Internship | Agentic Decision Support System for 6G RAN

With the evolution of cellular networks, radio access network (RAN) complexity is continuously increasing. The explosive use of AI in recent times, as well as services like extended reality (XR) and the continuous use of video streaming services, are projected to significantly increase the demand for radio resource capacity in 6G networks. Therefore, for network mobile operators, it is critical to be able to monitor and/or forecast spatiotemporal traffic evolutions and take appropriate and timely actions (e.g. deploy additional base stations/antennas, adopt new technological solutions or change the network configuration) to ensure that the network can deliver all services at all times. This graduation project focuses on developing a decision support system (DSS) to autonomously manage the 6G RAN. Thus, the DSS is responsible for performing traffic predictions, predicting potential performance issues, analysing candidate solutions to prevent the predicted performance issues, and provide timely recommendations to the operator on which action to take. The operation of the DSS will be based on the use of a network digital twin (NDT), which will provide the replica of the real network and will allow the evaluation of the various candidate solutions. Moreover, additional automation for the DSS can be achieved by AI agents, which can reason, plan, and take actions. These AI agents can be leveraged for multiple functionalities such as traffic prediction, building/configuring the NDT, recommend candidate solutions for evaluation, and interpret the NDT evaluations.

During this project, a number of key activities will be performed:

• Gain deep understanding of 6G RAN and model candidate solutions addressing capacity issues, such as the deployment of additional macro/small cells, an increased degree of cell sectorization, antenna array upgrades, and spectrum refarming.
• Familiarise yourself with a realistic 6G RAN digital twin, and further enhance the digital twin to support evaluation of the aforementioned candidate solutions.
• Explore the opportunities and challenges of how AI agents can be integrated in the NDT-based DSS, as well as potentially developing and utilizing AI agents.
• Developing a prototype of the envisioned NDT-based DSS and use it for demonstration purposes. The prototype should be able to demonstrate the identification of a potential performance/capacity issue, the evaluation of candidate solutions, and the recommendation to the operator.

This graduation project involves closely working with TNO employees and the development of the DSS, which will be re-used for future work. Further, the project will be conducted as part of the large nationally funded research programme ‘Future Network Services (FNS)’, bringing together more than 60 partners for a targeted period till the middle of 2030. The proposed project is envisioned to involve collaborations and/or regular interactions with other FNS partners.

For this graduation project, we are looking for a graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree, preferably in the direction of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence. Candidates applying for this project should have affinity/interest in mobile networks, agentic AI, and software development. The duration of the project is 9 months.

The key strengths we are looking for are:

• Previous knowledge/experience in concepts such as 5G/6G and wireless communications. Experience in programming in Python is also required.
• Ability to conduct research independently under mentorship/supervision, and working together with others in a flexible and diverse environment.
• Fluency in English, spoken as well as written.

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

TNO will arrange an appropriate internship agreement. If you have any questions about the content of the internship or the application procedure, you can contact the person listed below.

If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Important to know before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO‑specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  1. you are enrolled at the educational institution for the duration of the internship, and;
  2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.