IEEE SmartNets 2026 (Rome, Italy)

Introduction

I attended the IEEE 8th International Conference on Smart Applications, Communications and Networking (SmartNets 2026), held in Rome, Italy, from July 7 to 9, 2026.

SmartNets

I flew from Fukuoka Airport to Rome Fiumicino Airport via Shanghai.

From the airport, I traveled into the city by train and metro, but managed to board the wrong train almost immediately and had some trouble finding my way. Contactless credit card payments also seemed to be available.

I stayed at a hotel near Vatican City and walked past it each day on my way to the conference venue, Link Campus University. The walk took about 40 minutes each way.

Although the streets around Link Campus University are busy with traffic, there is still greenery within the campus.

The buildings and courtyard have a charm that evokes a sense of history.

Rome was very hot during my stay, so the cool interior of the conference venue was a welcome relief.

At the conference, I attended many research presentations on mobile wireless communications, non-terrestrial wireless communications, networking, and related topics. I also gave a presentation on improving GPS positioning accuracy, titled “Consistency Analysis of Broadcast Clock and Orbit Corrections for Precise Point Positioning Across GNSS Augmentation Services.”

Between sessions, I enjoyed coffee and sweets.

I also took walks around the campus during breaks.

On the final day of the conference, we were taken on a city tour in a chartered bus arranged by the organizers. I got to see the famous Colosseum as well.

Vatican City

On the day of my return flight, I walked from the hotel to Vatican City. There was no passport check, and I could walk straight in. It felt very spacious.

I also visited St. Peter’s Basilica. After a bag check at the entrance, I was able to go inside.

I was overwhelmed by all the treasures.

After stepping back onto the Italian side and walking along the walls of Vatican City, I came to the entrance to the Vatican Museums. Tickets can be booked in advance, and I hear there are many treasures inside as well. The area around the entrance was bustling with visitors.

The metro stations I used in Rome felt deeper underground than the stations I usually use in Japan. I struggled with the trains again on my way home, but the other tourists around me seemed to know exactly where they were going. I was impressed.