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Tag: networks

  • Revolutionizing Telecom Growth: NEC’s Vision for AI-Extended Society through Optical Networks

    Revolutionizing Telecom Growth: NEC’s Vision for AI-Extended Society through Optical Networks

    At the 19th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, the topic of discussion was ‘Tech Intelligence Beyond Mobility’. This event convened in Dubai, UAE, from December 10-11, 2025. One of the key speakers was Kageshima Hideo, Director of NEC’s Open Optical Transport Network Solution. In his presentation titled ‘Redefining Optical Networks as Catalysts for Telecom Growth’, Hideo shed light on the pivotal role optical innovation will play in propelling an AI-extended society by 2030.

    NEC’s Vision for the Future

    Hideo initiated his address by outlining NEC’s long-term vision, which revolves around its corporate purpose and five societal aspirations for the year 2030. These aspirations encompass the environment, society, and human life. At the core of this vision lies the integration of AI and robotics as true human partners. NEC envisions a future where AI collaborates seamlessly with humans and robotics offer tangible real-world solutions. These technologies are anticipated to substantially extend human potential, bringing about increases in productivity, intelligence, and the quality of life.

    Progression Towards an AI-Extended Society

    Hideo traced the progression towards this future through three distinct stages. The initial stage, 2025, saw the rise of agentic AI, which began diminishing the barriers between humans and machines and launched standalone AI data centers that largely operate independently.

    By 2027, AI is expected to permeate everyday work and life, backed by multi-AI data center networking and site-to-site optical interconnections, thereby dramatically increasing connection points.

    By the year 2030, it is predicted that AI will fully amplify human potential through accelerated innovation. This will be facilitated by edge-AI networking, thing-to-thing optical connections, and a surge in network endpoints, leading to a profound evolution in AI networks.

    Optical Networks by 2030: Convergence and Intelligence

    Hideo painted a picture of a future characterized by a blend of computing and network convergence through the concept of ‘optical everywhere.’ Advancements like wavelength optimization, dynamic path provisioning, and on-demand optical networking are expected to maximize resource utilization while offering unparalleled flexibility.

    This view aligns with the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) concept, which rests on three pillars: the all-photonics network, a cognitive foundation, and digital twin technologies. Collectively, these will offer ultra-low latency, high-capacity, and intelligent network operations to cater to the demands of AI.

    Open Optical Networks for the AI Era

    NEC’s answer to these forthcoming challenges is its Open Optical Network Solution. This new-generation data center interconnect model is built for openness and sustainability in the AI era. The strategy lays emphasis on disaggregation and modularity, enabling operators to scale as per their requirements, thereby boosting cost efficiency and agility.

    Key components include multi-vendor whitebox transponders to alleviate supply chain risks, comprehensive multi-vendor system integration, and world-first Linux-based network operating systems that provide server-like operability. Features such as zero-touch provisioning, programmability via TIP MUST controllers, and integrated server-network management aim to streamline operations while optimizing performance.

    Sustainability by Design

    Sustainability was another cornerstone of Hideo’s presentation. NEC’s disaggregated solutions are engineered to support eco-friendly AI data centers, especially in scenarios constrained by power and space. Hardware longevity through modular upgrades and network and power optimization services were underscored as key to minimizing environmental impact while attending to growing AI workloads.

    Hideo concluded his keynote by reinforcing NEC’s strategy through real-world deployments. With global centers of excellence and extensive expertise in multi-vendor, multi-layer integration, NEC is dedicated to continuing the advancement of optical networks to amplify human potential in the forthcoming AI-driven decade.

    Questions & Answers

    What is NEC’s Open Optical Network Solution?
    NEC’s Open Optical Network Solution is a new-generation data center interconnect model designed for openness and sustainability in the AI era. It emphasizes disaggregation and modularity, allowing operators to scale as they grow, therefore improving cost efficiency and agility.

    What are the three stages of progression towards an AI-extended society as proposed by NEC?
    NEC proposes three stages towards an AI-extended society: the rise of agentic AI in 2025, AI becoming pervasive in everyday life by 2027, and AI fully enhancing human potential by 2030 through accelerated innovation.

