Isep is offering a new research internship: Securing SDN-based IoT networks using AI
General information
- Internship location: Isep, Paris Institute of Digital Technology, Issy-Les-Moulineaux in the Île-de-France region.
- Start date and duration: 6 months maximum
- Minimum legal remuneration for 2 to 6 months internships, partial reimbursement of Navigo travel pass and meal vouchers worth €8.50/day
Description and context
With the rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, traditional network management approaches struggle to maintain security and performance. By decoupling the control plane from the data plane, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) provides centralized network management, which is particularly beneficial for the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of IoT environments. Moreover, SDN has been extensively researched and implemented to enhance the control and security of IoT networks.
Moreover, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into SDN for IoT networks significantly enhances control and security. AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns complements SDN’s centralized management, leading to more intelligent and responsive network operations.
In this context, SDN offers centralized control and programmability, but integrating AI introduces predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and automated decision-making, significantly improving network resilience and adaptability. This internship aims to develop intelligent SDN solutions that predict IoT networks’ cyberattacks.
Missions
To succeed in this internship, the following methodology will be employed:
- Conduct an in-depth review of existing AI and SDN integration techniques, focusing on IoT applications.
- Gain hands-on experience with SDN controllers, AI frameworks, and IoT protocols.
- Testing AI models to predict cyberattacks in IoT networks.
- Deploy the solution in a simulated IoT environment using open-source SDN platforms. Evaluate performance metrics such as latency, throughput, and security resilience.
Profile
- Master 2 or final year of engineering school (Exclusively student already in EU with valid visa)
- Currently based / located in Europe
- Strong background in networking concepts, especially SDN.
- Strong Knowledge of AI/ML
- Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++.
- Familiarity with network simulation tools (e.g., Mininet).
- Familiarity with cybersecurity concepts and cyberattacks.
- A good level of English
Contact
By email to Saad EL JAOUHARI (saad.el-jaouhari@isep.fr) by sending a resume, motivation letter, and M1 transcript. Otherwise the application will not be considered.
For applications, the subject line of your email should be: « Internship Application – Securing SDN-based IoT networks using AI ».
Application deadline: 31 December 2025 at 23:59 (GMT+1).
References:
[1] J. Li, Z. Zhao, R. Li and H. Zhang, “AI-Based Two-Stage Intrusion Detection for Software Defined IoT Networks,” in IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 2093-2102, April 2019, doi: 10.1109/JIOT.2018.2883344.
[2] Wang S, Zhang J, Zhang T. AI-enabled blockchain and SDN-integrated IoT security architecture for cyber-physical systems. Advanced Control for Applications: Engineering and Industrial Systems. 2024; 6(2):e131. doi: 10.1002/adc2.131
[3] R. Uddin and S. A. P. Kumar, “SDN-Based Federated Learning Approach for Satellite-IoT Framework to Enhance Data Security and Privacy in Space Communication,” in IEEE Journal of Radio Frequency Identification, vol. 7, pp. 424-440, 2023, doi: 10.1109/JRFID.2023.3279329.
[4] Y. Al-Dunainawi, B. R. Al-Kaseem and H. S. Al-Raweshidy, “Optimized Artificial Intelligence Model for DDoS Detection in SDN Environment,” in IEEE Access, vol. 11, pp. 106733-106748, 2023, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3319214.
