A Look from Researchers – Interview with Salah Eddine Elgharbi
On this page :
- Can you tell us about your background and what led you to focus on IoT networks and security ?
- What topics are you currently working on, and what do you enjoy most in your daily life as a PhD researcher ?
- What is your vision for the future of distributed networks, and how do you hope your work will contribute ?
3 questions to Salah Eddine Elgharbi
Teacher–Researcher at cesi
PhD researcher in applied computer science at the University of La Rochelle and CESI LINEACT, in collaboration with SYSTEL
Since February 2022, Salah Eddine Elgharbi has been part of CESI, first as an intern on the Lyon campus, before starting a PhD in applied computer science jointly supervised by CESI La Rochelle, the University of La Rochelle, and SYSTEL. His research focuses on security, reliability and optimization of IoT networks, with particular emphasis on LPWAN/LoRaWAN networks in constrained maritime environments. Deeply committed to real-world challenges, he develops robust solutions to ensure reliable connectivity in demanding conditions.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to focus on IoT networks and security ?
After earning an engineering degree in computer systems and a Master’s degree in computer science, I truly found my path in cybersecurity during an internship at CESI Lyon. The project, centered on using blockchain to secure cyber-physical industrial systems (CPS-IoT), was a real turning point. It allowed me to combine my interest in protecting distributed systems with optimizing communications in constrained environments. This naturally led me, in 2022, to pursue a PhD driven by the challenges of building reliable and resilient networks for the future.
What topics are you currently working on, and what do you enjoy most in your daily life as a PhD researcher ?
My research focuses on the resilience and reliability of IoT networks, particularly on decentralized multi-hop routing mechanisms within LoRaWAN mesh networks in maritime environments. I genuinely appreciate the hands-on nature of my work: modeling, simulating, and then experimenting in real conditions.
This constant back-and-forth between theory and field testing is what I enjoy most. Seeing an abstract idea turn into a functional protocol, ensuring data transmission remains stable despite vessel movement, interference, humidity, or distance… it’s incredibly rewarding.
My greatest satisfaction? Contributing to improved continuity of service at sea, in a field where physical constraints are strong and existing solutions are limited. Finding simple, robust and innovative ways for sensors to communicate better, further and more intelligently is exactly where I thrive.
What is your vision for the future of distributed networks, and how do you hope your work will contribute ?
I’m convinced that the future of networks lies in decentralization, embedded intelligence, and integrated security. IoT, AI and blockchain will be the pillars of Industry 4.0 and cyber-physical systems. My ambition is for my work to help build more robust and reliable networks through routing protocols that are increasingly efficient and adapted to critical environments.
Salah Eddine’s advice to future PhD candidates:
A PhD is demanding, but it’s a unique opportunity to create knowledge. Dive in with passion and perseverance. Surround yourself well, exchange with your peers, and above all, never stop nurturing your curiosity.
Salah Eddine Elgharbi