People of ACM European Chapters - Oleksandr Lemeshko

February 11, 2025

How did you become interested in computer networks?

I became interested in computer networks as a military cadet (1989–1994). Back then, I studied military data networks (ARPANet analog) and later had the chance to operate them as part of my work. That early exposure showed me how powerful and interconnected these systems could be. While serving in the Ukrainian Air Force, I decided to pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies in networking. I defended my PhD in 1999 and completed my doctoral dissertation a few years later, in 2005.

Computer networks have fascinated me not just for their technical complexity but for their impact o n every aspect of modern life. They are the backbone of how we communicate, work, and share knowledge today. On a personal level, networks make life more seamless; on a global scale, they are a force for progress, connection, and innovation. That combination of individual and universal importance is part of what keeps me so passionate about the field.

In one of your recent papers “Research on Tensor Model of Multipath Routing in Telecommunication Network With Support of Service Quality by Greate Number of Indices,” (co-authored with O Yu Evseeva and SV Garkusha) you explored a new kind of data-flow model. How will this new technique improve telecommunication networks?

In my doctoral dissertation, I introduced a new tensor-based approach to analyzing and synthesizing telecommunication multiservice networks. This method was later significantly advanced through the work of my doctoral students, including O. Yevseyeva, S. Harkusha, O. Yeremenko, and M. Yevdokymenko. Their contributions expanded the applications of the tensor approach to address a broader range of challenges, such as network design, traffic management optimization, quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE), reliability, fault tolerance, and network security.

The tensor approach is based on the use of tensor formalisms, which are a further development of scalar and vector-matrix models. This enables the definition and mathematical representation of new dependencies and patterns in network operations, including the dynamics of state changes. By leveraging this advanced modeling technique, we can design and optimize networks more effectively, ensuring they meet specific requirements for QoS/QoE, reliability, fault tolerance, and security. Moreover, this approach promotes more efficient and economical use of available network resources, such as buffer and link capacities.

The practical implementation of this method is particularly important for modern softwarized networks. These emerging systems demand high flexibility, adaptability, and performance to support the increasing complexity of services and applications. The tensor approach can significantly enhance the capabilities of network management tools by providing more accurate models and discoveries, ultimately leading to better resource allocation, improved fault tolerance mechanisms, and enhanced overall efficiency.

In summary, the tensor approach is not just a theoretical advancement; it has the potential to transform how telecommunication networks are designed and managed, opening up new opportunities for smarter, more resilient, and highly optimized networks.

Will you tell us about some of the regular activities or upcoming events of the Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter?

At the Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter, we focus on activities that support and inspire women in computing. One of our key efforts is mentoring and supervising young female researchers in communication networks, security, and information technology. Every year, we discuss topics for the ACM Celebration of Women in Computing - womENcourage, which we have participated in since 2019. These discussions are focused on connecting innovative research methods and results to real-world challenges, ensuring they have practical value and impact.

We also organize events to explore participation in international projects. These projects address modern and urgent challenges, allowing our members to apply their knowledge and skills to meaningful global issues. Our closest event will be the Celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a long-standing tradition for our chapter. This day is important to us, as it highlights the contributions of women in STEM and encourages young women to pursue careers in computing.

These are some of the primary activities of the Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter, though we are always open to new ideas and collaborations to further our mission.

What is one example of a research area you are working on now that will be especially impactful in your field?

In line with current trends in the evolution of computer networks, my research focuses on key challenges such as ensuring information security, cyber resilience, and fault tolerance. These issues are especially critical for modern software-defined and Ad-Hoc networks, which demand robust and adaptive solutions to meet current systems increasing complexity and interconnectedness.

One particularly exciting area of my research is improving the scalability of network solutions using hierarchical coordination methods for resource management. These methods are applied to tasks like routing, load balancing, queue management, and traffic policing. By optimizing these processes, we aim to create network architectures that are not only highly efficient but also resilient to disruptions and capable of adapting to dynamic conditions, which directly supports their long-term sustainability.

Our work bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation. We develop and test competitive network solutions in realistic scenarios using advanced simulation tools, ensuring our research outcomes directly apply to the real-world challenges modern networks face.

In recent years, my research has been applied across several key areas. These include strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure, integrating advanced cybersecurity measures into network systems, and developing secure and adaptive communication strategies for next-generation wireless networks. I’ve also contributed to initiatives emphasizing education and training in resilience, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Through this work, I aim to address pressing challenges in the field while supporting the development of networks that are not only reliable and secure but also sustainable and prepared for future demands.

Oleksandr Lemeshko is a Professor and Head of the Department of Infocommunication Engineering at the Kharkiv (Ukraine) National University of Radio Electronics (NURE). His research interests include computer network traffic management, optimization and quality of service in infocommunications, wireless networks, hierarchical and fault-tolerant routing, and network security.

He serves as Vice Chair of the Kharkiv Information & Communication Technologies ACM-W Chapter (Kharkiv ICT ACM-W Chapter).