Special Call on AI-Driven Computer Networks: Extended Best Papers from WIARC 2026

This Special Call targets selected papers from the First Workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Computer Networks (WIARC 2026) but accepts other submissions related to the workshop's theme.

WIARC 2026

This Special Call for Papers is associated with the First Workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Computer Networks (WIARC 2026), co-located with SBRC 2026. WIARC 2026 focuses on the convergence between Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Computer Networks, emphasizing novel approaches that enable autonomous, self-managed, and adaptive networking infrastructures.

Modern computer networks are undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by unprecedented scale, heterogeneity, and dynamism. Emerging paradigms such as 5G/6G, large-scale IoT, edge computing, cloud-native infrastructures, and cyber-physical systems have significantly increased operational complexity, making traditional approaches increasingly insufficient. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have become central enablers for the next generation of networking systems, supporting predictive, adaptive, autonomous, and self-optimizing capabilities.

This special call of the Journal of Internet Services and Applications (JISA) invites extended versions of the best papers presented at WIARC 2026. Submissions must provide at least 35% new content, a different title and abstract, and explicitly cite the original paper, for example, in a footnote or in the acknowledgment section, including the complete reference to the original paper.

Topics of Interest

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

o AI/ML-based network management and optimization
o Autonomous and self-driving networks
o AI for 5G and beyond
o AI-enabled network security
o Traffic analysis and demand prediction
o Federated and distributed learning in networking
o AI for SDN optimization
o Reinforcement learning for resource allocation
o Edge computing integrated with AI
o Intelligent IoT systems
o QoS/QoE optimization using AI
o AI-driven network automation
o AI-based resource allocation in computer networks
o AI for cloud-native and cyber-physical networked systems

Paper Submission

All papers must be written in English. All submissions are single-blind and must extend the original conference or workshop paper with new material, discussions, and results. Although this Special Call primarily targets selected papers from WIARC 2026, other high-quality submissions related to the workshop's theme are also welcome.

Submissions must be in PDF format and follow the JISA LaTeX template (guidelines and checklist). Papers are expected to have 10 to 20 pages, including attachments and references. Papers outside this limit will be considered only in special cases. JISA is open access, free of charge for both authors and readers, and all papers published by JISA follow the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.

Submit your manuscript here

Selection Process

Extended versions of papers previously published in the workshop must demonstrate significant originality, with at least 35% new content, and include a different title and abstract from the original paper. The new manuscript must explicitly mention and cite the original paper, for example, in a footnote or in the acknowledgment section, including the complete reference to the original paper.

Manuscripts will be reviewed by at least three experts in the field. At least one reviewer should not have reviewed the original WIARC 2026 submission. The review process will follow JISA's standard editorial workflow and may include multiple review rounds. For each revised submission, authors must include a cover letter presenting the paper and indicating the improvements made in response to the reviewers' comments.

Important Date

● Submission deadline: 1st October 2026

Guest Editors

Prof. Dr. Helder Oliveira (University of São Paulo, USP)
Helder Oliveira has served as editor in multiple JISA special issues and has extensive experience in organizing scientific events, program committees, and journal review processes in Computer Networks and Distributed Systems. He is one of the coordinators of WIARC 2026 and has direct experience managing peer-review workflows.

Prof. Dr. Joahannes Costa (University of São Paulo, USP)
Joahannes Costa has served as a reviewer for journals and conferences in Computer Networks and AI-enabled systems and has experience in program committee activities and scientific event organization. He is one of the coordinators of WIARC 2026 and has direct experience managing peer-review workflows.