Wireless Communications and Cybersecurity
For future societies, major challenges include the immense amount of data being transferred, the proliferation of cloud services, the shift in the focus of data transmission to wireless networks, and the security of data flows and repositories. From a corporate point of view, new technologies bring valuable business opportunities, but at the same time they increase the business’ vulnerability as operations increasingly move online.
At the heart of the Wireless Communications and Cybersecurity research group is the development of test platforms for wireless networks and the transfer of know-how to companies. The focus is on 5G technology and the cybersecurity of IoT systems. We work closely with companies that develop and utilize new technologies.
RDI focus points
Located on the IoT campus in Salo, the Cyber Test Lab develops testing activities, especially for the needs of systems and equipment related to the IoT and the manufacturing industries. In addition to testing and measurement activities, our goal is to increase general awareness on cybersecurity. The activities include, for example, an annual Information Security Day for SMEs. Turku University of Applied Sciences is a member of ECSO (European Cyber Security Organisation) and FISC (Finnish Information Security Cluster).
In the field of telecommunications, our research base has focused on digital TV technologies. The research has been carried out in several EU-wide EUREKA / Celtic cluster projects. In the early 2010s, the focus shifted to research on shared spectrum use and cognitive radio networks. For instance, a TV White Space test environment and a spectrum observatory have been built in Turku, to monitor the utilization of frequencies in the Turku area in the long term.
In recent years, in Business Finland's 5th Gear technology program and in the EU's H2020 research program, our operations have focused on 5G, i.e. fifth-generation mobile networks and wireless IoT technologies. The projects have built a 5G test network , which is utilized in piloting and testing activities with companies utilizing communication networks.
Our research, development and innovation (RDI) activities on wireless communications and cybersecurity have attracted wide international interest. In 2016, we were part of a consortium that won the Horizon Prize in the Collaborative Spectrum Sharing theme.
Research Group Members
Funded by the Horizon 2020 research program, the 5G-Xcast project focused on developing media distribution using mobile networks. In addition to mobile network operators, the project involved major TV operators, such as the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
