OCIF, Communicating Objects for the Future Internet

The OCIF research team, part of IRISA Laboratory’s Networks, Telecommunications & Services Department (D2), specializes in designing protocol architectures for the Internet of Things (IoT). Its goal is to bridge the gap between existing Internet technologies and the emerging demands of extreme edge networks (e.g., LPWAN, underwater IoT networks, non-terrestrial networks), ensuring their seamless integration, scalability, security, and robustness, while embracing responsible digital practices.

Founded in December 2024, OCIF comprises researchers and engineers from IMT Atlantique (Rennes campus) and the University of Rennes, with strong ties to local FabLabs and open-source communities.

Prof. Georgios Z. Papadopoulos leads the OCIF research team.

Research Areas

Our research spans the following key areas, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and resilience.

• QoS for Wireless (and Mobile) Networks: MAC & Routing.
• Interoperability and Efficiency: SCHC and Data Models.
• Energy Management: Smart Grid, and Battery Management System (BMS).
• Extreme Networks: LPWAN, Mesh Networks, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UASN).
• Security for Embedded Devices: Lightweight Cryptography & Physical Attacks.
• AI Autonomy and Agents: Industrial, IoT, and 6G Applications.
• Low-Tech IoT and FabLab-driven Prototyping: Open-source, Repairable and Modular Designs, and Collaborative Development with Local Makerspaces.

Application Areas

Our research drives innovation in:

• Smart Grids.
• Smart Utilities.
• Smart Cities.
• Smart Farming and Agriculture.
• Industrial Networks.
• Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT).
• Interplanetary Internet.