Meet Akbar Majidi, a CONNECT Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, is advancing networking technology with groundbreaking innovations. His achievements include a 45% latency reduction in data centers and the development of Nous, an Ordered Update Scheme that ensures efficient, drop-free multicast routing—a long-standing challenge in the IEEE community—both published in IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking. Additionally, his IEEE INFOCOM 2023 work, Metis, presents a dynamic framework for optimal 5G network slicing, setting new benchmarks for real-time network performance and resource allocation.
How did you get to this point in your life?
My journey has been a mix of academic excellence, industry experience, and impactful research. Starting with a strong foundation in computer science during my undergraduate and master’s studies, I pursued a Ph.D. at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where I delved into cutting-edge topics like software-defined networking (a technology that allows computer networks to be controlled and customized through software rather than physical hardware) and machine learning for networks (using computer algorithms to analyze and make decisions about network traffic to improve performance). This was followed by diverse roles across academia and industry, from optimizing vehicular edge computing (a system where data is processed close to where it is generated, like in cars, to improve speed and efficiency) to solving data center latency issues (reducing delays in how quickly data is transferred and processed in large-scale computer facilities) for global firms like Dell and VMware. Consistently, my focus has been on addressing real-world problems with high-quality research and collaboration, which brought me to my current role as a Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin.
How would you explain your research to someone who has no idea about your discipline?
Imagine a highway packed with cars, where delays can cause chaos for everyone. My research focuses on making these “highways” of data in computer networks faster, more efficient, and smarter. I use advanced tools like artificial intelligence and new network designs to reduce delays, improve reliability, and ensure smooth communication, whether it’s for cloud computing, video streaming, or autonomous vehicles.
What is the most challenging element of your work?
The most challenging aspect is balancing theoretical innovation with practical implementation. While pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in networking, I must ensure that the solutions are feasible, scalable, and applicable in real-world settings. For instance, publishing groundbreaking research in top-tier journals often involves years of experimentation, revisions, and collaboration.
What do you think could be the next defining trend in technology?
The convergence of AI and edge computing will likely redefine technology. With the growing need for real-time decision-making, especially in areas like autonomous vehicles, healthcare, and IoT, networks must become smarter and more distributed. Integrating AI into the network edge can enable unprecedented efficiency and adaptability, shaping the next generation of intelligent systems.
Is there a personal experience that changed how you saw the world?
During my Ph.D., I faced immense challenges working on problems that took years to solve and required relentless effort and revisions. This experience taught me resilience and the value of perseverance. It reshaped my perspective on failure—not as an endpoint but as a stepping stone toward innovation and success.
CONNECT is the world leading Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications. CONNECT is funded under the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centres Programme and is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund. We engage with over 35 companies including large multinationals, SMEs and start-ups. CONNECT brings together world-class expertise from ten Irish academic institutes to create a one-stop-shop for telecommunications research, development and innovation.
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