August 2023 Vol. 21 No. 8

View from the Top

• Akira Shirahase, Senior Vice President, Executive Manager of Technology and Innovation Department, NTT WEST

  

  Abstract
  NTT WEST continues to take on challenges together with its stakeholders to create an exciting future by using information and communication technology. The company has redefined the “NTT WEST Spirit” and designated the company purpose in pursuit of a future in which all people are happy and prosperous. We interviewed Akira Shirahase, senior vice president and executive manager of the Technology and Innovation Department, NTT WEST, about his technology strategy and his mindset as a top executive.

Front-line Researchers

• Yoshitaka Taniyasu, Senior Distinguished Researcher, NTT Basic Research Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  Green innovation involves creating new solutions to environmental problems and sustainable development, and research and development of innovative technologies in the fields of the environment, resources, and energy is being conducted worldwide to create a low-carbon and circular society. We interviewed Yoshitaka Taniyasu, a senior distinguished researcher at NTT Basic Research Laboratories, who has produced world-class research results concerning functional materials for green innovation, about his achievements and attitude as a researcher.

Rising Researchers

• Takahiro Inagaki, Distinguished Researcher, NTT Basic Research Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  In the field of computer science requiring advanced information processing, an algorithm called simulated annealing is widely used to derive optimal solutions from a combination of numerous options in a network. However, in an era in which increasingly complex networks are coming to be constructed, any approach based on conventional methods is reaching its limits. To break down this wall, information processing techniques that can be applied to a variety of physical systems are being proposed. In this interview, we talked with NTT Distinguished Researcher Takahiro Inagaki about his research on new computing systems using optical technologies.

Feature Articles: Non-terrestrial Networks for Extreme Coverage Extension

• Underwater Acoustic Communication Technology for Wireless Remotely Operated Vehicles

  

  Abstract
  Toward the 6th-generation mobile communication system, extreme coverage extension is expected to provide wireless communication services in the sky, at sea, and in space, which are regions not serviced by mobile communication systems. To achieve extreme coverage extension to the sea, NTT Network Innovation Laboratories is investigating higher-speed, longer-distance, and more stable underwater acoustic communications. In this article, we introduce our underwater acoustic communication technology and the feasibility demonstration of the world’s first fully wireless remotely operated vehicle applying this technology.

• Multi-layer Non-terrestrial Network for Beyond 5G/6G Mobile Communications

  

  Abstract
  NTT is currently investigating the Space Integrated Computing Network, which is a novel infrastructure that will integrate multiple orbits consisting of the ground to high-altitude platform stations, low Earth orbit satellites, and geostationary orbit satellites. This article introduces the concept of this network and the current research and development status at NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories, especially on non-terrestrial network technologies.

• Position-control Technologies of Oceanographic Equipment for Ultra-wide-area Ocean-atmosphere Observation Technology

  

  Abstract
  NTT Space Environment and Energy Laboratories is investigating global environmental futures forecasting technology, which reproduces Earth’s past and present in cyberspace and forecasts the future, with the aim of regenerating the global environment and environmental adaptation through global observations. In this article, we introduce ultra-wide-area ocean-atmosphere observation technology, which enables continuous, real-time, wide-area, high-density direct observation of the ocean on a global scale by using Internet-of-Things sensors, and discuss its main components, i.e., position-control technologies for observation equipment.

Global Standardization Activities

• Recent Activities of ITU-T SG13 on Future Networks

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces the recent activities of the International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Study Group 13 (SG13), which is responsible for the study on future networks. The study area covers, but not limited to, mobile networks, cloud computing, and quantum key distribution. Standardization organizations and groups are working toward implementing future networks in 2030. SG13 is expected to define the concept of future networks in this global standardization community.

Practical Field Information about Telecommunication Technologies

• Field Trial of Preventive Measures for Insulation Faults in Aerial Electrical Cables

  

  Abstract
  This article presents two preventive measures for insulation faults in aerial electrical cables verified in an actual facility environment. This is the seventy-seventh article in a series on telecommunication technologies.

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

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