Andrew Ferguson

Biography

I am a networked systems PhD student in the Institute for Computing Systems Architecture at the University of Edinburgh. I am advised by Professor Mahesh Marina.

My research interests focus on the development and operation of next-generation mobile networks (5G, 6G, etc.) and their intersection with cloud computing. My recent works have explored how the design of mobile networks can be adapted to the cloud, from the perspectives of the mobile core as well as emulating the entire network at a high level of fidelity. I believe that, if applied correctly, shared computing and the cloud has the potential to offer increased flexibility and lower operating costs for mobile network providers.

I am also interested in the design of testbeds as well as non-terrestrial (satellite) networks. For the former, I have been and continue to be heavily involved in efforts at the University of Edinburgh to develop a campus-scale private 5G testbed. I am also the technical lead for the Tardis student cluster. For the latter, I have worked to study the internals of the Starlink network.

Beyond academia, I enjoy exploring the history of technology, with a particular focus on the early days of satellite communication.