Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems
Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems
Serverrack vor hellblauem Hintergrund mit graphischen Elementen wie Wellenlinien aus Punkten und gelben Kreisen
© Fraunhofer FOKUS

© Fraunhofer FOKUS

Platforms and infrastructure for Digital Practice

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Digital infrastructures and platform technologies form the backbone of networked IT systems and are crucial for the digital transformation of administration, business, and society. Fraunhofer FOKUS develops scalable, secure, and interoperable communication and data infrastructures, as well as modular, open platform architectures that can be flexibly integrated into existing IT landscapes. The goal is to strengthen digital sovereignty, promote innovation, and increase the resilience of critical systems. 

The following technologies and areas of expertise are key building blocks used across our application areas – from design and development to integration and operation.

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Technologies and Expertise for Research-Based Consulting and Development

Communication Platforms & 5G/6G Networks

Software-based communication networks enable flexible, application-specific networking in campus, public, and hybrid scenarios.

  • Software-based 5G/6G core networks (multi-vendor capable)
  • Integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks
  • Media over 5G/6G, edge streaming, and real-time media
  • Mobile test environments for new network functions

Intelligent & Secure Network Infrastructures

AI-supported network functions and modern security procedures enhance the automation, performance, and reliability of complex communication infrastructures.

  • AI-Based Further Development of Network Functions (Agentic Core)
  • Securing communication networks using quantum key distribution (QKD)

Smart Cities & Urban Infrastructures

Open, interoperable ICT structures connect mobility, utilities, security, and administration. Urban platforms support digital sovereignty and reusability.

  • Development of open urban platforms and open data portals
  • Integration of mobility, utilities, security, and administration
  • Methods for specifying and ensuring the quality of urban IT systems

Resilient & Secure Infrastructures

Robust architectural and security concepts increase the availability and resilience of critical systems.

  • Security and Data Protection Architectures
  • Securing cloud infrastructures (e.g., EU-SEC)
  • Satellite-Based Network Resilience
  • Redundant architectures and automated security updates
  • Secure protocols (REST, MQTT, gRPC) and encryption

Data Platforms & Open Data Infrastructures

Scalable data spaces connect heterogeneous sources via open standards. Visualization and license management ensure transparency and reusability.

  • Use of open-source data management systems (e.g., piveau)
  • Integration of heterogeneous data sources and semantic data linking
  • Visualization and license management for open data

Digital Sovereignty & Open-Source Platforms

Modular open-source solutions strengthen independence and control. Operation in cloud and data center environments supports sustainable digitization and digital sovereignty.

  • Development of secure workplace solutions (e.g., Phoenix)
  • Operation in public clouds and data centers
  • Promotion of full-stack open-source approaches

Semantic Platforms & Data Spaces

Ontologies and semantic annotation structure data in a context-aware manner. Federated models enable trustworthy, interoperable data exchange.

  • Ontology-based data integration and semantic annotation 
  • Establishment of federated data spaces (e.g., KDW)
  • Use of open standards such as DCAT-AP

Platforms for Digital Identities

SSI- and eIDAS-compliant services enable secure, user-centered authentication. Standardized components facilitate integration into administration and service platforms.

  • MOBILE-X platform for Android/iOS with GAIA-X compatibility
  • Use of certified components such as Open eCard
  • User-Centered ID Management Scenarios

Media and Content Platforms

Media and content platforms with focus on scalable, interoperable solutions that ensure media quality, trust, and sustainability.

  • Trustworthy media platforms with proof of authenticity, integrity, and provenance (e.g., deepfake detection)
  • AI-based analysis of media quality, usage, and impact (QoE, audience measurement, analytics)
  • Interoperable and energy-efficient video streaming via the web, smart TV, mobile, and XR

Energy Efficiency & Reduction of the CO₂ Footprint

Methods and technologies for measurably reducing the CO₂ footprint in digital infrastructures and platforms contribute, among other things, to achieving climate goals.

  • Analysis, modeling, and measurement of the energy consumption of digital infrastructures across their entire lifecycle
  • AI-supported optimization for the energy-efficient processing and transmission
  • Development of assessment, transparency, and decision-making tools (e.g., CO₂ models, digital twins)

Metaverse Technologies

Immersive platforms combine XR, real-time communication, and 5G/6G edge computing. Collaborative applications are emerging across education, industry, and media.

  • 5G/6G edge rendering for low latency
  • Real-time communication and low-latency streaming 
  • Holographic video interactions
  • Integration of XR Applications for Education and Industry
  • Support for digital twins and smart factory scenarios

Our Experts

Philipp Lämmel

Contact Press / Media

M.Sc. Philipp Lämmel

Deputy Head of Quality Engineering for Urban ICT and Quantum Computing

Expert in Smart Cities and Post Quantum Cryptography

Phone +49 30 3463-7256

Robert Seeliger

Contact Press / Media

Dipl.-Ing. FH Robert Seeliger

Innovation Principal | Media Tech, AI & Advanced Streaming

Expert in Media Delivery Platforms, Video Streaming and Internet-based Media

Phone  +49 30 3463-7262

Ilja Radusch

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Ilja Radusch

Director Business Unit Smart Mobility

Expert in Digital Twins, AI Perception, Smart Mobility, and Indoor Navigation

Phone +49 30 3463-7474

Background Knowledge

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  • They form the technical foundation for connected applications, secure communication and digital services in public administration, business and society. They enable digital sovereignty and innovation in areas such as mobility, healthcare and industry.

  • Smart grids adapt dynamically to different requirements – for example, through virtualisation, network slicing or QoS management. Distributed systems consist of connected components that work together to perform tasks, for example in cloud environments or management platforms.

  • They enable seamless collaboration between different systems and ensure reusability, quality and independence. Fraunhofer FOKUS is actively involved in developing standards such as DCAT-AP and DIN SPEC 91357.

  • Digital sovereignty means retaining control over one’s own data and systems – through open platforms, transparent licensing models and independent infrastructure concepts. It is central to the sustainable modernisation of public administration and the capacity for innovation.

  • Risks include, amongst other things, security vulnerabilities, reliance on proprietary solutions and a lack of transparency. Fraunhofer FOKUS addresses these with resilient, certifiable platform architectures and secure communication solutions.