    How does NEC’s vision for optical networks align with the IOWN concept?
    NEC’s vision aligns with the IOWN concept, which is built on three pillars: the all-photonics network, a cognitive foundation, and digital twin technologies. These elements together aim to provide ultra-low latency, high-capacity, and intelligent network operations to meet AI-driven demands.

  • Revolutionizing Radio Networks: SoftBank and NVIDIA’s Triumph in AI-Driven Massive MIMO

    Revolutionizing Radio Networks: SoftBank and NVIDIA’s Triumph in AI-Driven Massive MIMO

    A successful demonstration recently utilized an AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network) that performed radio signal processing entirely on NVIDIA’s graphics processing unit (GPU). This is a major shift from traditional systems that heavily relied on dedicated hardware, specifically field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), for processing at the Physical Layer (PHY).

    Performance Under Real-World Conditions

    In the outdoor trial, SoftBank exhibited top-tier performance under real-world circumstances. They used a cutting-edge, virtualized RAN (vRAN) structure that performs this processing by using large-scale CUDA-accelerated parallel computation on NVIDIA’s GPU. This architecture also incorporates AI processing.

    Throughout the trial, AITRAS exploited the GPU’s efficient parallel processing skills to carry out extensive matrix computations crucial for Massive MIMO and PHY-layer signal processing. This was achieved entirely in software within the Distributed Unit (DU). Consequently, SoftBank affirmed the stable function of a 16-layer MU-MIMO downlink in outdoor settings. In comparison to the standard four-layer setup, both spectral efficiency and throughput improved by about three times.

    Significant Validation

    This success serves as a substantial validation of the PHY-layer execution on a GPU. It enables stable Massive MIMO operations within the specified processing time of the RAN. This is an important technical milestone that leads the commercialization of AI-RAN.

    In the AITRAS model, the connection between the DU and O-RAN-compliant Radio Unit adheres to O-RAN Split Option 7.2x. While some Massive MIMO implementations transfer parts of the uplink channel estimation and equalization processing from the DU to the O-RU, AITRAS uses a fully software-based approach within the DU. This uses the GPU computing power and aids in creating a Massive MIMO ecosystem using general-purpose O-RUs without needing extra functions.

    Uplink Radio Signals and AI Processing

    By combining uplink radio signals from various O-RUs into a single DU, equipped with an integrated AI processing unit, AI-based coordinated control for radio signal quality can be effectively executed across multiple O-RUs. This improves radio signal quality through uplink channel interpolation and boosts capacity through advanced beamforming techniques.

    The aim with the development of AITRAS is to speed up the practical implementation of AI-RAN, contributing to a more sustainable and flexible next-generation network infrastructure. The plan is to continue field trials and introduce AITRAS into commercial networks by 2026.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the recent demonstration by SoftBank?
    The demonstration is significant as it showed that radio signal processing can be performed entirely on NVIDIA’s GPU using AI-RAN, shifting away from the traditional reliance on dedicated hardware.

    What is the anticipated impact of AI-RAN in real-world conditions?
    AI-RAN demonstrated high performance under real-world conditions, improving both spectral efficiency and throughput by about three times. This could significantly enhance communication quality and overall capacity of base stations.

    What is the long-term goal for the development of AITRAS?
    The goal is to accelerate the practical implementation of AI-RAN, thereby contributing to the creation of a more sustainable and flexible next-generation network infrastructure. SoftBank plans to introduce AITRAS into its commercial network by 2026.

  • Nokia Unveils Autonomous Networks Fabric: A Game-Changer in AI-Driven Automation for Retail Solutions

    Nokia Unveils Autonomous Networks Fabric: A Game-Changer in AI-Driven Automation for Retail Solutions

    Nokia has unveiled its groundbreaking Autonomous Networks Fabric, claiming the title of the industry’s first suite of telco-trained artificial intelligence models integrated with security and AI applications. This innovation is set to transform network automation, granting operators the tools to deploy new services with unprecedented ease.

    A Unified Approach to Network Management

    The Autonomous Network Fabric acts as a central intelligence layer, seamlessly connecting observability, analytics, security, and automation across various network domains. It aims to ensure that networks function as cohesive adaptive systems, irrespective of their vendor, architectural style, or deployment method.

    Though operators have been gradually moving toward fully autonomous networks, many have struggled with outdated systems, siloed processes, and fragmented data. With the introduction of the Autonomous Network Fabric, Nokia addresses these challenges head-on by providing a fully integrated suite that boasts unified data management, comprehensive observability, and explainable AI. Think of it as giving operators a Swiss Army knife for handling their network intricacies.

    Streamlining Automation for Efficiency

    By enhancing automation at scale, Nokia’s Autonomous Network Fabric simplifies the complexity associated with automated processes. This empowers operators to boost reliability while simultaneously achieving significant operational cost savings. The system allows for rapid experimentation and integration of ideas that yield tangible benefits, a game-changer in the fast-paced world of telecommunications.

    Key capabilities embedded in the Autonomous Network Fabric promise to reshape operators’ approach to network management:

    Unified Data Management: The platform gathers, organizes, and publishes relevant network data as data products using a data-mesh architecture. By facilitating the rapid design and construction of new data products in a low-code/no-code environment, operators can harness AI and machine learning to create sophisticated data assets that fuel automation.

    360-Degree Observability: The solution promotes the federated use and distribution of data and AI throughout the organization, ensuring a meticulous chain of custody. This maintains high standards of quality and consistency in automation efforts.

    Explainable AI: The Autonomous Network Fabric is powered by robust, telco-trained large language models that not only support automation but also provide clarity on data interpretation, issue analysis, and action recommendations, making the inner workings of AI more transparent to users.

    Teaming Up with Google Cloud for Greater Reach

    Nokia’s offering will be available as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application through Google Cloud, as well as on-premises via Google Distributed Cloud and in hybrid cloud settings. This strategic partnership leverages Google Cloud’s generative AI, including Vertex AI and BigQuery, to create workflows designed to enhance network operations.

    Through real-time monitoring of network traffic patterns and proactive anomaly detection, Nokia’s Autonomous Network Fabric aims to elevate subscriber experiences, allowing for zero-touch remediation of performance issues and robust disaster recovery options.

    “As networks become more complex and susceptible to vulnerabilities, there’s a clear demand for fully autonomous systems where good data is paramount. Our Autonomous Network Fabric establishes a foundation by combining Nokia’s extensive network expertise with Google Cloud’s AI capabilities,” stated Kal De, SVP of Product and Engineering at Nokia.

    The collaboration not only facilitates the deployment of Nokia’s 5G core network on Google’s cloud infrastructure but also aims to foster a space where developers can innovate and scale network automation efficiently. Muninder Singh Sambi, Vice President and General Manager of Networking and Security at Google Cloud, emphasized this partnership’s goal: to enhance network reliability, preemptively address issues, and turn data into actionable insights for high-performing networks.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Nokia’s Autonomous Networks Fabric designed to achieve?
    The Autonomous Networks Fabric is intended to revolutionize network automation by providing a fully integrated suite of tools that enhance data management, observability, and AI capabilities for operators.

    How does the collaboration with Google Cloud enhance Nokia’s offering?
    By integrating with Google Cloud, Nokia can leverage advanced AI tools for enhanced network operations, including real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and disaster recovery, ultimately leading to improved service delivery.

    What benefits does the Autonomous Networks Fabric offer to telecommunications operators?
    Operators can expect reduced complexity in automation, increased reliability, operational cost savings, and the ability to test and implement new ideas rapidly, significantly improving the efficiency of their network management.

  • Nokia Unveils Autonomous Networks Fabric: A Game-Changer in AI-Driven Automation for Retail Innovation

    Nokia Unveils Autonomous Networks Fabric: A Game-Changer in AI-Driven Automation for Retail Innovation

    Nokia has unveiled its Autonomous Networks Fabric, a groundbreaking suite of artificial intelligence (AI) models specifically designed for the telecommunications industry. This innovation aims to streamline network automation while empowering operators to effortlessly introduce new services.

