Do Huawei’s US woes reflect a 5G power struggle?

Network Management, Network Security

Article | July 17, 2023

Asia stands out as home to a handful of telcos busy building an international business out of selling their internally developed IT platforms. Leading the way are Jio in India, Japan’s Rakuten and Singapore operator Singtel. Having built their own businesses, they are now selling their platforms to support new 5G business models for enterprises and other operators. In the case of Singtel, this means its 5G multi-access edge computing (MEC) services, based on Paragon, its orchestration platform for enterprise services. Manoj Prasanna Kumar, Head of Enterprise Platforms at Singtel, who is responsible for the Paragon platform, discusses in this article the company’s enterprise service ambitions, how it’s partnering with global enterprise software vendors and the obstacles it still sees to 5G B2B service uptake. Paragon, which falls under the telco’s DigitalInfraCo arm, aims to give enterprises “a single pane of glass that provides an end-to-end view and control of the network, the edge and the application ecosystem,” says Manoj. “It opens up the edge to the enterprise world, allowing them to deploy either their own applications or applications from Singtel's ecosystem.” Launched last year, Paragon also lets telcos orchestrate end-to-end 5G enterprise networking services in combination with applications from software and cloud computing partners. Paragon’s application partners include Amazon Web Services, Intel, Microsoft and SAP, and the platform is available to every 5G enterprise user within the Singtel Group. Singtel’s bet is that a growing number of enterprises will need a tightly intertwined combination of 5G connectivity and cloud computing on the edge to run specific vertical applications. “Our strategy is to become a super aggregator of MEC,” says Manoj. “We focus on high throughput, low latency use cases, such as video analytics or streaming, mixed reality and virtual reality which pump data into the back-end applications and where the decision-making cannot afford even a few milliseconds of extra latency.” In addition to Paragon, Singtel Group’s investments in 5G infrastructure and service delivery include a national 5G standalone (SA) network, covering more than 95% of Singapore, and international investment in data centers to support cloud computing on the network edge. Today, there are signs that its investments in 5G enterprise services are starting to bear fruit. In the second half of the 2022/23 financial year, which ended on 31 March, Singtel reported that higher demand for technology solutions and 5G services contributed to ICT revenue growth of 11%, with ICT revenues contributing 23% of Singtel Group’s overall enterprise revenue. Singtel scored a notable win for the Enterprise 5G offering powered by Paragon platform last year when Silicon manufacturer Micron said it would deploy it and Singtel’s 5G campus network infrastructure to support its smart manufacturing operations. Micron is using Singtel’s solution to help manage and analyze its manufacturing processes for enhanced efficiency. Likewise, Singtel recently announced Hyundai as another customer for their Enterprise 5G offering powered by the Paragon platform to deliver digital twin for their electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Singapore for advanced manufacturing operations. Nonetheless, Manoj recognizes that challenges remain when it comes to growing the 5G enterprise business. “5G and edge in Singapore have had quite a good start. But I would say we've got a long way to go,” he says. Convincing customers One of the biggest obstacles is generating customer demand. After all, just because enterprises are able to set 5G connectivity parameters on demand or use MEC for 5G applications at the click of a button doesn’t mean they see a reason to do so. “Many customers don't have a lot of awareness of how edge computing can really transform their business and how a few milliseconds of latency can actually save money for them, make them more efficient, and reduce errors and so on,” says Manoj. This reality has shaped Singtel’s sales process. “We spend quite a lot of time in raising awareness amongst customers,” he explains. “We never start with what 5G can do. Instead, we focus on understanding their challenges, their current processes, what gaps there are, and…start with applications that can help solve their problems.” Another challenge is a lack of 5G-native devices. “This puts us in a very tough spot because when we go and connect devices to wi-fi hotspots, and then use 5G as backhaul, customers often ask ‘isn't this similar to wi fi? Why do I need 5G?’” He adds: “It will be a bit of a roadblock…for all telcos until the 5G-native device ecosystem matures.” There is also a need for software applications that can perform optimally on 5G and the edge, and switch between network slices with different payloads. “There is a little bit of hand holding required when we bring in an ISV to qualify their application so that it can benefit from all the capabilities of 5G and the edge,” says Manoj. And then there are the engineering challenges associated with orchestration. Paragon sets out to automate much of the orchestration and management capabilities that make it possible to request quality of service on demand for specific applications and use cases. But here again, success is dependent on close partnerships with third parties. “Strategic partnerships with Ericsson on the network side and with Intel, Microsoft and AWS help us boost the infrastructure and the application side to stitch together the network and the infrastructure capabilities,” explains Manoj. Choosing your vertical Singtel is currently targeting three strategic verticals: manufacturing, public safety and urban planning. Its choice reflects the opportunities in both Singapore and the domestic markets of members of the Singtel Group. “In Singapore, we are lucky because both enterprises and the government are very, very future-looking and invest quite a lot in adopting new technology,” says Manoj. In particular, “public sector customers are more motivated to explore something new because they carry the digital footprint of the country,” he says. And because governments operate public safety and urban planning systems at a national level, the promises are on enough scale to spur third parties to invest in developing devices and software applications. Typical public safety use cases include video analytics, surveillance systems and robotics applications; urban planning covers systems such as traffic management. Some of the enterprise applications Singtel sees gaining traction include immersive B2B2C content, such as delivering real-time analytics to gamers via a 360-degree video feed or mixed reality applications to train factory workers on how to troubleshoot to use complex equipment. “If they need an augmented overlay of information through the camera feeds then they need 5G and edge because a lag will make users nauseous,” explains Manoj. Other promising use cases include autonomous drones and robots. Singtel has drawn on standard APIs, including TM Forum’s Open APIs, CAMARA APIs to build Paragon. Manoj encourages both technology standardization and collaboration with hyperscalers and software vendors to grow the enterprise market. “Telcos should be embracing tech players as partners, seeing them as catalysts of more pull through on their services,” says Manoj. “When you partner with them, you expose your services on the hyperscale infrastructure, you naturally work with developers, which allows telcos to expand the services market.”

