ETSI launches technical committee on federated network, edge, cloud and AI technologies
ETSI has created a new technical committee to develop standards for integrating connectivity, computing, edge, cloud and AI resources across distributed digital infrastructure.
The European Telecommunications Standards (ETSI) Institute has launched a new Technical Committee on Federated Network, Edge, Cloud and AI Technologies.
The new committee, known as TC NET, was announced by ETSI on 25 June 2026. Its work will focus on standards and technical specifications for integrating computing and AI resources with network connectivity.
The aim is to support a more connected digital infrastructure environment. This includes cloud systems, edge computing, networks, devices and AI resources that can work together across different domains.
Edge computing means processing data closer to where it is generated, rather than sending everything to a central cloud. This is important for services that need low delay, local data processing or stronger operational resilience.
A federated approach means that different systems can remain separate but still operate together through common interfaces, data models and standards. For networks, this can help applications use resources across cloud, network and device environments more efficiently.
ETSI said TC NET will work on federated continuum architecture, open APIs, interoperability, AI-based operations, trusted execution environments, workload isolation and lifecycle management. It will also support developer tools, conformance guidance, proof-of-concept work and interoperability testing.
The committee will also examine how AI can be used in network operations. This includes agent-based systems and interactions between AI resources. These areas are expected to become more relevant as networks become more automated and data-intensive.
ETSI said the work of TC NET will complement 3GPP standardisation. The committee will also coordinate with organisations and communities such as oneM2M, ITU, ISO/IEC and open-source projects to avoid duplication.
Within ETSI, TC NET is expected to work with groups focused on cybersecurity, data, emergency communications, lawful interception, AI security, fibre technologies, quantum key distribution and software-defined networking.
Ricard Vilalta, convenor of the Technical Committee Networks, said TC NET would help create a common framework for distributing AI, computing and connectivity resources across cloud, network, edge and devices.
The first TC NET meeting is scheduled for 7 to 9 October 2026 at ETSI in Sophia Antipolis. Members are expected to elect officials, agree an initial work plan and begin work on foundational specifications.
