March 2023 Vol. 21 No. 3

View from the Top

• Masaaki Moribayashi, Representative Member of the Board, President and CEO, NTT WEST

  

  Abstract
  NTT WEST is striving to solve social issues in the region where it operates by supporting the digital transformation of regional industries and communities. The company is also taking on challenges in new areas and creating innovations by using cutting-edge information and communication technologies toward building a sustainable society of well-being. We asked Masaaki Moribayashi, CEO of NTT WEST, about his vision and attitude as top management.

Front-line Researchers

• Tatsuaki Okamoto, NTT Fellow, NTT Social Informatics Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  One of the most fundamental problems in science is quantitatively defining the complexity of organized things. Over the past several decades, many quantitative definitions of complexity have been proposed, but a single definition has not been agreed upon. Tatsuaki Okamoto, an NTT Fellow at NTT Social Informatics Laboratories proposed a quantitative definition that simultaneously captures all three key features of complexity for the first time. We interviewed him about the progress of his research activities and the research environment in Japan and the United States.

Rising Researchers

• Atsushi Nakamura, Distinguished Researcher, NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  Communication traffic continues to increase each year and to continue to support this demand in the future, it will be necessary to shift from conventional single-mode fiber to next-generation optical fiber lines, utilizing multi-core and multi-mode fiber. However, to implement high-quality next-generation optical fiber lines requires consideration of different physical phenomena than those considered in the past. We spoke with Distinguished Researcher Atsushi Nakamura about his spatial-mode optical measurement technology, which can visualize and grasp such phenomena.

Feature Articles: Keynote Speeches at NTT R&D Forum—Road to IOWN 2022

• Akira Shimada, President and Chief Executive Officer, NTT Corporation

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) service that is due to launch in March 2023. It is based on the keynote speech given by Akira Shimada, president and chief executive officer of NTT Corporation, at the “NTT R&D Forum—Road to IOWN 2022” held from November 16th to 18th, 2022.

• Atsuko Oka, Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development Planning Department, NTT Corporation

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces research and development efforts and the latest results on the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN). It is based on the keynote speech given by Atsuko Oka, executive vice president, head of the Research and Development Planning Department of NTT Corporation, at the “NTT R&D Forum—Road to IOWN 2022” held from November 16th to 18th, 2022.

Regular Articles

• Over 100-Tbit/s Ultra-wideband Wavelength Division Multiplexed Transmission Technologies for Future Optical Transport Network Systems

  

  Abstract
  This article reviews trends in ultra-wideband wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) transmission techniques for expanding the capacity of optical transmission systems. It also presents NTT’s recent research and development results on ultra-wideband WDM transmission for over 100-Tbit/s transmission capacities in a triple-band (S, C, and L bands) WDM configuration.

Global Standardization Activities

• Report of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22)

  

  Abstract
  The Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was held in Bucharest, Romania, from 26 September to 14 October 2022. This article gives an overview of the conference and its major deliberations.

Information

• Report on NTT R&D Forum—Road to IOWN 2022

  

  Abstract
  NTT R&D Forum—Road to IOWN 2022 was held from November 16th to 18th, 2022. The following is an introductory overview of the Forum.

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

• External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings