September 2023 Vol. 21 No. 9

View from the Top

• Teruyuki Kishimoto, President & CEO, NTT Anode Energy

  

  Abstract
  Under thorough environmental, social, and corporate governance management, NTT Anode Energy maximizes the potential of renewable energy and promotes Earth-friendly economic activities. As a new player in the energy field, the company is driving the NTT Group’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. We interviewed Teruyuki Kishimoto, president & CEO, NTT Anode Energy, about the company’s core businesses and his mindset as a top executive.

Front-line Researchers

• Noboru Harada, Senior Distinguished Researcher, NTT Communication Science Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  As remote conferencing is becoming commonplace and the term “metaverse” is frequently appearing in the media, society’s attention is increasingly focused on communication using video and audio. Although the role of video in such communication tends to gain greater interest, the role of audio―for example, in creating a sense of immersion—is also significant. Noboru Harada, a senior distinguished researcher at NTT Communication Science Laboratories, has been researching speech and acoustic communication for more than 20 years and is currently focusing on research and standardization of natural and highly functional speech and acoustic communication technology to achieve, for example, selective transmission of sounds you want to convey and sounds you want to hear. We interviewed him about his research accomplishments, standardization activities, and attitude as a researcher.

Rising Researchers

• Takashi Matsui, Distinguished Researcher, NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  Recent years have seen remarkable developments in information and communications technology and a dramatic increase in communications traffic. The capacity limit in existing optical fiber supporting such communications is about 100 Tbit/s per optical fiber, and it is predicted that transmission systems using this optical fiber will reach this limit in due time. In this interview, we talked with NTT Distinguished Researcher Takashi Matsui about his research on solving this transmission capacity problem by greatly expanding optical transmission capacity using “optical fiber transmission line technology for space-division multiplexing.”

Feature Articles: Launch of APN IOWN1.0 Service

• APN Service-provision Activities

  

  Abstract
  In March 2023, NTT EAST and NTT WEST launched APN IOWN1.0, the first-version service of the All-Photonics Network (APN), which is one of the major technology areas that comprise the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN). APN IOWN1.0 provides ultra-low latency and enables the visualization and adjustment of latency with microsecond granularity. This article describes the position of the newly introduced APN service within the IOWN concept and the value the service provides. It also presents typical use cases and an overview of the service.

• Road to IOWN at NTT EAST

  

  Abstract
  As the first commercial service of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN), NTT EAST launched the All-Photonics Network (APN) IOWN1.0 service on March 16, 2023. In this article, we introduce our demonstration efforts in taking advantage of low latency, use cases, and future prospects of APN IOWN1.0.

• NTT WEST’s Efforts in Providing APN Services

  

  Abstract
  With the declared purpose of “‘Connecting’ then ‘opening’ the door to the new world,” NTT WEST seeks to contribute to the further development of communities and address a variety of challenges posed by changes in society by refining its technologies and wisdom and co-create new value. The entire NTT Group has been working to actualize the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) concept. In this article, we introduce NTT WEST’s efforts toward this end, especially related to the development of the All-Photonics Network (APN) in creating use cases and providing the APN commercial service in the form of IOWN1.0.

• Delay Managed Network for APN IOWN1.0

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces the concept of the Delay Managed Network to control communication latency and the optical transport network (OTN) equipment, called OTN Anywhere, which has delay-measurement and delay-adjustment functionalities. NTT operating companies, NTT EAST and NTT WEST, released the first-version service of the All-Photonics Network (APN) of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN), APN IOWN1.0, in March 2023 that is based on OTN Anywhere. In addition to the benefit of low latency approaching the physical limit, this service provides end-to-end layer-1 paths without latency fluctuation and offers delay measurement and delay adjustment of each end-to-end layer-1 path. The Delay Managed Network can enhance user experience of various remote activities.

Feature Articles: Keynote Speeches and Workshop Lectures at Tsukuba Forum 2023

• NTT as a Creator of New Value and Accelerator of a Global Sustainable Society

  

  Abstract
  The first commercial service of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN), IOWN1.0, was launched in March 2023. This article introduces its accomplishments as well as the future that will be possible with its successors IOWN2.0, 3.0, and beyond. This article is based on the keynote speech given by Katsuhiko Kawazoe, NTT senior executive vice president, at Tsukuba Forum 2023, held on May 17 and 18, 2023.

• Past and Future Prospects for Advanced Operation of Access Network Facilities

  

  Abstract
  NTT is responsible for building and maintaining access network facilities, providing a variety of services ranging from fixed-line telephones using metal cables to data communications using optical fibers. In this context, we at NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories are researching and developing smart-engineering (design and construction) and smart-maintenance (maintenance and operation) technologies with the aim of operational innovation through digital transformation of such access network services. We are also taking on the challenge of creating new value in areas other than telecommunications by using assets at our communication facilities.

• Low-latency and Energy Efficient Technologies for New Optical Access Networks

  

  Abstract
  NTT laboratories are engaged in the research and development of technologies to overcome increasing data volume, power consumption, and network delay. This article introduces the technologies that contribute to low latency and power saving of optical access networks being researched and developed by the Optical Access System Project at NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories.

• Wireless Technologies for Accelerating High-capacity Transmission, Low Energy, and Application-area Expansion

  

  Abstract
  This article describes recent research and development of wireless technologies for the sixth-generation mobile communications system (6G) and the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) at NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories. We at NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories believe that IOWN and 6G have the same targets for future networks. Therefore, to actualize 6G/IOWN, we are investigating wireless technologies focusing on high-capacity transmission by combining them with optical technologies, coverage extension for the sky including satellite-communication systems, application-area expansion, and low energy as the common wireless technological issues. This article introduces these wireless technologies and their future prospects.

Global Standardization Activities

• A Report on ASTAP and WTSA-24 Regional Preparatory Meeting

  

  Abstract
  The 35th ASTAP (Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Standardization Program) Forum was held at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Bangkok, Thailand from April 17 to 20, 2023, and on the following day, the 1st meeting of the APT Preparatory Group for WTSA-24 (World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2024) was held. We report on the status of each conference and the main results of each.

External Awards

• External Awards