    The Fabric of Unified Intelligence

    The Autonomous Network Fabric acts as a cohesive intelligence layer, seamlessly integrating observability, analytics, security, and automation across all network domains. This enables networks to function as a single, adaptive entity, irrespective of the vendor, architecture, or deployment model involved.

    Breaking Free from Legacy Systems

    In recent years, telecom operators have been aspiring to transition to fully autonomous networks. Yet, the burden of outdated systems, siloed processes, and scattered data has been a significant hurdle. Nokia’s Autonomous Network Fabric changes the game by offering an integrated suite featuring cohesive data management, comprehensive observability, and interpretable AI.

    Pioneering Automation

    This revolutionary fabric allows for large-scale automation that minimizes complexity. It facilitates reliability improvements and operational cost savings by enabling operators to swiftly test new concepts and incorporate those that yield effective results. What does it mean for customers? Imagine an orchestra where every instrument plays in perfect harmony, and you’re just getting started!

    What Customers Can Expect

    With the Autonomous Network Fabric, clients will enjoy:

    • Unified Data Management: All pertinent network data is systematically collected, curated, and transformed into actionable insights through a data-mesh architecture. Operators have the flexibility to design and create new data products rapidly within a low-code/no-code framework, empowering them to harness AI and machine learning for cutting-edge data assets.
    • 360-Degree Observability: The framework facilitates comprehensive use and distribution of data and AI throughout the organization, ensuring quality and consistency in automation by monitoring the entire chain of data custody.
    • Explainable AI: Telco-trained large language models (LLMs) provide clarity on data interpretation, issue analysis, and rationale behind automated actions through a rich knowledge engine.

    Strategic Partnership with Google Cloud

    The Autonomous Network Fabric will be launched as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution on Google Cloud, seamlessly integrating with on-premises setups using Google Distributed Cloud and hybrid cloud environments. It will harness Google Cloud’s generative AI capabilities to offer intelligent workflows for network operations. This includes real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and effortless resolution of performance issues.

    “As networks become increasingly complex and vulnerable, the demand for fully autonomous systems is on the rise. Good AI is built on quality data, and Nokia’s Autonomous Network Fabric serves as a robust foundation. Our collaboration with Google Cloud merges our extensive network expertise with AI-optimized processes to propel customer success,” remarked Kal De, SVP Product and Engineering, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.

    By facilitating telecom companies to deploy Nokia’s 5G core network on Google’s cloud infrastructure, the partnership aims to establish an innovative ecosystem where developers can swiftly implement and scale network automation.

    “This marks another pivotal moment in our collaboration with Nokia, focused on enhancing network reliability and proactively addressing issues, turning data into valuable insights for consistent and high-performance networks,” said Muninder Singh Sambi, Vice President and General Manager, Networking and Security at Google Cloud.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Nokia’s Autonomous Networks Fabric?
    Nokia’s Autonomous Networks Fabric is a suite of AI models and integrated security designed to streamline network automation in the telecommunications sector, helping operators roll out services more efficiently.

    How does this solution help telecom operators?
    It allows operators to overcome barriers posed by legacy systems, offering unified data management and comprehensive observability to enhance network reliability and reduce operational costs.

    What role does Google Cloud play in this initiative?
    Google Cloud supports the deployment of the Autonomous Network Fabric, leveraging its AI tools to enable intelligent workflows and facilitate rapid scaling of network automation.

  • Nokia to power KDDI’s 5G networks with standalone core and monetization solutions

    Nokia to power KDDI’s 5G networks with standalone core and monetization solutions

    Nokia has announced that Japanese operator KDDI has selected Nokia’s 5G Core and Converged Charging software to support its transition to a fully automated, cloud-native 5G Core architecture.

    Nokia’s cloud-native 5G Core’s near zero-touch automation capabilities help operators drive greater scale and reliability. Following the evolution of KDDI’s networks to 5G standalone core, subscribers will experience lower latency, increased bandwidth and higher capacity.