Wireless, 5G

Article | May 18, 2023

5G trends are shaping the future of various technologies, from the Internet of Things to Virtual Reality. Learn more about the top trends in 5G to stay ahead of the competition in this sector. Contents 1 The Value of 5G for Businesses 2 5G Trends to Watch in 2023 2.1 Shift to Standalone 5G 2.2 Edge Computing for IoT 2.3 Adoption of Private 5G Networks 2.4 General Availability of 5G 2.5 Partnerships for Rapid Deployments 3 Conclusion 1 The Value of 5G for Businesses The fifth-generation network technology, or 5G, promises to revolutionize the way businesses communicate and operate. It offers lower latency, faster data transfer speeds, more robust security, and new and enhanced experiences. These capabilities enable 5G to support high-quality video conferencing, real-time collaboration, immersive virtual experiences, and more. By investing in 5G, businesses can stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their employees and customers. With the growing adoption and use cases of this technology, keeping up with the technology trends in 5G is essential for staying ahead in today's business landscape. 2 5G Trends to Watch in 2023 2.1 Shift to Standalone 5G The rapid deployment of 5G across the world has been made possible due to the existence of an already-established 4G infrastructure. This has allowed operators to concentrate on developing the radio access network components while relying on 4G networks as a failsafe. This approach has enabled operators to deploy 5G networks at a faster pace, thereby allowing the benefits of this technology trend to reach a wider audience. The integration of a 5G core and radio forms the backbone of 5G infrastructure, enabling the 5G stand-alone network to achieve its full potential. Wireless providers have been actively promoting the key features of 5G, such as ultra-low latency and complete network slicing, which are exclusively available through the stand-alone version of this advanced technology. By utilizing this emerging technology, businesses can unlock an entirely new level of performance, allowing them to deliver innovative and immersive services to their end-users. Stand-alone 5G is also a necessity for certain unique use cases, and many 5G trends in 2023 will rely on its capabilities. It is essential for businesses to understand the benefits of this advanced technology and adopt it to remain competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. 2.2 Edge Computing for IoT The convergence of 5G technology and IoT is transforming how businesses operate across industry verticals. This 5G trend enables edge computing for the IoT by providing low-latency and high-bandwidth connectivity. With 5G, data can be transmitted and processed at the edge of the network, closer to the source of the data, rather than being sent to a central data center for processing. While extensive IoT fleets can operate on a 4G network, a 5G network will improve upon those capabilities with massive multiple-input, multiple output capabilities, enabling an increased number of devices to connect with the cell tower. This is especially useful in IIoT, where a large number of IoT devices are present within a small area, which requires this level of connectivity. The low latency and high bandwidth offered by 5G infrastructure also support innovative IoT solutions, such as integrating artificial intelligence, by enabling real-time processing of data and faster response times. Edge computing allows IoT devices to perform complex processing tasks and make decisions locally, rather than relying on a centralized cloud server. Businesses that operate in industries that require real-time processing will especially benefit from the digital transformation through 5G. 2.3 Adoption of Private 5G Networks Private wireless networks are suitable for many industrial applications, and the market for private 5G networks is set to expand rapidly. Private 5G networks offer greater cybersecurity, control, and reliability, making them ideal for mission-critical applications that require high levels of security and privacy. This is one of the key 5G trends because it is applicable to industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, where IoT devices collect and share sensitive data that requires greater cybersecurity. Businesses can also utilize private 5G networks to benefit from higher bandwidth, lower latency, and greater flexibility compared to public networks. Private 5G networks can be customized and tailored to meet the specific requirements of each application, making them ideal for specialized functions. As more enterprises look to benefit from network-intensive technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and big data, the demand for private wireless networks will continue to rise. Network operators are also more willing to offer private 5G networks because they represent a new revenue stream and a growth opportunity while also allowing them to provide a more personalized service to their customers. 