April 2026 Vol. 24 No. 4

Front-line Researchers

• Junji Watanabe, Senior Distinguished Researcher, Communication Science Laboratories/Social Informatics Laboratories, NTT, Inc.

  

  Abstract
  The importance of well-being, which places value on people’ existence and state of mind and cannot be measured solely by economic value, has been increasing. In an unpredictable era, characterized by rapid technological development and dramatic changes in social conditions, it is necessary for people to have the flexibility to think and act to adapt to diverse values and rapidly changing circumstances while working together to create and adjust paths as we move toward our goals. Junji Watanabe, a senior distinguished researcher at NTT Communication Science Laboratories is proposing and developing specific methods for acquiring and using well-being competencies in practical settings such as school education and corporate activities. We spoke with him about his recent areas of focus and his own research style.

Rising Researchers

• Munehiko Nagatani, Distinguished Researcher, Device Technology Laboratories, NTT, Inc.

  

  Abstract
  Advances in the communication environment, which supports the increasing volume of communication traffic, have been driven by improvements in digital signal processing and the performance of integrated circuits (ICs). However, it has become apparent that limitations in hardware performance are making fundamental improvements in bandwidth and speed increasingly difficult. Ultra-wideband analog ICs can provide a breakthrough in overcoming these limitations. This new technology makes it possible to move away from the conventional method of relying solely on the continued scaling of silicon-based semiconductors. In this article, we spoke with Munehiko Nagatani, a distinguished researcher at NTT Device Technology Laboratories and a leader in the field of ultra-wideband analog ICs.

Feature Articles: Technology Development Trends of the IOWN 2.0 Era—From Communications to Computing

• Initiatives toward Social Implementation in the IOWN 2.0 Era

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces trends in the technological development of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) 2.0 era along with its benefits on the basis of knowledge gained through initiatives such as use-case development and demonstrations and customer needs. It also introduces application use cases now being studied at NTT IOWN Product Design Center.

• Initiatives toward Multiple Vendor-sourced Composable Servers in DCI Technology Development

  

  Abstract
  NTT Software Innovation Center is developing Data-Centric Infrastructure (DCI) technologies toward the implementation of NTT’s IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network). Focusing on composable servers as a key component of DCI, this article introduces the mechanism (device management interface and framework) for building and operating an infrastructure that combines multiple vendor-sourced devices and examines the issues in achieving multiple vendor-sourced composable servers at NTT.

• A High-capacity, Energy-efficient Photonics-electronics Converged Switch with PEC-2

  

  Abstract
  In IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) 2.0, the practical deployment of a photonics-electronics convergence (PEC) device is being pursued as a key PEC technology capable of dramatically reducing power consumption of the computing interconnect. This article first reviews the evolution of PEC technologies to date then explains the technical details of PEC-2, which is under development for application in the computing domain. This article also introduces a PEC switch equipped with PEC-2, which is being developed for use as a computing interconnect, along with its application at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Finally, future prospects toward commercialization are discussed.

• Trends in Research and Development of the Latest Transponder Technology Supporting Expansion of APN Domains

  

  Abstract
  In the IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) 2.0 era, the further expansion of the APN (All-Photonics Network) will require three technologies: open optical-transmission-feasibility determination technology that enables transmission design for multi-vendor networks, high-frequency performance-monitoring technology that enables advanced fault-cause analysis, and supervisory-control-authority separation technology to enable the integration of transmission equipment and routers for installation at user sites. These three technologies are introduced in this article.

• Trends in Research and Development of the Latest Controller Technology Supporting Operation of the Evolving APN

  

  Abstract
  The Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) and All-Photonics Network (APN) are evolving rapidly in a manner that achieves even greater capacity, lower latency, and on-demand use, and the role of the APN controller in operating the APN is becoming increasingly important. Five technologies that support the evolving APN, as well as the latest trends in research and development of the APN controller, are introduced in this article.

Regular Articles

• Resource Allocation with Heterogeneous Resources and Parallelism in Disaggregated Computing

  

  Abstract
  Disaggregated computing improves resource utilization by pooling central processing units, memory, and accelerators and flexibly assigning heterogeneous resources to each service component. To maximize these benefits, resource allocation and routing must be decided efficiently before execution. This article introduces a practical-time resource allocation method that models heterogeneous resource characteristics and parallel processing effects. Simulations in heterogeneous disaggregated systems show that this method meets service-performance requirements while reducing required resources by 28–51% on average compared with conventional methods.

Global Standardization Activities

• Recent Activities of QoE-related Standardization in ITU-T SG12

  

  Abstract
  To provide communication services with appropriate quality, network service design and management are essential, requiring technologies to measure and evaluate quality quantitatively. ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector) Study Group 12 researches evaluation methods, measurement techniques, and specified values for quality of experience (QoE)—the quality users perceive from a service—and the quality of service (QoS) required to achieve its target values. This article introduces the latest trends in standardization for QoE/QoS evaluation and management technologies for video media.

Information

• Report on “NTT R&D FORUM 2025—IOWN∴Quantum Leap”

  

  Abstract
  “NTT R&D FORUM 2025—IOWN∴Quantum Leap” was held over five days, from November 19– 21 and 25– 26, 2025. This report introduces key points from keynote speeches, technical seminars, and technology exhibits at the forum.

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

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