How 5G will enable the next generation of IoT deployments

The fifth generation of wireless cellular communication - or 5G as it’s more commonly known - is expected to move from concept to reality by 2020. The same year the number of connected devices is expected to exceed 30 billion. This era of ‘hyper-connected IoT’ is driving demand for bandwidth through the roof - not simply because of the raw numbers, but due to the way these smarter products actually use the network.

Spotlight

KDDI America, Inc

KDDI America is the US subsidiary of KDDI Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company and is growing communications carrier with a proven track record in Japan and a longstanding reputation for quality and reliability. KDDI America provides a wide range of High Quality Services such as Communications, Data Centers and Solution Services throughout the world.

OTHER ARTICLES
5G

Singtel delivers a model for future 5G and edge connectivity

Article | May 18, 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.”

Read More
Network Infrastructure, Network Management

Ericsson’s 5G platform adds unique core and business communication capabilities

Article | July 27, 2023

To leverage the full benefits of 5G and cloud native investments, orchestration and automation are now a critical matter of business. Ericsson’s 5G platform is now being strengthened with new solutions that enable smarter business. David Bjore, Head of R&D and Portfolio, Business Area Digital Services, Ericsson, says: “Through our core networks, service providers can get to market faster and can capitalize on new services, through leading consumer and enterprise communication and monetization solutions, enabling them to stay ahead in the race for 5G business, today and tomorrow.”

Read More
Enterprise Mobility

Ericsson researchers top 4.3Gbps downlink on 5G millimeter wave

Article | June 15, 2023

With a technical specification comprising 8 component carriers (8CC) aggregating 800MHz of millimeter wave spectrum, Ericsson engineers achieved delivery rates of 4.3Gbps – the fastest 5G speed to date. Ericsson Radio System Street Macro 6701 delivered data with downlink speeds of 4.3Gbps over-the-air to an industry partner test device during interoperability testing. The commercial solution, including network and terminal support, will be available to 5G consumers during 2020.

Read More

Intelligence Brief: How is 5G changing network ownership?

Article | February 12, 2020

5G necessitates a different network strategy. Unlike previous generations, 5G deployment is not only about adding more sites and increasing backhaul capacity. In fact, it is more about rethinking the whole network architecture to make it agile. The high capacity requirements of 5G will necessitate the use of small cells in cities and areas of high footfall (such as airports) to complement national macro networks. Private networks (for example to sell into enterprise customers) and the concept of a neutral host (such as for sports stadiums) are further examples of diversification.

Read More

Spotlight

KDDI America, Inc

KDDI America is the US subsidiary of KDDI Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company and is growing communications carrier with a proven track record in Japan and a longstanding reputation for quality and reliability. KDDI America provides a wide range of High Quality Services such as Communications, Data Centers and Solution Services throughout the world.

Related News

Network Infrastructure

Algeria Telecom Deploys NEC & Juniper Networks' 5G-Ready IP MTA

Algeria Telecom | May 31, 2022

NEC Corporation, a world's leading IT and network transformation service company, and Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, have worked with Algeria Telecom, the leader in the Algerian telecommunications market, to roll out its modernized, nationwide IP metro commercial network to support current demand for increased capacity and future 5G and FTTx requires. Algeria Telecom has a mid-term strategy objective to develop a homogenized, optimized transport network with automated capabilities to ensure bandwidth and future-proof its infrastructure in a rising market. NEC and Juniper implemented Algeria Telecom's next-generation IP metro network while maintaining quality of service and the greatest user experience. Algeria Telecom chose Juniper Networks' high-performing, security solutions for SDN-ready, cloud-grade networking and feature-rich, simple and secure connectivity at scale as the innovative foundation of its new platform. The access nodes create separate pre-aggregation, aggregation, and access domains for optimal reliability. Algeria Telecom implemented the Juniper Paragon Automation cloud-native solution package, Paragon Pathfinder and Paragon Planner, to get deep network insight and simplify operations. This ensures 5G and multicloud user experiences. All Juniper systems operate on Junos OS to deliver an easily managed, open solution. Mr. Adel Bentoumi, CEO of Algeria Telecom said that "The successful completion of the IP metro network modernization project by our partners, NEC Corporation and Juniper Networks, will allow us to make the migration to IPV6 and the initiation of digital transformation, as well as the implementation of high speed internet, as we best satisfy the needs of Algeria Telecom customers." The rapid growth of network traffic is a clear indication of the need for modernization and expansion of network capacity. NEC and Juniper have been extremely attentive to our needs, both technical and commercial, working as an extension of our team with their outstanding local engineering abilities, as well as their relentless efforts to assure quality of experience and on-time delivery. Overall, the innovative solutions from Juniper to enable this automated metro cloud architecture have helped us achieve our strategic goals and thrive as we pave the way for 5G.” AllahoumHocine, Head of IP Core, Algeria Telecom Brendan Gibbs, Senior Vice President, Automated WAN Solutions, Juniper Networks said that “Networks have always been a key asset for service providers, but going forward they will be the foundation for every aspect of business transformation in the 5G and cloud era. Algeria Telecom is jumping ahead of the curve by investing in an open, agile and automated network architecture that can drive simplified operations, improved economics and superior end-user experiences.”

