01
Investigate existing mechanisms for seamless connectivity between networks. One or two key references, properly analysed, are enough; an exhaustive survey is not expected.
Advanced Technology Pioneers 2026
Advanced Technology Pioneers 2026
Challenge for all university students and recent graduates across the UAE
Problem Statement
HOW MIGHT WE KEEP A USER'S EXPERIENCE UNBROKEN AS THEY MOVE BETWEEN WI-FI, MOBILE, SATELLITE AND WIRED NETWORKS?
One of the greatest challenges in modern communication is maintaining a seamless connection as users move between different network technologies and coverage areas. Roaming between Wi-Fi and mobile networks, or transitioning between different Wi-Fi Access Points, interruptions can degrade the user experience and impact users’ critical applications.
The challenge statement is to define a set of network topologies (for example, Wi-Fi, satellite, 5G, wired networks), and design, implement and/or simulate a set of tools and mechanisms for users to maintain seamless connection. The users run different applications while moving with different speeds and in different directions traversing different network technologies. The goal is to maintain the quality of service or the quality of experience for the users of the networks.
This challenge is deliberately open. You choose the scenario, the network technologies and the data you work with. How you frame and justify that choice is itself part of what is being assessed.
Context & Impact
why this problem statement
is actual
People increasingly rely on communication services while moving between homes, workplaces, vehicles, public spaces, and remote environments. Communication networks are becoming more diverse with mobile, Wi-Fi, satellite, operating side by side. Ensuring users and their applications remain connected while transitioning between these networks is a fundamental challenge for modern communication systems.
Success Criteria
FOR
APPLICATIONS
02
Propose an improved or adapted mechanism for seamless connectivity between networks. This can be an existing method that you tweak, extend or apply to a new scenario; a publication-grade invention is not expected.
03
Simulate/emulate/develop an early prototype of your proposed mechanism. Software simulation or network emulation is sufficient; no specialised hardware is required.
04
Perform comparative analysis between the existing mechanisms and your proposed mechanism, based on simulation/emulation Measurements taken with your own equipment (for example, a laptop with Wi-Fi and a 5G dongle running open-source tools) are welcome but not required; measurements on live mobile networks are not expected.
05
Create guidelines for improving the quality of service and the quality of experience for the users of the networks.
Context & Impact
background information
Poorly designed solutions can lead to interrupted voice and video calls and reduce application performance. Even further, these issues become more significant for mission critical services such as emergency response, industrial automation, connected transport and defense communications. Developing more intelligent mechanisms for seamless mobility will contribute to improved user experience for the users of the communication networks.
Objectives
This challenge aims to …
01
Encourage students to solve real-world engineering problems
02
Promote innovation using AI and technology
what you’ll submit
expected outcomes
By the end of the competition, each team should upload a 10-pages PDF presentation and a 1-2 minute video of the developed solution / digital prototype, including:
- A clear explanation of the problem and why it matters
- A detailed description of your solution idea
- A simple system design or diagram (showing how your solution works)
- A simple demo
- A short plan explaining how your solution could be used in real life
Important: The expected output is a basic prototype, simulation, or model, and not simply presenting a concept or an idea. Submitting all three: a prototype, simulation, and model – will create a significantly stronger submission.
Evaluation Criteria
Critical thinking and the originality of your proposed adaptation
25%
The quality of your implementation, whether prototype, simulation or emulation
20%
The soundness of your experimental method
20%
Your results, and how they compare against the existing mechanisms
20%
The clarity of your documentation and presentation
15%