2.4 General Availability of 5G The 5G trends have moved towards access to 5G across the world, with 5G now available in 95 countries and reaching to more than 1.2 billion people. 5G networks are becoming more widespread in 2023, and as a result, many 5G trends and technologies are expected to emerge. Furthermore, 5G has become standard across all premium devices and many mid-range ones, making it an attractive option for consumers. For businesses, this means a whole new world of possibilities. 5G networks offer faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and lower latency, enabling businesses to offer more innovative products and services. With the increased availability of 5G, businesses can develop and deploy emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Remote work and related use cases will also rise in popularity as 5G becomes more common. However, the distribution of 5G networks differs by region. 5G trends indicate that urban populations will likely be the first beneficiaries of public 5G rollouts and will benefit the most from 5G capabilities such as network densification and massive MIMO. With the deployment of 5G small cells for connectivity, 5G networks will support new use cases and faster, more reliable connectivity for the general public, especially in urban areas. 2.5 Partnerships for Rapid Deployments By connecting disjointed B2B and B2C networks with ecosystems, service providers can become service enablers, working with businesses, consumers, and even competitors to create unique 5G offerings. Digital transformation is possible through new approaches to partnerships, through which service providers manage commoditization pressures and a hyper-competitive market. Partnerships also provide businesses with access to industry skill sets that are in high demand, such as cloud, cybersecurity, and automation. By partnering with players who are already experts, cellular network providers offer specialized solutions to their customers that they may not have been able to provide otherwise. Hosted labs also help to speed ecosystem validation of use cases and new technology, ensuring that solutions are effective and efficient. Furthermore, partnerships enable service providers to create products with global scale, as demonstrated by SAP, IBM, ServiceNow, and Deutsche Telekom, which have collaborated to create global connectivity offerings ranging from 5G to software-defined networks. In the race to increase revenue and control costs in the 5G industry, collaborating with industry experts and integrating solutions will become one of the key 5G technology trends. Through collaboration, service providers can offer unique solutions to their customers, access necessary industry skill sets, and create products with global scale. These partnerships are necessary for businesses to remain competitive in an ever-changing market. 3 Conclusion The ongoing rollout of 5G networks is set to transform businesses across all industries, bringing faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices than ever before. As technology continues to evolve, businesses need to stay up-to-date with the future trends in 5G in order to take advantage of its full potential. The growing demand for low latency and massive connectivity due to new use cases such as edge computing and the IoT is driving the growth of 5G networks. These trends will enable businesses to create new products and services, increase efficiency and productivity, and ultimately transform the way they operate. As 5G networks continue to mature, businesses that invest in this technology will have a competitive advantage over those that do not. They will be able to deliver faster, more reliable services to customers, streamline operations, and reduce costs. With the right approach, organizations can capitalize on the latest trends in 5G and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation in the years to come.