Read More

Wireless

TDK Ventures Invests in XCOM Labs

TDK | May 30, 2022

TDK Corporation today announced that its subsidiary TDK Ventures, Inc. has decided to invest in wireless communications disruptor XCOM Labs to accelerate the development of their 5G and wireless communications solutions, which prioritize bandwidth capacity, latency reduction/elimination, and compute load balancing. XCOM is developing wireless technologies to allow smart manufacturing, automation, off-site training, and more immersive telework experiences in the future of work and Industry 4.0. This extends beyond medical, entertainment, and even defense applications to aid in the training and preparation of military troops. Many of the breakthrough technologies seen in the 2G/3G/4G revolutions were developed by XCOM's leadership team, which included Dr. Paul Jacobs, Derek Aberle, and Matt Grob. As present infrastructure cannot keep up with the need for 5G and wireless infrastructure, there is a large demand for further growth and adoption of supporting technologies. Each "G" generation signifies an effort to increase wireless transmission speed, capacity, and overall value. This necessitates not only hardware and software improvements, but also the use of either frequency spectra in new and novel waves or very new frequency bands. The balance of energy, frequency, and transmission is one of several compromises. Higher frequency – and consequently energy signals – can transport more information in less time but degrade faster over distance. In terms of infrastructure, this implies that more transmitting "nodes" in the network are required to convey higher frequency signals over a given region. XCOM is developing technologies that will level the playing field. Their solutions aim to increase spectrum capacity and utility by more than tenfold, allowing the potential promised by 5G and next-generation developers to become a reality. XCOM, for example, is developing further to take digital transformation to the next level via extended reality (XR). They are building a high throughput, low latency wireless technology to enable seamless virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences utilizing a globally accessible 60GHz millimeter wave spectrum. What was previously constrained by the necessity for heavy processing equipment nearby or the poor throughput of smartphone processing is now becoming a full system capable of immersing the user in a metaverse or digital world environment. This will be a significant advancement in the integration of edge computing processing to deliver a more natural user experience. The XCOM team is set on continuing our tradition of excellence and innovating in the wireless space. We understand how important high throughput/low latency is for the future of compute-heavy applications and are working to deliver those capabilities to create real and positive change in our world and industry applications. Our XR technologies are evidence of this progress and show that seamless processing through edge computing can deliver a truly immersive and agile VR/AR system fit for business, entertainment, and more." XCOM's Dr. Jacobs TDK Ventures shares XCOM's dedication to digital transformation for a better, more sustainable future. TDK Ventures will assist XCOM with scaling the effect of their technology by using their network connections, industry partners, and linking XCOM to other TDK business divisions. The platform team at TDK Ventures also offers early product validation, pilots, customer/channel/ecosystem access, market knowledge, operational experience (e.g., materials, manufacturing, fabless, supply chain), and go-to-market/branding coaching.

