June 2018 Vol. 16 No. 6

Feature Articles: Creating a Flexible and Smart Network as a New Social Infrastructure

• Future Network Technologies for the 5G/IoT Era

  

  Abstract
  The social environment is changing rapidly, and with these changes, society is coming to have great expectations for the future network. NTT is researching and developing technologies for achieving a flexible and smart network as a new social infrastructure that will be able to meet a wide variety of needs. This article describes the direction of research and development at NTT with an eye to 2020 and beyond centered on the three pillars of 5G/IoT (fifth-generation mobile communications/Internet of Things), Network-AI (NTT’s artificial intelligence applied to networks), and open source software, while providing an overview of activities done in collaboration with NTT Group companies.

• Leveraging General-purpose Technology and Open Community Activities

  

  Abstract
  The NTT laboratories are revolutionizing their development techniques for network systems in order to support a collaboration model and respond flexibly to market changes and technology trends. This article describes our approach to building function groups using open source software and hardware components and introduces our activities in the open community.

• Creating New Value by Leveraging Network-AI Technology in Service Operations

  

  Abstract
  We present in this article an overview of recent research and development done at the NTT laboratories on artificial intelligence technology for networks (Network-AI) that enables proactive maintenance and operations of network services. We also describe some of the key technologies constituting Network-AI and review verification trials of these technologies conducted at an NTT operating company.

• Initiatives toward Access Network Technology for the Beyond-5G Era

  

  Abstract
  We have been researching future end-user lifestyles and business transformations for carriers and other telecommunications providers that will be driven by changes in social contexts, particularly by changes in mobile, video, and Internet of Things related markets. From these changes, we identified necessary technologies to provide information and communication technology services that are expected to proliferate in the future. We present in this article our findings that examine future directions in the development of access network technology designed to realize the next-generation social infrastructure.

• Research toward Realizing a Future Network Architecture

  

  Abstract
  In the 5G (fifth-generation mobile communications) and Internet of Things era, trends such as work on social infrastructure services, the explosive increase in the number of terminals and the amount of network traffic, and the use of artificial intelligence for smart devices and services will have a huge impact on networks, thereby increasing the need for new network architectures. This article analyzes the impact of these trends, examines network requirements, and introduces initiatives to develop the necessary architectures and key technological elements verified by proof of concept.

• MOOSIA: Technology for One-stop Operation

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces MOOSIA (Multi-Orchestrator for One-Stop operation with Innovative Aggregation of services), NTT’s orchestrator that enables service providers to combine, operate, and maintain network, cloud, and application services in a unified manner.

• Global Collaboration Initiatives Revolutionizing Research and Development of Network Technologies

  

  Abstract
  To transform the network into a new social infrastructure, it is essential that the research and development (R&D) scheme for network systems be revolutionized not only by promoting more tie-ups than ever before with diverse business partners but also by collaborating with global partners in various phases of the R&D process. This article presents examples of these activities focusing on the APAC (Asia-Pacific) Telecom Innovation Initiative (ATII) now in progress and collaborative efforts with carriers and other partners based outside of Japan.

Regular Articles

• Traffic Prediction and Quality Evaluation for Improving Communication Quality during Major Events

  

  Abstract
  NTT Network Technology Laboratories is studying event-traffic prediction and quality evaluation for preventing deterioration in communication quality due to a sudden increase in traffic during major events. In this study, we model user movement and communication behavior and predict traffic volumes and communication quality on the day of an event by prior simulation.

• Investigating Countermeasures against High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP)

  

  Abstract
  The threat of attack by a nuclear explosion triggering a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) has become an actuality. HEMP has the capacity to destroy a wide range of electric and electronic equipment. We report here on initiatives being studied to reduce the damage caused by a breakdown of communications and to restore communications promptly.

Global Standardization Activities

• Automotive Edge Computing Consortium—a Global Effort to Develop a Connected Car Platform

  

  Abstract
  NTT launched the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium with various global partners, namely, DENSO Corporation, Ericsson, Intel Corporation, NTT DOCOMO, Toyota InfoTechnology Center Co., Ltd., and Toyota Motor Corporation, in order to develop technologies for connected cars using automotive big data. The objective of the consortium is to form an ecosystem for connected cars to support emerging services such as intelligent driving, the creation of maps with real-time data, and driving assistance based on cloud computing.

Practical Field Information about Telecommunication Technologies

• Investigation of Unintentional One-ring Outgoing Calls

  

  Abstract
  This article describes an actual problem case involving unintentional one-ring outgoing calls. The Network Interface Engineering Group investigated the mechanism of the problem and devised some solutions to prevent a recurrence. This is the forty-sixth article in a series on telecommunication technologies. This contribution is from the Network Interface Engineering Group, Technical Assistance and Support Center, Maintenance and Service Operations Department, Network Business Headquarters, NTT EAST.

Short Reports

• Successful Joint Test of Next-generation Onboard IoT Platform

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

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