= Special Issue on Generative and Explainable AI for Internet Traffic and Network Architectures =

== Elsevier Computer Networks ==

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/computer-networks/about/call-for-papers#generative-and-explainable-artificial-intelligence-for-internet-traffic-and-architectures

(Submission due: December 1, 2024)

== Call for Papers ==

We are pleased to announce a call for papers for a special issue of Elsevier's *Computer Networks* journal, focusing on the transformative potential of generative and explainable AI in Internet traffic analysis and network architectures. As Internet-connected devices multiply and traffic data grows exponentially, traditional methods are increasingly challenged. This special issue aims to highlight AI-driven solutions that provide deeper insights, improved security, and enhanced performance in network management.

We invite you to contribute to this pioneering special issue and lead the advancement of AI-driven innovations in Internet traffic analysis and network architectures. Your research could play a crucial role in shaping the future of network management.

=== Key Topics of Interest include but are not limited to the following: ===
* Generative AI methods to synthesize realistic and diverse traffic data
* Automatic network configuration and management utilizing Generative AI
* Applications of Large Language Models (LLMs) in network traffic generation
* Prompt Engineering for LLMs in network traffic analysis, management, and security
* Generative AI for enhancing network security and intrusion detection
* Assessing the robustness and reliability of Generative AI in network management, including standardized benchmarks and datasets
* Explainable AI techniques for network traffic analysis and management tools
* Human-in-the-loop AI and the integration of interpretability into AI-driven traffic analysis
* Ensuring fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI applications for networking
* Real-world applications and case studies showcasing Generative and Explainable AI in network traffic analysis, management, and security
* Bridging the gap between network data explanation and actionable interpretability
* Techniques for improving the trust and practical use of data-driven network analysis methods

=== Guest Editors ===
* Antonio Montieri, PhD - Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy (antonio.montieri@unina.it)
* Danilo Giordano, PhD - Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy (danilo.giordano@polito.it)
* Claudio Fiandrino, PhD - IMDEA Networks Institute, Madrid, Spain (claudio.fiandrino@imdea.org)
* Jonatan Krolikowski, PhD - Huawei Technologies France SAS, Boulogne Billancourt, France (jonatan.krolikowski@huawei.com)

=== Important Dates ===
* Submission Open Date: July 1, 2024
* Final Manuscript Submission Deadline: December 1, 2024
* Editorial Acceptance Deadline: March 1, 2025

=== Manuscript Submission Information ===
The journal's submission platform is available for receiving submissions to this Special Issue from July 1st, 2024. Authors are advised to follow the Guide for Authors to prepare their manuscripts and select the article type “VSI: GenXAI for Internet” when submitting online. More information about the Special Issue, the Guide for Authors, and the submission portal are available at the following link:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/computer-networks/about/call-for-papers#generative-and-explainable-artificial-intelligence-for-internet-traffic-and-architectures

== Special Issue Details ==

In the realm of Internet traffic analysis, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has marked a significant paradigm shift. With the proliferation of Internet-connected devices and the exponential growth of traffic data, traditional traffic analysis methods are struggling to cope with the sheer volume and complexity of modern networks. Moreover, the dynamic nature of Internet traffic patterns and the emergence of sophisticated cyber threats further exacerbate the challenges faced by network operators and cybersecurity professionals. In response, there is a pressing need for advanced analytical tools that can provide accurate Internet traffic “visibility”, enable actionable insights into traffic behavior, identify anomalies and intrusions, and ultimately enhance network security and performance.

On the other hand, the collection, segmentation, and labeling of traffic datasets are cumbersome processes, often requiring human experts to guide the different stages. Additionally, factors like the dynamic nature of traffic, privacy concerns, and the limited samples of certain traffic types (e.g., network attacks, IoT devices) further challenge data collection. Moreover, while data-driven techniques have the potential for outstanding performance and adaptability, they often operate as black-box systems, making it difficult to understand their behavior, improve their performance, or protect them from potential attacks. This limits the interpretability and trust in these methods, affecting their practical use.

The integration of generative and explainable AI techniques presents a promising avenue for addressing these challenges. By harnessing the power of AI to generate realistic traffic data and provide interpretable insights, researchers and practitioners can overcome the limitations of traditional traffic analysis methods. Generative AI models enable the creation of diverse and representative traffic datasets, facilitating the training of AI-driven models for intrusion detection and network optimization. Meanwhile, explainable AI techniques enhance the transparency and trustworthiness of AI-driven traffic analysis, enabling network operators to understand and interpret the decisions made by AI methods.

This Special Issue (SI) aims to delve into the methodological, technical, and practical aspects of leveraging generative and explainable AI for Internet traffic analysis and network architectures. By focusing on these cutting-edge topics, we seek to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to explore innovative approaches, share insights, and advance state of the art. The SI will encompass a wide range of themes, including AI-driven generation of standardized traffic datasets, network management aided by Generative AI, interpretable and trustworthy AI solutions for Internet traffic analysis, and real-world applications of generative and explainable AI in network optimization and security.