Read More

Wireless

Vislink Showcases Innovative 5G & Cloud-Based Wireless Solutions

Vislink | May 27, 2022

Vislink, a worldwide leader in the capture, distribution, and management of high quality, live video and data in the media & entertainment, law enforcement, and military industries, presented private network 5G technology during a sports event in the UK to illustrate its potential in broadcast. Vislink and Mobile Viewpoint's adoption heralds a revolution in remote production processes by extending bi-directional IP connections to the edge and allowing virtualized production in the cloud. Vislink's breakthroughs were on display at the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and the Northampton Saints at StoneX Stadium in London, where it backed a BT-led project to highlight the potential for 5G in broadcast contributions by connecting matchday cameras to a standalone private 5G network. In a UK first, this cameras' feed was included in BT Sport's live broadcasts of the match, a first for a customer broadcast. BT Media & Broadcast, BT Sport, Broadcast RF, and Neutral Wireless headed the project. Vislink installed private network 5G transmitters with COFDM technology to illustrate how 5G technology is growing to offer assured quality, low latency video from wireless cameras to give spectators realistic up-close camera views of the athletic event. Mobile Viewpoint's 5G-enabled encoders send camera feeds to the cloud across a secure, low-latency 5G private network and IP LAN. The director can pick camera feeds for the program stream fully in the cloud, utilizing BT Sport's virtualized production process. This cloud-based installation illustrates Mobile Viewpoint's capacity to bring new cost and operating advantages for distant manufacturing operations. Vislink's long-standing expertise in COFDM-based wireless technologies was bolstered last year with the inclusion of Mobile Viewpoint 5G technology capabilities. Vislink now has a best-of-breed portfolio of resilient and efficient solutions for a broad range of deployment situations thanks to the integration of these technologies. Following on from the world's first stand-alone private 5G network for sports broadcasting during the British MotoGP 2021 Grand Prix, this current public demonstration signals another step forward in the company's 5G wireless technology leadership. Vislink and Mobile Viewpoint showed the world's first glass-to-glass All-IP wireless and virtualized manufacturing during this experiment, which was arranged by BT Sport and BT Media & Broadcast. This momentous trial has now established the future course for live event streaming.

Read More

Network Infrastructure

Algeria Telecom Deploys NEC & Juniper Networks' 5G-Ready IP MTA

Algeria Telecom | May 31, 2022

NEC Corporation, a world's leading IT and network transformation service company, and Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, have worked with Algeria Telecom, the leader in the Algerian telecommunications market, to roll out its modernized, nationwide IP metro commercial network to support current demand for increased capacity and future 5G and FTTx requires. Algeria Telecom has a mid-term strategy objective to develop a homogenized, optimized transport network with automated capabilities to ensure bandwidth and future-proof its infrastructure in a rising market. NEC and Juniper implemented Algeria Telecom's next-generation IP metro network while maintaining quality of service and the greatest user experience. Algeria Telecom chose Juniper Networks' high-performing, security solutions for SDN-ready, cloud-grade networking and feature-rich, simple and secure connectivity at scale as the innovative foundation of its new platform. The access nodes create separate pre-aggregation, aggregation, and access domains for optimal reliability. Algeria Telecom implemented the Juniper Paragon Automation cloud-native solution package, Paragon Pathfinder and Paragon Planner, to get deep network insight and simplify operations. This ensures 5G and multicloud user experiences. All Juniper systems operate on Junos OS to deliver an easily managed, open solution. Mr. Adel Bentoumi, CEO of Algeria Telecom said that "The successful completion of the IP metro network modernization project by our partners, NEC Corporation and Juniper Networks, will allow us to make the migration to IPV6 and the initiation of digital transformation, as well as the implementation of high speed internet, as we best satisfy the needs of Algeria Telecom customers." The rapid growth of network traffic is a clear indication of the need for modernization and expansion of network capacity. NEC and Juniper have been extremely attentive to our needs, both technical and commercial, working as an extension of our team with their outstanding local engineering abilities, as well as their relentless efforts to assure quality of experience and on-time delivery. Overall, the innovative solutions from Juniper to enable this automated metro cloud architecture have helped us achieve our strategic goals and thrive as we pave the way for 5G.” AllahoumHocine, Head of IP Core, Algeria Telecom Brendan Gibbs, Senior Vice President, Automated WAN Solutions, Juniper Networks said that “Networks have always been a key asset for service providers, but going forward they will be the foundation for every aspect of business transformation in the 5G and cloud era. Algeria Telecom is jumping ahead of the curve by investing in an open, agile and automated network architecture that can drive simplified operations, improved economics and superior end-user experiences.”

