People of ACM - Ian F. Akyildiz

February 6, 2025

What has surprised you the most about how computer networks have advanced since you began your career?

When I began my career in the early 1970s, we used punch cards to communicate with mainframe computers like the Control Data Cyber and the TR 440 Telefunken in Germany. Each time we encountered a syntax error, we had to create new punch cards and submit the entire batch back to the operators to run the programs again. I often wondered why we couldn't make this communication process easier.

Eventually, we transitioned to very primitive screens that accepted one-line commands. I believed we could do much better than these basic commands. By the late 1970s, we began utilizing networking, which allowed for short file transfers and brief emails. The early 1980s saw the introduction of desktops and workstations, but it was in the early 1990s that the true power of networking emerged with the advent of the World Wide Web, alongside the rise of wireless communications through Wi-Fi and mobile cellular systems.

With both wired and wireless communication opportunities, the world transformed into a global village. The ability to communicate anytime and anywhere, with convenience and low cost, significantly contributed to this objective. I was not surprised by these advancements. I vividly recall dreaming of a better world and contemplating how we could improve our lives.

Today, I continue to dream of new possibilities, particularly how the power of wireless and wired networking can create incredible opportunities and enhance our lives, potentially extending our lifespans and improving our quality of life.

Your most downloaded article in the ACM Digital Library is the article you co-authored for Communications of the ACM in 2011 titled “Nanonetworks: A New Frontier in Communications.” What technological benefits might nanonetworks bring and what will be a key challenge in developing them?

Allow me to provide a brief overview of my research activities in nanonetworking over the past 20 years.

In 2006, I had four PhD students who were actively seeking academic positions. Each of them focused their doctoral research on the Internet of Things, particularly in the area of sensor networks. After their interviews, they returned with a common concern: many universities were establishing nanotechnology centers and were seeking experts in the field. This piqued my curiosity, and I began to explore nanotechnology, reminiscent of my early experiences during the microtechnology boom in the 1970s.

I quickly realized that much of the work in this domain focused on nanomaterials, such as graphene and metamaterials, as well as on components like nanomemory and nanoprocessors. I began to ponder how these nano-devices would communicate with one another once developed. Recognizing this opportunity, I shifted my focus to nanoscale machines and their communication capabilities. We successfully developed graphene-based nano-antennas and nano transceivers, and we introduced the concept of ultra-massive MIMO antennas featuring 1024x1024 elements. Our efforts resulted not only in pioneering publications but also in patents for these innovations. We demonstrated prototype testbeds and discovered that graphene-based nanoscale machines communicate most effectively at very high frequencies, particularly in the Terahertz band. We published numerous groundbreaking articles on this topic as well.

In recent years, our ultra-massive MIMO concept has become a significant focus in the research agenda for 6G wireless systems, addressing communication challenges in the Terahertz band. As for my four PhD students, they have all achieved remarkable success and are now esteemed professors: Tommaso Melodia at Northeastern University, Dario Pompili at Rutgers University, Mehmet Can Vuran at the University of Nebraska, and Cagri Gungor, who serves as the CTO at Turkcell.

Nanonetworks represent a cutting-edge concept for future communications, utilizing nanoscale devices and systems to create networks capable of exchanging information at unprecedented speeds and efficiencies. These networks will enable extremely high-speed data transmission due to the small size and close proximity of the devices, resulting in lower latency and faster communication—critical for applications such as real-time monitoring and control systems. Nanoscale devices will also consume significantly less power compared to traditional communication devices, making energy efficiency essential for applications in remote sensing and biomedical devices, where battery life is a vital consideration.

The scalability of nanonetworks allows for flexible deployment in various environments, supporting a wide range of applications from smart cities to environmental monitoring. They pave the way for innovative uses in fields like environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, and the Internet of Tiny Things (IoTT), where traditional networks may struggle to provide the necessary granularity and responsiveness. Personally, I find the most promising and intriguing application of nanonetworks to be their integration with biological systems, particularly within the human body. Understanding the communication among human cells—especially neurons, molecular motors, and calcium ions—combined with genetically engineered cells and nano-machines, holds great potential for advancing healthcare and addressing numerous health issues, including cancer, diabetes, anxiety, epilepsy, Crohn's disease, and many others. By utilizing genetically engineered healthy cells, targeted drug delivery, biosensing, and real-time monitoring of physiological conditions, we can significantly improve healthcare outcomes and extend human life.

However, there are several key challenges in developing nanonetworks. The foremost step is to manufacture these biological or nanomaterial-based nanoscale machines and integrate them into a larger framework. The absence of established standards for nanonetwork communication protocols can impede widespread adoption and interoperability among devices from different manufacturers. Additionally, on a technical level, nanoscale devices are susceptible to thermal and quantum noise, which can disrupt communication. It is crucial to develop robust protocols that can function effectively in such noisy environments.

