Adugna Necho Mulatu
Education:
- Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (Completed)
Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia - M.Sc. in Computer Engineering
Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia - B.Sc. in Computer Engineering
Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
Research Interest:
- Embedded Systems; Machine Learning (ML) and TinyML.
- Wireless Networking; Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs).
- Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs).
- Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT).
- MAC Layer Protocols, particularly IEEE 802.15.4 Time-Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH).
- Scheduling Algorithms.
- Channel Hopping.
- Link Quality Estimation.
- Network Mobility.
Postdoc
Research Title: ”Hybrid IIoT Networks: A Cross-Layer Architecture Integrating TSCH, 6TiSCH, and WPAN Technologies”
Research Direction:
Phase I: Radio-Aware Multi-Radio TSCH Networks
Integration of Existing Research Contributions: Adaptive channel Quality estimation, Conflict – and Radio – aware scheduling, optimization
Phase II: Hybrid Multi-PHY and Cross-Layer IIoT Networks
- Multi-Technology Integration: IEEE 802.15.4e TSCH, IEEE 802.15.4g (FSK, OFDM, O-QPSK), LoRa / LoRaWAN, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah), Wi-Fi 6/7 (IEEE 802.11ax)
AI-Driven Cross-Layer Adaptation: Reinforcement Learning (RL), Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), Thompson Sampling, Transfer/Reinforcement Learning, TinyML-assisted edge intelligence
Adaptive Decisions: Radio Selection, PHY Selection, Channel Assignment, Traffic Classification, Mobility Prediction, Energy Optimization
Goal: Develop a unified, intelligent, multi-radio, multi-PHY, and cross-layer communication framework that seamlessly integrates TSCH, LoRaWAN, BLE, IEEE 802.15.4g, and Wi‑Fi HaLow for next-generation Industrial IoT and Cyber-Physical Systems.
Projects Completed Under Research Short Term Visit:
- MoC-TSCH (Multi-objective Optimization for Coverage and Connectivity in Mobility-Aware TSCH Networks).
Status:Published – https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-45560-8
Keywords: MILP, Optimization, Mobility, Coverage, Connectivity.
Authors: Adugna Necho Mulatu, Marco Zennaro, Fikreselam Gared, T. V. Prabhakar. -
MTSCH: MILP-Based Mobility-Aware TSCH Networks for IIoT
Conference: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7219363.
Authors: Adugna Necho Mulatu, Marco Zennaro, Fikreselam Gared, T. V. Prabhakar. - CATCH: Conflict-Aware TSCH Scheduler for IIoT.
Conference: Accepted at Springer ICAST 2025.
Authors: Adugna Necho Mulatu, Marco Zennaro, Fikreselam Gared, T. V. Prabhakar. -
DTS-TSCH: Adaptive Thompson Sampling for Channel Estimation in TSCH Networks for IIoT.
Journal: Elsevier Scientific African https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02798
Authors: Adugna Necho Mulatu, Marco Zennaro, Fikreselam Gared, T. V. Prabhakar.
Publications:.
Journals and conference proceedings:
- Springer Nature (ICAST 2022) “Prediction of Teff Yield Using a Machine Learning Approach”.
- Mobile Information Systems (Hindawi) “CFSBFDroid: Android Malware Detection Using CFS + Best First Search”.
- Internet of Things Journal “Plant Leaf Diseases Detection and Auto-Medicine”.
- IEEE WAINA (Workshops of the International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications) “Real-Time Automation of Agriculture Land”.
Various university-funded and practical research projects:
- Teff Yield Prediction Using Machine Learning.
- Plant Disease Detection and Automated Medicining System.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System for Tana Mobile PLC.
- Human Resource Management System (HRMS) for Amhara Industrial Park Corporation.
- Infrared Thermometer and Oximeter Development for COVID-19 Response.
Leadership and Community Engagement:
- Founding President, Internet Society Ethiopia Chapter (2020–2023).
- Secured and managed multiple international grants.
- Led the Abichikili Community Networks Project.
- Participated in UNESCO’s ROAM-X Internet Development Assessment.
- Represented Ethiopia at the 17th Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