    Nokia’s open 5G Core architecture gives KDDI the flexibility to be responsive to market demands while controlling costs by streamlining operations and unlocking crucial capabilities, such as network slicing. Developed around DevOps principles, Nokia’s 5G Core will automate the lifecycle management of KDDI’s networks, as well as enable continuous software delivery and integration.

    Nokia will also deploy 5G monetization and data management software solutions including cloud-native Converged Charging, Signaling, Policy Controller, Mediation and Registers to capture new 5G revenue opportunities, enhance business velocity and agility, and streamline the operator’s network operations.

    With Nokia’s monetization solutions, KDDI will be able to monetize new opportunities within the 5G economy. This includes 5G network slicing and network as a service offering, IoT and new business models for B2B2X services through a containerized, microservices-based solution that enables services-based integrations with new 5G network functions meeting standards requirements for 5G convergent charging systems.

    Other products in the deal include Nokia’s Digital Operations software, Cloud Operations Manager, NetAct network management system and Archive Cloud to automate the backup and storage of network data. Solutions will be deployed across Nokia cloud infrastructure, a cloud-native solution that integrates multi-vendor and multi-technology environments.

    Tatsuo Sato, Vice President and Managing Officer, Technology Planning, KDDI, said: “The deployment of Nokia’s solutions marks a key milestone in the evolution of our 5G architecture. The evolution of our 5G architecture will enable us to fully automate and provide better services to our customers. We are pleased to be continuing our strong relationship with Nokia.”

    John Lancaster-Lennox, Head of Market Unit Japan at Nokia, said: “We look forward to expanding our 25-year relationship with KDDI with the deployment of our standalone 5G Core solutions. With crucial monetization and operations functions, such as network slicing, KDDI will unlock key revenue opportunities and benefit from increased operational efficiencies as well.”

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  • Globe Telecom deploys Infinera’s Auto-Lamda for 5G network upgrades

    Globe Telecom deploys Infinera’s Auto-Lamda for 5G network upgrades

    Infinera announced that Globe Telecom, Inc. (Globe), a major provider of telecom services in the Philippines, deployed Infinera’s Auto-Lambda solution, featuring autotuneable optics, to upgrade its existing 4G access and aggregation networks and in anticipation of providing future 5G services. By upgrading its access network with Infinera’s autotuneable optics technology, Globe can deliver more capacity on its existing network and scale to address bandwidth growth within its current network architecture while reducing both capital and ongoing operational expenses.

    Globe is the leading mobile network operator in the Philippines and offers one of the largest fixed line and broadband networks in the country. With what is believed to be the industry’s first widescale deployment of autotuneable optics over sophisticated amplified ring architectures, Globe is advancing innovation in its access network to address growing capacity demands while evolving its previously deployed IP network to support the increasing demands in mobile backhaul capacity for 5G. Utilizing Infinera’s Auto-Lambda solution, Globe can easily plug autotuneable dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) optics directly into its existing aggregation and access nodes, allowing its network to automatically tune each of the optical signals to the appropriate wavelength, which significantly simplifies deployment while increasing capacity.

    “In today’s environment, our customers are always online and want unhindered access and capacity. As one of the leading telecom services in the Philippines, we seek the best technology to support our nation’s connectivity needs,” said Jaeson Evangelista, Head Transport Planning at Globe Telecom.

    “Our network requires a solution that is easy to deploy and scalable to meet the increasing capacity needs of our customers. We chose Infinera’s Auto-Lambda solution because it provides the innovation and benefits our network needs, from operational simplicity and ease of deployment to cost savings and eliminating the need for new networking hardware. Additionally, Infinera’s autotuneable optics provide a unique solution that enables DWDM upgrades directly into third-party devices in our network, making installation and deployment easy for our engineers.”

    “Globe has a rich legacy in the Philippines for its telecommunication services and providing the country with unmatched connectivity,” said Nick Walden, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales at Infinera. “Globe’s deployment of Infinera’s Auto-Lambda solution highlights the benefits provided by Infinera’s innovation, including autotuneable optics that provide high-capacity access and aggregation DWDM networks without an extensive overhaul to an operator’s existing network infrastructure.”