In my opinion, the next decade will see nanoscale devices including nano cameras and nano phones becoming ubiquitous in our lives, positively transforming human existence in all aspects.

You are currently an Advisory Board Member of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Will you tell us a little about TII’s goals?

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), established in 2020, is a key component of the Abu Dhabi Government’s Advanced Technology Research Council, which oversees technology research in the United Arab Emirates. In my opinion, the UAE is becoming the new America, offering countless opportunities and attracting top researchers, scientists, and engineers to the region.

TII aims to inspire innovation for a better tomorrow and achieve groundbreaking advancements in various fields, including Advanced Materials, Directed Energy, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Science, Propulsion and Space, Autonomous Robotics and Communications, Quantum and Biotechnology, Renewable and Sustainable Energy, as well as Cryptography and Secure Systems.

The work conducted at TII strengthens Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s position as a research and development hub and a global leader in innovative technologies. TII's objectives include creating impactful solutions that drive economic growth and societal development. Furthermore, it is dedicated to nurturing talent and building a robust ecosystem for innovation both within the UAE and beyond.

What is another exciting development in your field that is poised to make a significant impact in the near future?

In addition to the Internet of NanoThings and BioNanothings (molecular communication for healthcare) mentioned earlier, I believe another exciting development in wireless communications that is set to make a significant impact in the near future is the advancement of 5G and 6G technology, particularly in its integration with the Metaverse. The term "Metaverse" (from the Greek "Meta," meaning beyond, and "Verse," meaning universe) refers to a seamless integration of the physical and virtual worlds. It is a vast concept supported by three key pillars:

1. M-WORLDS (Metaverse Worlds): These are software platforms designed for various application scenarios, including telepresence, real estate, healthcare, entertainment, the automotive industry, shopping, and education, among others. Numerous startups in this domain have generated substantial revenues in a relatively short period.
2. Web 3.0: This pillar emphasizes decentralization and autonomy, heavily relying on AI/ML and blockchain technologies. It encompasses cryptocurrency-enabled systems and intelligent, adaptive applications based on semantic technologies.
3. Extended Reality (XR)/Holographic Type Communication/Mulsemedia Communication: XR is an umbrella term including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). Mulsemedia is Multisensory Data Communication, which seeks to enhance communication across all senses, not just sight and hearing. These aspects make the Metaverse a challenging yet promising area for research and marketing, with expected revenues surpassing $1 billion within five years.

Now, let me discuss some technical points and associated challenges:

5G and 6G technologies offer significantly higher data transfer speeds and lower latency compared to their predecessors. This enhanced connectivity is crucial for the Metaverse, which demands real-time interactions and high-quality graphics. With 5G and 6G, users can experience seamless virtual environments without lag, making applications like VR and AR more immersive and accessible.

These networks can support a massive number of devices simultaneously, which is particularly important for the Metaverse, where many users will be connected at once whether participating in virtual events, gaming, or social interactions. The ability to connect numerous devices without compromising performance will facilitate the widespread adoption of Metaverse applications.

To reduce latency and improve response times, we need to integrate edge computing with 5G and 6G networks, allowing data processing to occur closer to users. This is essential for Metaverse applications that require immediate feedback, such as gaming and interactive experiences. By processing data at the edge, users can enjoy a more fluid and engaging experience.

As I introduced above, the concept of the Internet of xThings (where x includes terrestrial, underwater, underground, space, nano, and bio-nano), is expected to play a significant role in the Metaverse, with connected devices contributing to virtual environments. The ability of 5G and 6G to handle a large number of IoT devices will enable smart cities, connected homes, and other applications to feed data into the Metaverse, enhancing user experiences and interactions.

With the rise of VR, AR, holographic communications, and mulsemedia communication, 5G and 6G are set to revolutionize how users interact with digital content. High bandwidth and low latency will facilitate high-definition visuals and realistic interactions, making virtual environments more engaging. This advancement can lead to numerous new applications across various fields, including gaming, education, and training.

The combination of 5G/6G and the Metaverse is likely to create new business models, such as virtual real estate, digital goods, and immersive advertising, among many other opportunities. Companies will have the chance to engage with consumers in innovative ways, leading to new revenue streams and enhanced customer experiences.

In summary, the convergence of 5G and 6G technology with the Metaverse represents a transformative shift in how we communicate and interact with digital content. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are expected to redefine social interactions, entertainment, work environments, and educational systems, making them more immersive and interconnected. The impact of this development will be felt across various sectors, paving the way for a more connected and engaging future.