disciplines and multiple approaches, from underlying theory to devices and systems that are ready to move into the innovation ecosystem. This research community also sits within and benefits from a much wider network of world-class scientists and engineers at Princeton. With essentially no barriers to cross-disciplinary collaboration, NextG research nimbly taps into strengths in areas such as materials sciencemachine learning, and tech policy.

Princeton's Strengths in NextG Research are Broad and Deep

Princeton's NextG expertise spans: 

  • “end-to-end” across flows of data – from the mobile and wearable devices to wireless networks, programmable core networks, to edge and cloud; 
  • “full stack” starting with diverse applications at the top of the stack, continuing with software-defined platforms, to RF-to-THz-photonics integrated circuits and systems at the bottom of the stack;
  • “theory to practice” with interdisciplinary leadership from machine learning and communication foundations to prototypes and large-scale testbeds; and
  • “cross-cutting technology” including security, privacy and resilience as well as social implications of NextG networks in equity, fairness, and bridging the digital divide. For example, Princeton’s Center for Information Technology Policy focuses on security, privacy, and policy – all areas that intersect with NextG networks in the areas of consumer interest, broadband equity, safety/health, and wireless spectrum regulation and policy.

Princeton also leads in numerous complementary areas. NextG@Princeton synergizes with initiatives in the School of Engineering and Applied Science such as smart cities, and data and information sciences. Our multidisciplinary robotics initiative brings cognition and social awareness to the autonomous devices, powered by sensing, secure and reliable communication, and control methods. The Campus as a Lab initiative supported by our Office for Information Technology integrates the campus environment with NextG network research. These institutional advantages provide unique opportunities to undertake cross-cutting inter-area and interdisciplinary research in a collaborative atmosphere.

Located in a geographic center of communications innovation and startup support

In the region and the nation, Princeton benefits from both physical proximity to and alumni leadership with mobile carriers AT&T, Google, and Verizon, and sector leaders such as Nokia and Qualcomm.  A vibrant startup culture in New York and the broader Philadelphia-New York corridor capitalizes on the region’s strengths in finance, government, transportation and healthcare.

Welcoming industry participation

Princeton is developing a corporate affiliates program to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and to increase the flow of innovation and talent between business and academia. We encourage companies with potential interest to contact us.

For more information on specific research topics, we encourage you to search Research With Princeton, a comprehensive and up-to-date database of research publications and projects, faculty profiles, research units and scientific facilities available for sharing with external partners. 

Events (Recordings may available.)

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