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  • Juniper Networks to buy Mist Systems for $405m

    Juniper Networks to buy Mist Systems for $405m

    Juniper Networks has arranged to acquire Mist Systems, a provider of cloud-managed wireless network solutions powered by artificial intelligence, for $405 million. Juniper Networks plans to use the acquisition to fill wireless gaps in its enterprise networking portfolio through the addition of Mist’s WLAN platform.

    Mist’s AI-driven wireless platform is designed to enhance the reliability of Wi-Fi networks. The company has also developed an AI-driven virtual assistant to simplify wireless troubleshooting.

    The company also uses virtual Bluetooth low energy technology, combined with Wi-Fi and IoT connectivity, to provide location-based wireless services to customers, including indoor wayfinding, proximity notifications, traffic analytics and asset tracking.

    Juniper Networks CEO Rami Rahim said he expects the acquisition to enhance the company’s presence in the cloud-managed segment of the wireless networking market, and to allow it to expand AI-driven network management capabilities across the end-to-end enterprise network.

    “Mist Systems is a great fit for Juniper and for our enterprise customers,” explained Rami Rahim, CEO of Juniper Networks,” he said.

    “Juniper and Mist share a common strategic goal. We believe in the Software-Defined Enterprise and Mist’s focus on bringing AI to IT is consistent with our core belief that we need to simplify operations and improve customer experience while lowering costs.”

    The acquisition still requires regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of the second quarter.

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  • Fujitsu develops technology to boost virtual networks

    Fujitsu develops technology to boost virtual networks

    Fujitsu Laboratories has developed automatic analysis technology to boost communications performance and quality in virtual networks.

    With the spread of virtualization technologies, such as the cloud, software defined networking (SDN), and network functions virtualization (NFV), there is demand for the ability to flexibly set up and operate high performance virtual infrastructure.

    In order to set up and operate virtual infrastructure for operations that require high performance, it is necessary for experts with knowledge of both hardware and software to take time to analyze bottlenecks and set up the virtual infrastructure appropriately. This results in high operating costs with frequent changes to the system structure or usage situation.

    To address this issue, Fujitsu Laboratories has developed a technology that, with a low load, captures communications packets passing through virtual infrastructures. The system uses this information to identify communication bottlenecks and automatically recommend configurations to improve communications speed and to reduce packet loss and other measures to raise virtual network quality.

    These technologies have been confirmed to roughly double communication speeds of virtual networks.

    Fujitsu said that with this technology, high communication performance and quality can be maintained, even in environments where the system structure and usage situation frequently change, such as virtual infrastructure for the cloud or telecommunications carriers.

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  • Australia regulates retail access to high-speed networks

    Australia regulates retail access to high-speed networks

    Australian competition regulator ACCC has decided to require most operators of high-speed broadband networks to grant wholesale access to rival providers.

    Fiber and VDSL network services with a downstream data rate of over 25Mbps have been declared, meaning network owners must provide wholesale access on request.

    Where commercial terms cannot be agreed upon, the wholesale access must be provided at a regulated rate of between A$22.14 and A$27 per port per month, or A$17.50 to A$29.27 per Mbps per month.

    Exceptions apply for high-speed broadband services in metro areas, where competition is already effective, and for network operators with fewer than 20,000 customers. There is also a moratorium for specific networks in some areas that need to be reconfigured to support wholesale provision.

    “This is an acknowledgment that all superfast broadband networks – regardless of their size – display natural monopoly characteristics. What this access declaration does is provide retailers with the opportunity to enter superfast broadband markets, and in turn increase competition,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

    “This decision will also help to simplify and clarify the existing regulations that apply to superfast broadband services, allowing all retail providers to compete on their relative merits, regardless of the technology used, when the network was constructed, or who operates it.”

    In practice, the move also means that competing commercial high-speed broadband networks to the wholesale only National Broadband Network (NBN) will have to compete on a similar footing.

    This is in line with regulations designed to prevent retail providers from cherry-picking by concentrating their deployments only on the most profitable areas, in contrast to the NBN which needs to provide universal access.

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