The Hub in All-Spectrum Connectivity (HASC) is a cutting-edge, UK research initiative that is part of the broader UK Future Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, and collaborates closely with the other research hubs in the Federated Telecoms Hubs (FTH). HASC aims to redefine how future communication networks, which increasingly rely on both wired and wireless technologies, are designed and operated. Wired and wireless technologies are traditionally treated as separate domains, however, growing demand, new spectrum opportunities such as higher frequency bands and the optical spectrum, and complex network requirements mean that holistic management of the entire connectivity spectrum is essential. HASC’s research addresses this scenario by exploring integrated, end-to-end connectivity spanning the full spectrum of technologies, combining robust performance with adaptability, security and sustainability.

Objectives

The overarching goal of HASC is to understand, model and realise all-spectrum connectivity by intelligently utilising both wired and wireless resources to deliver seamless, high-capacity, low-latency, resilient and secure communications for future networks. Specific objectives include to:

• Develop unified models that compare and optimise the capabilities of wired and wireless spectrum resources
• Investigate efficient interfaces and physical architectures that support integrated connectivity
• Create approaches for adaptable networks that can transition dynamically between different communication modes based on demand
• Ensure that networks remain secure and resilient against emerging security threats as complexity increases
• Engage the wider research and industry community to build a vibrant ecosystem advancing future communications technologies

Methodology

HASC’s research is structured around four core challenges:

1. Modelling and measurement – building holistic models that represent the full spectrum of connectivity, unifying wired and wireless domains – led by the University of Oxford
2. All-spectrum connectivity – demonstrating practical integration of diverse connectivity technologies such as fibre, optical wireless and THz – led by University College London
3. Adaptivity – exploring systems that can adaptively switch or combine spectrum resources to meet varying network conditions and demands – led by the University of Bristol
4. Security – securing complex, integrated communication systems against evolving cyber threats – led by the University of Cambridge

These research strands involve theoretical modelling, system design, testbed experimentation, comparative studies and simulations, and are supported through collaboration with industry, standardisation bodies and testbed platforms like JOINER. HASC also promotes community building via workshops, researcher exchanges and broader engagement.

The LRDC’s research addresses the all-spectrum connectivity challenge through: vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL)-based optical wireless networks realising indoor grid-of-beam (GoB) connectivity; and ultra-high-speed, energy-efficient, and low-latency optical wireless links using VCSELs and fibre-coupled receivers, enabling > 70 Gb/s.

Impact

HASC aims to transform foundational principles of digital communications in order to accelerate research and technology innovation which enables future networks that are:

• More efficient, leveraging the full spectrum for dynamic optimisation
• Highly reliable and adaptable, even under heavy usage or dynamic conditions
• Secure at all layers, with resilience against emerging threats
• Scalable and sustainable, to meet the demands of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality (VR / /AR), and 6G
• Valuable to industry, influence standards, drive innovation and support the UK’s technological leadership globally

Project partners: the Universities of Oxford (also Lead Research Organisation), Bristol, Cambridge and Southampton, Queen’s University Belfast, University College London and Imperial College London

HASC is supported by substantial funding from the EPSRC, part of UK Research and Innovation, and by the UK government’s DSIT.