August 2012 Vol. 10 No. 8

Feature Articles: Flexible Networking Technologies for Future Networks

• Flexible Networking Technologies for Future Networks

  

  Abstract
  In recent years, many researchers around the world have been tackling the Future Network, which should supplant the current Next Generation Network (NGN) and the Internet. This article issue describes some examples of research activities on flexible networking in NTT's laboratories; these examples have been selected because they involve important issues with future networks. Flexible networking aims to meet the changes in users' demands, permit easy development of new services, and reduce the capital and operating expenditure costs of existing services.

• Flexible Virtualized Optical Transport Networking Technology

  

  Abstract
  Network and computing resource sharing technology, such as network virtualization and cloud computing, is becoming more important for further reductions in capital and operating expenditures or further improvement in availability. We are researching a flexible mechanism for partitioning optical transport network resources and dynamically allocating them to diversified services or applications with isolated controllability. This article introduces the basic concept and research status of flexible virtualized transport networking technology, which enables service and application layers to control the network topology or path bandwidths in response to environmental changes such as disasters or unexpected traffic fluctuations.

• Integrated Management of Networks and Information Processing for Future Networks

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces two research initiatives in NTT Network Innovation Laboratories aimed at giving future networks functionalities that proactively facilitate novel information and communications technology services; namely, architectural design of deeply programmable networks and integrated management of networks and information processing. They will bring great value to society and people.

• Toward Future Network Control Nodes

  

  Abstract
  As a step toward reducing the cost of carrier networks, centralized adjustment and maintenance of various server systems is being studied. In this article, we describe a shared platform for network control nodes that NTT Network Service Systems Laboratories is studying as part of that cost reduction effort.

• Monitoring Technology for Programmable Highly Functional Networks

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces technology for monitoring network quality, which is one of the most basic parameters for network management. Our high-precision network monitoring system, PRESTA 10G, which is compatible with perfSONAR (performance service oriented network monitoring architecture), can monitor network quality with high time resolution. It will enable the provision of higher service quality over a highly functional future network.

Regular Articles

• Leveraging Semantic Web Technologies for Enterprise Information Integration

  

  Abstract
  We describe a data-oriented architecture for exploiting integrated enterprise data as knowledge by using Semantic Web technologies. It features an extensible schema design for storing integrated enterprise data including historical data. This architecture will meet the rising demand for enterprise data integration, which is currently difficult because enterprise information is stored in different formats or has different meanings in different systems.

• Value-centric Information and Intelligence Sharing Scheme

  

  Abstract
  The amount of information in the network has been increasing, and it is dominated by a few heavy users. Unfortunately, because the available resources are not infinite, we must consider resource starvation when we develop a future network architecture. We present value-centric networking (VCN), which is based on information value. The main purpose of VCN is to maximize information value in the network, and thus support the entire society. We report our implementation of an architecture for the VCN concept in the form of a proxy server and confirmation that VCN operation forwarded the high-information-value streams passing through the proxy server faster than ordinary first-in first-out (FIFO) operation. In addition, we discuss the controversial issues of VCN: value definition and feasibility.

Global Standardization Activities

• NTT's Activities in the GreenTouch Consortium

  

  Abstract
  This article describes NTT's activities in GreenTouch, a consortium that is examining how to achieve a 1000-fold improvement in the per-bit energy efficiency of communications. The consortium's discussions cover a wide range from materials to methodologies. NTT, which had been an observer at GreenTouch Members Meetings, has joined in the consortium's activities by officially becoming a member in May 2012.

Practical Field Information about Telecommunication Technologies

• Simple Tool for Inspecting Cleaved Optical Fiber Ends and Optical Fiber Connector End Surfaces

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces a tool for inspecting cleaved fiber ends and connector end surfaces. The tool's main components are a microscope, cell phone, and special holders for the fiber or connector being inspected. It does not require focal adjustment and it can be used to inspect and clearly distinguish whether a fiber has been cleaved correctly and whether there are any scratches or contamination on the connector end surfaces. This tool provides a simple and cost-effective way to inspect cleaved fiber ends and connector end surfaces in the field. It is the twelfth in a bimonthly series on the theme of practical field information about telecommunication technologies. This month's contribution is from the Access Engineering Group, Technical Assistance and Support Center, Maintenance and Service Operations Department, Network Business Headquarters.

Information

• IEEE Milestone Commemorative Lecture Report

  

  Abstract
  This article reports on the IEEE Milestone Commemorative Lecture held on April 5, 2012 after a ceremony dedicating the international standardization of G3 facsimile (fax) as an IEEE Milestone. The lecture session included an overview of the IEEE Milestones Program and interesting stories about the difficult standardization process related by key personnel involved in the research and development of G3 fax at that time.

• IEEE Milestone Dedication Ceremony for International Standardization of G3 Facsimile

  

  Abstract
  A ceremony dedicating the international standardization of G3 facsimile (fax) as an IEEE Milestone was held on April 5, 2012 at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. This article examines the international penetration of G3 fax and the innovation it brought to information transmission and reports on the ceremony in which commemorative plaques were presented and on the celebration that followed.

• NTT Received the Prize of the Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office at the 2012 National Commendation for Invention

External Awards

• External Awards