Read More

Wireless

TDK Ventures Invests in XCOM Labs

TDK | May 30, 2022

TDK Corporation today announced that its subsidiary TDK Ventures, Inc. has decided to invest in wireless communications disruptor XCOM Labs to accelerate the development of their 5G and wireless communications solutions, which prioritize bandwidth capacity, latency reduction/elimination, and compute load balancing. XCOM is developing wireless technologies to allow smart manufacturing, automation, off-site training, and more immersive telework experiences in the future of work and Industry 4.0. This extends beyond medical, entertainment, and even defense applications to aid in the training and preparation of military troops. Many of the breakthrough technologies seen in the 2G/3G/4G revolutions were developed by XCOM's leadership team, which included Dr. Paul Jacobs, Derek Aberle, and Matt Grob. As present infrastructure cannot keep up with the need for 5G and wireless infrastructure, there is a large demand for further growth and adoption of supporting technologies. Each "G" generation signifies an effort to increase wireless transmission speed, capacity, and overall value. This necessitates not only hardware and software improvements, but also the use of either frequency spectra in new and novel waves or very new frequency bands. The balance of energy, frequency, and transmission is one of several compromises. Higher frequency – and consequently energy signals – can transport more information in less time but degrade faster over distance. In terms of infrastructure, this implies that more transmitting "nodes" in the network are required to convey higher frequency signals over a given region. XCOM is developing technologies that will level the playing field. Their solutions aim to increase spectrum capacity and utility by more than tenfold, allowing the potential promised by 5G and next-generation developers to become a reality. XCOM, for example, is developing further to take digital transformation to the next level via extended reality (XR). They are building a high throughput, low latency wireless technology to enable seamless virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences utilizing a globally accessible 60GHz millimeter wave spectrum. What was previously constrained by the necessity for heavy processing equipment nearby or the poor throughput of smartphone processing is now becoming a full system capable of immersing the user in a metaverse or digital world environment. This will be a significant advancement in the integration of edge computing processing to deliver a more natural user experience. The XCOM team is set on continuing our tradition of excellence and innovating in the wireless space. We understand how important high throughput/low latency is for the future of compute-heavy applications and are working to deliver those capabilities to create real and positive change in our world and industry applications. Our XR technologies are evidence of this progress and show that seamless processing through edge computing can deliver a truly immersive and agile VR/AR system fit for business, entertainment, and more." XCOM's Dr. Jacobs TDK Ventures shares XCOM's dedication to digital transformation for a better, more sustainable future. TDK Ventures will assist XCOM with scaling the effect of their technology by using their network connections, industry partners, and linking XCOM to other TDK business divisions. The platform team at TDK Ventures also offers early product validation, pilots, customer/channel/ecosystem access, market knowledge, operational experience (e.g., materials, manufacturing, fabless, supply chain), and go-to-market/branding coaching.

Read More

Wireless

Vislink Showcases Innovative 5G & Cloud-Based Wireless Solutions

Vislink | May 27, 2022

Vislink, a worldwide leader in the capture, distribution, and management of high quality, live video and data in the media & entertainment, law enforcement, and military industries, presented private network 5G technology during a sports event in the UK to illustrate its potential in broadcast. Vislink and Mobile Viewpoint's adoption heralds a revolution in remote production processes by extending bi-directional IP connections to the edge and allowing virtualized production in the cloud. Vislink's breakthroughs were on display at the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Saracens and the Northampton Saints at StoneX Stadium in London, where it backed a BT-led project to highlight the potential for 5G in broadcast contributions by connecting matchday cameras to a standalone private 5G network. In a UK first, this cameras' feed was included in BT Sport's live broadcasts of the match, a first for a customer broadcast. BT Media & Broadcast, BT Sport, Broadcast RF, and Neutral Wireless headed the project. Vislink installed private network 5G transmitters with COFDM technology to illustrate how 5G technology is growing to offer assured quality, low latency video from wireless cameras to give spectators realistic up-close camera views of the athletic event. Mobile Viewpoint's 5G-enabled encoders send camera feeds to the cloud across a secure, low-latency 5G private network and IP LAN. The director can pick camera feeds for the program stream fully in the cloud, utilizing BT Sport's virtualized production process. This cloud-based installation illustrates Mobile Viewpoint's capacity to bring new cost and operating advantages for distant manufacturing operations. Vislink's long-standing expertise in COFDM-based wireless technologies was bolstered last year with the inclusion of Mobile Viewpoint 5G technology capabilities. Vislink now has a best-of-breed portfolio of resilient and efficient solutions for a broad range of deployment situations thanks to the integration of these technologies. Following on from the world's first stand-alone private 5G network for sports broadcasting during the British MotoGP 2021 Grand Prix, this current public demonstration signals another step forward in the company's 5G wireless technology leadership. Vislink and Mobile Viewpoint showed the world's first glass-to-glass All-IP wireless and virtualized manufacturing during this experiment, which was arranged by BT Sport and BT Media & Broadcast. This momentous trial has now established the future course for live event streaming.

Read More

Events