NIST Communications Technology Laboratory’s cover photo
NIST Communications Technology Laboratory

NIST Communications Technology Laboratory

Telecommunications

About us

From microchips to antennas, NIST’s Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) advances the metrological foundations for higher speeds, better connections and wider access amid rising wireless demand.

Website
http://www.nist.gov/ctl/
Industry
Telecommunications

Updates

  • 🚀What’s Next for Industrial Wireless? With the publication of the new IEEE 3388-2025 standard, co-led by NIST CTL, the Industrial Wireless Systems (IWS) Team is moving fast to turn research into real-world impact. From a cross-sector Industrial Wireless Systems Technical Interest Group (IWSTIG) meeting to new artificial intelligence-driven testing methods, the team is tackling challenges like: ⚫ Latency and reliability ⚫ Spectrum and network management ⚫ Interoperability across wireless protocols ⚫ Wireless Time-sensitive Networking (W-TSN) Next up: stakeholder interviews, radio frequency impairment modeling, and use case-driven profiles to strengthen wireless performance in industrial settings. Learn how NIST CTL is shaping the future of industrial systems: https://lnkd.in/gEvBYfH5

    • a purple field has the words "Shaping Future of Connectivity NIST CTL Builds on IEEE 3388"
  • Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is reshaping the future of wireless systems and the National Institute of Standards and Technology Communications Technology Laboratory (NIST CTL) is at the forefront of this transformation. From precise radio frequency (RF) propagation modeling and robust standardization efforts to the release of open-source tools and datasets, NIST CTL is laying the groundwork for ISAC systems that are accurate, interoperable, and ready for real-world impact. With applications ranging from smart manufacturing to autonomous vehicles, the work CTL is doing empowers a future where communication and sensing are tightly woven into every layer of our digital infrastructure. Read the full article to learn how NIST CTL is shaping the future of 6G through ISAC innovation: https://lnkd.in/gJMvE52n

    • A purple city on a deep blue background with a wireless network visualized behind it.
  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology Communications Technology Laboratory (NIST CTL) is proud to partner with the O-RAN ALLIANCE to enhance Open Radio Access Network (OpenRAN) technologies that will power next-generation wireless systems. Through this collaboration, NIST CTL is: 🔬 Elevating the quality and utility of OpenRAN product testing programs, 🔐 Embedding zero trust security principles into RAN standards, and 🤖 Advancing RAN Intelligent Controllers to support resilient, AI-driven network architectures. Congratulations to Dr. Aziz Kord, who was elected as Co-Chair of the Solutions Subgroup within the Telecom Infra Project (TIP). This subgroup is instrumental in developing solution blueprints, aligning operator needs, and supporting certification across a range of OpenRAN deployment scenarios. 📖 Learn more about the work that is shaping the future of secure and intelligent communications infrastructure: https://lnkd.in/gJ-M-9Ar #OpenRAN #ORANAlliance #ZeroTrust #Cybersecurity

  • Tasshi Dennis, Quantum Networks Project Leader and senior scientist, represented the National Institute of Standards and Technology Communications Technology Laboratory (NIST CTL) during the panel discussion on “Future Challenges in Quantum Communications and Networking” at the 2025 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) International Conference on Communications. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in optical and quantum communications, Dr. Dennis shared his insights on quantum key distribution, entanglement distribution, and the integration of classical and quantum networking protocols. He also highlighted CTL work on quantum networking testbeds and transduction systems that enable superconducting quantum computers to communicate over optical fiber. These efforts reflect broader challenges discussed by the panel, namely the need for international collaboration and robust standards to guide the future of secure quantum networks. NIST continues to lead in both areas, helping ensure the reliability and interoperability of emerging quantum technologies. 👏 We are proud to see Dr. Dennis representing NIST CTL in shaping the quantum communications landscape. #IEEEICC2025 #QuantumCommunications #Innovation

  • 🎤 Dr. Nada Golmie, Fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Communications Technology Laboratory (NIST CTL) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, delivered a compelling keynote titled "Achieving More with Less: Measurements and Datasets for Resilient 6G" at the 2025 IEEE International Conference on Communications. Her talk emphasized the critical role of high-quality datasets and robust measurement campaigns in enabling intelligent, energy-aware 6th Generation (6G) networks. From multi-modal sensing to artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven communications, Dr. Golmie highlighted the need for a standardized, trustworthy data ecosystem to power the next generation of wireless innovation. Join us in celebrating her contribution to shaping the future of resilient and efficient 6G systems. #IEEEICC2025 #6G #ArtificialIntelligence #WirelessInnovation

