June 2019 Vol. 17 No. 6

Feature Articles: Network Technology for Digital Society of the Future―Research and Development of Competitive Network Infrastructure Technologies

• Network Technology Development for Digital Society of the Future

  

  Abstract
  As society moves toward digitization, the network supporting a digital society must likewise evolve. NTT has taken up the research and development (R&D) of a network infrastructure called Cognitive Foundation^® in order to solve a wide variety of problems in our digital society. This article introduces specific R&D achievements based on the following R&D directions of network technology for the future digital society: (1) R&D of competitive network infrastructure technologies, (2) advanced and smart network operation supporting digital transformation of the NTT Group, and (3) global environmental protection and optimal use of energy.

• FASA^®: New Access System Architecture

  

  Abstract
  NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories has been promoting new access system architecture called FASA^® (Flexible Access System Architecture), and researching and developing the modularization of functions making up the access system. This article introduces the technology behind the software modularization of the dynamic bandwidth allocation function, which was announced in a press release in November 2018 and demonstrated for the first time at NTT R&D Forum 2018 Autumn.

• Positional Information Service with High Added Value Based on Cooperation between GNSS and Networks

  

  Abstract
  At NTT Network Technology Laboratories, with a view to implementing a smart world that accelerates digital transformations, we are developing technology that improves the precision of positioning measurements made using GPS (Global Positioning System) and other forms of GNSS (global navigation satellite systems) in urban canyon environments with many high-rise buildings. We are also developing technology that can dramatically improve the positioning measurements by doing some of the positioning calculations on cloud edge nodes, resulting in services with new added value.

• Carrier Edge Computing Infrastructure Technology for High-presence Virtual Reality Services

  

  Abstract
  Technical studies are underway at NTT Network Technology Laboratories on edge computing that uses computing resources in carrier facilities. This article introduces a technical demonstration of a use case providing a virtual reality application via an edge computing infrastructure performed in collaboration with Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.

• Service-partner-oriented Network Slicing

  

  Abstract
  In the coming 5G (fifth-generation mobile communications) era, it will be necessary to create diverse services using networks with high-performance characteristics such as large-capacity broadband, massive session connectivity, and ultralow-latency and high-quality communications. This article introduces network slicing technology for rapidly constructing and providing virtual networks corresponding to such diverse service requirements, and slice gateway technology for achieving end-to-end slices that can maintain a fixed level of communications quality on an end-to-end basis.

• Guaranteed Transmission within Maximum Allowable Network Latency for Enhanced User Experience in Two-way Communication Applications

  

  Abstract
  Keeping network latency below a certain level in two-way communication applications or systems enhances the user operating experience. However, the bandwidth-based shaping method commonly used in bandwidth guarantee services can generate large network latency due to burst-traffic leveling, thereby degrading the operating experience. We propose here a new shaping technique that takes required latency into account to guarantee the flow of traffic without exceeding maximum network latency.

• Optimal Design and Control of Network Resources

  

  Abstract
  NTT Network Technology Laboratories is researching and developing technologies for flexibly tracking network changes on various timescales with the aim of achieving a network with high facility usage efficiency and enhanced convenience of use. This article introduces optimal network design technology and cloud native SDx (software-defined-anything) control technology as specific examples of technologies under study.

• Video Delivery Technology with QoE Control

  

  Abstract
  The amount of high-definition content has been increasing significantly lately, and there is also growing demand for video delivery services. This article introduces technology intended to address these issues. It achieves this by delivering high-definition and high-presence video content with high quality in an economical manner by optimizing the server deployment and communication network of content delivery providers and communication providers and by implementing new delivery control techniques.

• Data Stream Assist Technology Supporting Video Transfer

  

  Abstract
  Research and development is underway at NTT Network Technology Laboratories on data stream assist technology deployable in a lightweight and flexible manner to provide a network that can support complex services using high-functionality and high-performance Internet of Things (IoT) devices. As a specific use case, this article introduces technology that can vary communication protocol, timing, and volume to accommodate diverse types and uses of camera video and raise network usage efficiency while improving the convenience of use for IoT service providers.

• Per-device Policy Control Technology Using Artificial Intelligence

  

  Abstract
  The number and variety of Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as network cameras and televisions connecting to networks has been increasing recently, and the network requirements for each of these devices are also diversifying. This article introduces policy control technology for controlling networks in the IoT era that is optimized for each device by automatically identifying the type and/or model of each device from its communication behavior.

• Privilege Sharing and Transfer Based on Passwordless Authentication

  

  Abstract
  Research is underway at the NTT laboratories on an authentication platform that provides both security and convenience. This article describes secure and passwordless authentication platform technology for application to a variety of services that use smartphones and other mobile devices that have grown in popularity. This technology is expected to be applied to a wide array of services to improve their convenience of use.

• Optical Fiber and Optical Device Technology for Innovative Manufacturing

  

  Abstract
  Long-distance transmission of high-quality and high-power laser optics has been achieved for the first time in the world by combining the advanced optical fiber and optical device technologies developed by NTT in the optical communications field with the high-power laser processing technology of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. The use of laser processing technology is spreading rapidly at manufacturing sites in the automobile, aircraft, and other industries. The results of this joint research are expected to be the first step in revolutionizing the concept of manufacturing for a variety of social infrastructures through B2B2X (business-to-business-to-X) initiatives.

• Wildlife Detection System Using Wireless LAN Signals

  

  Abstract
  The NTT Group considers the primary industry of agriculture an important field and is promoting development of innovative technologies that integrate agriculture with information and communication technology. This article introduces initiatives related to a wildlife detection system that are part of this work. The system can accurately detect wildlife that enters agricultural land over a wide area, using only fluctuations in wireless local area network radio signals.

Global Standardization Activities

• Versatile Video Coding: a Next-generation Video Coding Standard

  

  Abstract
  The scope of Subcommittee (SC) 29 of ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission) Joint Technical Committee 1 is coding of audio, picture, multimedia, and hypermedia information. Working Group (WG) 11, part of SC 29, is standardizing video coding, media transmission, streaming, audio coding, image/video retrieval, and genomic information coding. In April 2018, WG 11 initiated standardization of next-generation video coding called Versatile Video Coding (VVC), which is aimed at achieving higher compression, in conjunction with ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector) Study Group 19. This article introduces the background, target, and recent development status of VVC.

Practical Field Information about Telecommunication Technologies

• Examples of Wireless LAN Problems Caused by IP Packets and Wireless Encryption Scheme

  

  Abstract
  As wireless local area network (LAN) communication becomes more popular, the number of failures is increasing and the causes of failure are becoming more diverse. This article introduces two cases concerning problems with wireless LAN caused by IP (Internet protocol) packets and a wireless encryption scheme. This is the fifty-second article in a series on telecommunication technologies.

Short Reports

• World’s Fastest 600-Gbit/s per Lambda (λ) Optical Transmission with 587-Gbit/s Data Transfer―Prospect for Realizing 600-Gbit/s/λ Optical Network and Data Transfer Protocol

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

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