Graduation Internship | AI-based 6G RAN capacity management

6G technology development is driven by the need (i) to support innovative and highly demanding applications such as immersive XR (extended reality), industrial robotics, autonomous mobility and ultra-high-quality video streaming; and (ii) to support the ever-increasing traffic demand effectively and efficiently. For mobile network operators, it is critical to monitor/forecast spatiotemporal traffic evolutions and to timely take suitable actions to expand/adapt the RAN (radio access network) to ensure that at any time the offered traffic can be handled with adequate service quality. This task is referred to as ‘capacity management’. Candidate actions include the deployment of additional base station sites, the upgrade of installed antennas, an increase in the degree of site sectorisation and a reassignment of spectrum.

The objective of this graduation project is to develop an AI-based solution for 6G RAN capacity management. Subtasks of the envisioned solution include forecasting traffic loads and user-level performance, identifying where and when performance problems are expected to arise and analyzing candidate solutions (expansions/upgrades) to prevent said problems. The targeted solution will utilize a network digital twin (NDT), i.e. a replica of the physical network, which will aid in both forecasting performance problems and assessing candidate solutions. The solution itself is envisioned as an (LLM-based) AI agent, which can be leveraged to perform traffic/performance predictions, recommend candidate network upgrades, utilize (build/configure/run) the NDT and interpret the NDT-conducted evaluations. In the project we will likely confine ourselves to considering only a single type of action.

Your role in this project comprises a number of tasks:

• Gain a good understanding of 6G RAN technology and the key network deployment/configuration aspects influencing coverage, capacity and quality, including the deployment of macro/small cells, the degree of cell sectorization, the use of different types of antennas and spectrum (re)assignment.
• Familiarize yourself with a provided 6G RAN digital twin and further enhance said twin as needed to support its use in the targeted AI-based capacity management solution.
• Explore the opportunities and challenges of developing/exploiting an (LLM-based) AI agent to form the heart of the AI-based capacity management solution.
• Develop a prototype of the AI-based capacity management solution targeted for demonstration purposes, which should demonstrate traffic forecasts, the anticipation of performance problems, the NDT-based assessment of shortlisted candidate solutions and the eventual recommendation to the network operator. Note: the targeted/achievable demonstration capabilities of the developed solution are to be discussed, also with partners.
• In this graduation project you will work closely with your TNO supervisors. Furthermore, as the project is defined within the large nationally funded research program ‘Future Network Services’, the collaboration will further involve regular interactions with experts from Keysight Technologies and KPN.

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 with/interest in mobile networks, agentic AI and Python-based software development. Please indicate in your application your knowledge/expertise related to these three areas.

You should be able to conduct research independently under supervision, to collaborate effectively with both your supervisors and the above-mentioned external partners in a flexible and diverse environment. You should furthermore have a curious nature, an eagerness to learn, a proactive attitude and be fluent in English, spoken as well as written.

The duration of the project is nine months.

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.