Data Center Networking

Article | July 5, 2023

Introduction 5G is predicted to have a significant impact on how cloud computing operates in the future. It will undoubtedly revolutionize the communication and networking industry. In addition, it will have a significant impact on all other industries. Transmission speeds will be 10 times faster in 5G than in 4G. Apart from networking and communication industries, it will also revolutionize other healthcare, automotive, and many more. Commercial 5G smartphones are already in the market. A study report by Ericsson Mobility predicts that there will be one billion 5G subscriptions by 2023. It will account for about 20% of the mobile data traffic. 5G, with its features such as low latency performance and high speed, has all the capabilities of developing cloud computing and take to the next level. As a result, there will be an unpredictable positive impact of 5G on cloud computing, especially in the industries and sectors that use the latest technologies such as the Internet of Things, machine learning, and AI. It has already started redefining business networks. It is also expected to make tremendous, unpredictable progress and changes in how cloud computing and networks perform in storing, moving, and accessing data. It will be possible as 5G brings more technological applications to make digital transformations faster and more efficient for businesses. 5G Network- Advantages As said in the introduction, there are many advantages to 5G network. Some of them can be: Greater transmission speed Lower latency Higher capacity Compared to 4G, 5G has increased bandwidth. These features will change the way people work, live, and play in the future once the 5G network comes into play widely. How Will 5G Impact Cloud Computing? Undoubtedly 5G has the potential to redefine the future of cloud computing. It will transform edge computing. Let us look in detail at what impact 5G will bring in cloud computing. Mobile Cloud Applications to Become More Efficient and Widely Used Undoubtedly 5G has the potential to redefine the future of cloud computing. It will transform edge computing. Let us look in detail at what impact 5G will bring in cloud computing. Mobile Cloud Applications to Become More Efficient and Widely Used Organizations today widely use cloud-enabled applications for customer services as well as for their different operations. Once the widespread use of the 5G network starts, the mobile application will become more efficient and widely used. It will be reflected more in the industries such as healthcare and banking. Enabling Cloud Service Providers to Reach Customers Reliably and Easily 5G will make a machine to machine communication and larger computing possible. This will make accessing virtual machines via phones a common practice. Mobile users will get more features and options from cloud computing enterprises. Remote workers will access cloud services as hotspots will become faster and uninterrupted. Complete Transformation of Edge Computing The emergence of edge computing has solved the issues of unnecessary traffic on the cloud and latency. The need for edge computing became strong when internet penetration and IoT came into existence. Now, G5 will make edge computing grow, making it an essential thing. G5 will transform edge computing entirely and increase the demand for it. As a result, edge and 5G are becoming mutually reinforcing phenomena. 5G will work on edge computing to provide quick real-time data. This is because edge computing has the potential to provide low latency and higher bandwidth. Faster Streaming 5G network will surprise companies and entities with its fast data transfer capabilities. It will be ten times faster than the 4G network. It will facilitate storage and faster real-time streaming and thus productivity at its best. “If everything you touch has to go to a data center and back before you see the animation, you're going to notice. Working at the 5G Lab in a mobile edge cloud, all of a sudden, what we thought would be impossible can happen because the 5G network is so fast.” - Ian McLoughlin, LiquidSky Software founder, and CEO Work from any Location As 5G is ten times faster than 4G in transferring data due to its better connectivity, employees can work from any location. It will make remote work possible anywhere. Better Security Systems As technology is ever-evolving, hackers and online frauds come with advanced techniques to steal data. They hold the sensitive information of organizations and do unimaginable damage. Once 5G is rolled out widely, administrators will recognize such frauds in advance and prepare to mitigate such cyber-attacks. Summing up Cloud computing is undoubtedly going to have an impact on cloud computing. The connectivity of 5G is ten times faster than 4G. IT will help people connect to their workplaces from any location. Remote work will make it easier. Cloud mobile applications will become more efficient and reliable. The service providers will have a good relationship with customers as they will be providing prompt and reliable service in terms of connectivity. Joining together with other technologies such as edge computing, AI, ML, technology is expected to get into another level with the wide roll-out of 5G. Frequently Asked Questions How will 5G affect cloud computing? Cloud computing will have a complete transformation and improvement when 5G is rolled out widely. The 5G connectivity has the features such as cloud virtualization, Ultra-reliable low-latency communication, better latency, increased bandwidth, and more flexible cloud-based management. How is 5G going to impact lives? 5G is capable of controlling services remotely. In addition, 5G will enhance autonomous driving, personal communication, IoT, AI, and augmented reality. It will also change the way companies store, access, share and protect data. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How will 5G affect cloud computing?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Cloud computing will have a complete transformation and improvement when 5G is rolled out widely. The 5G connectivity has the features such as cloud virtualization, Ultra-reliable low-latency communication, better latency, increased bandwidth, and more flexible cloud-based management." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How is 5G going to impact lives?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "5G is capable of controlling services remotely. 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Article | April 20, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been relentlessly spreading across the world. Countless events, both international and domestic, big and small, have been either postponed or canceled due to the ongoing pandemic. This was supposed to be the year the 5G network rollout would make the technology mainstream and widely available. But the much-anticipated rollout of the lightning-quick 5G network may now be in the slow lane. Because of the increasing spread of the disease in many European countries, various 5G network spectrum regulators have postponed the long-awaited auction of the 5G spectrum. These auctions were crucial for network providers to launch or expand the already existing 5G network systems.