  • Looking beyond 5G, the National Institute of Standards and Technology Communications Technology Laboratory (NIST CTL) is laying the critical groundwork for 6G to create networks that will be smarter, more secure, and deeply integrated into our daily lives. From spectrum metrology and AI-native wireless systems to zero-trust architectures and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), this research ensures robust, interoperable, and resilient networks that support everything from complex networks to secure federal operations. NIST CTL is advancing open, secure network architectures like Open RAN and zero-trust models to ensure seamless interoperability and end-to-end security across diverse wireless systems. Through rigorous metrology, AI-integrated testbeds, and standards development, CTL enables networks to remain resilient and adaptive in complex environments from dense urban areas to mission-critical federal deployments. This is more than just a technological upgrade, it is a strategic investment in the digital future of all Americans. 🔍 Curious how 6G will transform wireless infrastructure and policy? 💡 Interested in the role AI and sensing will play in next-generation networks? To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/g9QPaAV9 #6G #WirelessInnovation #ZeroTrust #ISAC #NextGenWireless #OpenRAN #5G

    • A telecommunications tower in front of a sunset with stylized network lines swirling
  • 🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Nathan Orloff of the Communications Technology Laboratory Radio Frequency Technology Division on being selected for The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) Richard M. Fulrath Award in the American Industrial category. This prestigious award recognizes professionals who have demonstrated excellence in the research and development of ceramic sciences and materials. The pioneering work of Dr. Orloff spans on-wafer measurement science from 10 Hertz to 1 TeraHertz, including innovations in dielectric spectroscopy, microwave microfluidics, and the development of next-generation standards for 5G and beyond. His research has led to high-impact publications, two patents, and multiple honors and awards. We are proud to celebrate this achievement, unanimously approved by the ACerS Board of Directors, and to recognize the continued contributions of Dr. Orloff in advancing communication technologies through cutting-edge materials science. #ResearchExcellence #Innovation #MaterialsScience

  • PSCR is heading to CCW next week! Our staff are excited to present research and development projects that explore the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in first responder use cases to a diverse international audience so we can continue to collaborate and make advancements for public safety response around the globe, while making use of cutting-edge technology.

    View organization page for TCCA Critical Communications World

    4,700 followers

    Don't miss Artificial Intelligence, but Real-World Applications – Leveraging Machine Learning for Advanced Public Safety Communication at #CCW25. Register free to attend here: https://lnkd.in/e3uAXXum Aaron Page - Senior Consultant, Actica Dereck Orr - Division Chief, NIST PSCR Brianna Huettel, PMP - Strategy and Operations Lead, NIST PSCR Kerianne Gibney, PMP - Strategic Engagement Program Manager for the Public Safety Communications Research Division, NIST PCSR #CCW #criticalcommunicationsworld #TCCA

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology Communications Technology Laboratory (NIST CTL) is leading the charge in advancing wireless systems that are vital for sectors where reliability, security, and performance are paramount, such as manufacturing and logistics. At its core is IEEE 3388, a performance testing standard developed by CTL researchers Rick Candell, PhD, Mohamed Hany, and Kang Lee. This standard helps industries confidently adopt reliable, deterministic, and trustworthy wireless technologies, even in the face of harsh environments, signal interference, and complex control system demands. With IEEE 3388, CTL is paving the way for scalable, robust wireless deployments that empower automation, boost innovation, and ensure safety across industrial systems. Learn more by exploring the conversation between CTL and Tech Briefs: https://lnkd.in/gX_YRh_F #Standards #WirelessInnovation #IEEE

    • Smart Manufacturing
  • 🚨Last week’s 5x5 Summit is a powerful reminder of the significance in bringing together the federal government with academic researchers, industry innovators, and first responder end users.   💡From thought provoking keynotes to conversation-based breakout sessions to immersive tech demos, our attendees explored and discussed what the future of public safety communications technology could look like to better serve our emergency response community.   🤖 We look forward to digging deeper into how artificial intelligence can be integrated into our key research areas to further advance solutions for public safety.   🚑 Our public safety attendees were especially excited to see our current and past grantees and prize challenge winners who demonstrated significant advancements to their products and technologies from over the years. Their curiosity, passion, and dedication are driving public safety communications technology forward, and we’re proud to support their growth.   👥 To everyone who joined us, including NIST PSCR’s co-host First Responder Network Authority, thank you for being part of this collaborative effort to build innovative communications technology solutions for public safety. We feel inspired and hope you do too!   #PublicSafety #Innovation #5x5Summit #5x52025 #NIST #PSCR #EmergencyResponse #EmergencyCommunications

    • Dereck Orr, Division Chief of NIST PSCR, stands on stage and delivers a keynote address at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit.
    • Chief David Povlitz of Arlington County Fire Department in Virginia speaks into the microphone and shares the stage with Deputy Chief Thomas Chenworth, District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department as they share a joint keynote at the 5x5 Public Safety Innovation Summit. The United States and Washington State flags are visible in the background.
    • NIST PSCR staff demonstrates lidar technology at the 5x5 Public Safety Technology Summit. A tech demo participant wears the lidar backpack as the staff member shows what’s happening on the connected tablet.
    • NIST PSCR staff lead attendees in a campfire session at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit. A slide is displayed behind the speaker with the title, “AI for Public Safety” and sub-headers, “Computer Vision (Facial/License Plate Recognition), UAS Navigation, and UAS Payload.”
    • Public safety personnel wears a virtual reality headset as a participant in a technology demonstration participant at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit.

Affiliated pages

Similar pages