How Can Operators Get 5G Performance Out of True Cloud Native Networks?
As 5G Core is now comprised of pure, virtualized, software-based network functions (or services), operators are getting some real-world lessons from the Cloud Native ecosystem. As the Cloud Native ecosystem moves the carrier community towards instantiating and accelerating their networks within Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) cloud infrastructures, how will that impact carrier business cases and their future services and revenue streams? Watch this executive panel with operators in the EMEA, APAC & NA markets and how they are taking control of their futures with cloud native networking.
5G: The Evolution to 200G & 400G
As 5G moves from a concept in the lab to a commercial field-deployable solution, achieving the 5G deployment goals set by operators around the world is critical. Time-to-market and network deployment efficiency will be highly dependent on the rigor of test and measurement during the lab phase of the 5G technology life cycle. However, the validation of mmWave and massive MIMO is complex, costly and occasionally unreliable in an RF chamber. How do we test the quality of experience of subscribers with real-world user behavior under challenging test scenarios? How can we validate the RF environment in a short amount of time? Watch this executive speaking panel as leaders in the 5G space take us from the lab to the field, for next generation wireless and the evolution towards 400G.
The Cloudification of the Network: First-of-its-Kind Intelligent Mobile Network
It all started with one question: how can the network manage, store and transport unprecedented amounts of data to realize record low latency, new services for AI and data centric offering and allow Telcos to efficiently spin up their networks for data intensive functions? Reinventing the mobile network is one challenge but what Rakuten has done with the first first-of-its-kind Cloud Native Network Is truly and inflection point for the wireless network. A cost-efficient cloud-native network infrastructure foundation offers a richer, standards-based development environment compared to legacy, proprietary wireless networks. Watch this NMG hosted executive speaking panel on how 5G and the cloudification of the network is a technology inflection that will accelerate and create demand for data and new, real-time mobile services at global scale.
NFV for 5G- It’s Not Only the Technology, it’s the Culture
Building operational models and processes to leverage NFV technology is the primary challenge for service providers. The benefits are clear, lower Capex through virtual software capabilities on X86 servers and lower Opex through automation and more services. So, why haven’t we seen NFV supporting large operational functions? The first challenge: retraining the workforce to accept NFV as a nascent technology, that operators and vendors need focus on in order to achieve an agile and scalable network environment. The second challenge: as telcos are migrating towards open source capabilities, the need to disaggregate these solutions in a multi-vendor environment is key. Providing open and disaggregated systems and solutions for SP’s and for their customers is critical. Watch this NMG hosted panel with leaders in the NFV value chain who see the end game for NFV existing in workforce training and multi-vendor options, for Telcos.
Mobile RAN in 5G Environments: Accelerating Mobile Operators Adoption
Based on the O-RAN Alliance architecture, global operators and vendors using open interoperable interfaces and RAN virtualization will accelerate the adoption and deployment of 5G. So, how does that apply to real world installations and deployments? NMG will illustrate open, multi-vendor interoperability and systems integration scenarios that will soon help define 5G through open 5G Standards, with Global Carriers.
A Scalable Open RAN Solution (custom)
An open baseband interface for enabling more innovation in the wireless marketplace is key for a scalable Open RAN solution. In comes the first end-to-end mmWave system that clearly demonstrates multivendor interoperability critical to the wider 5G ecosystem. The primary tenets in this multivendor RAN ecosystem based on O-RAN compliant specifications, that enables mmWave 5G deployments include Commscope’s integrated antennas, NI’s hardware and software mmWave SDR platform, and a scalable Open RAN solution by Radisys. This vendor “convergence” enables the full capabilities of 5G mmWave spectrum bands while offering maximum flexibility within an open RAN environment. NMG will profile how the complete system from the UE to the gNB to the core network will help accelerate the commercialization of 5G.
Key Requirements for CBRS Adoption and the Path to 5G: Commercializing CBRS
The big hockey stick for CBRS is upon us, as we recently moved from early proving stages of CBRS technology to commercially deployable solutions in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service band. Upon the approval by the FCC for commercialized CBRS deployments, hundreds of sites are being outfitted for connectivity in the 3.5 GHz band, from small buildings to large venues. But now, thousands of IoT and fixed wireless devices are expected to deploy in these venues and need automated certifications to quickly ensure that these CBRS leveraged solutions interoperate with one another. Also, CBRS leveraged networks need systems integration and require software end solutions and services to interoperate. So, how do we quickly move the dial for multiple industries from real estate owners to industrial IoT providers, to take advantage of CBRS technology? NMG will gather the leaders in the CBRS sector to fully realize the Key Requirements for Commercialized CBRS.
5G Fiber Frenzy: Fiber to the Edge to Support in Building Devices
The past few years have paved the way for 5G as global standards bodies have developed new radio specifications and criteria for 5G mobile networks, but in order for 5G to be fully deployed, the pavement needs to be cracked. To support the increased data rates, lower latency, and connection density for 5G, mobile network infrastructure needs to be densified. Small cells, outdoor Distributed Antenna Systems, and Centralized-Radio Access Networks all require one essential infrastructure component, fiber, as mobile backhaul connection requirements for 5G will require a minimum of 10 Gbit/s.
This realization has spurred a fiber frenzy across regions as wireless infrastructure companies, cable network operators, and ISPs have realized the critical role wireline networks will play as advanced 4G and eventually 5G mobile networks are deployed. However, fiber density across regions is sporadic, with some regions better positioned than others for wireless network densification. A 2017 report by Deloitte Consulting LLP stated that, “Unlocking the full potential of 5G in the United States rests on one key assumption: the extension of fiber deep into the network.” Similarly, in Europe where ISPs’ wireline infrastructure is primarily comprised of copper-based networks, comparable challenges to 5G adoption persist. NMG Media will delve into the state of play for fiber to the edge to support in building devices.
Truck Transformation: Digital Adoption in the Supply Chain and Why the Trucking Industry Will Be One of 5G’s First Case Studies
Ever since the 1939 Worlds Fair the idea of self-driving cars has been touted as one of humanity’s greatest technological achievements yet to be obtained. As part of Norman Bel Geddes’ “Futurama” vision, the future of automobiles lied in the convenience of personal self-driving cars. However, for nearly eighty years, the focus on self-driving cars has been misguided. Freight trucks, not personal automobiles, will be the catalyst for the self-driving revolution. Change agents in the automotive industry, such Tesla and Uber, as well as shipping companies and enterprises with large truck fleets have realized this and have begun to pilot self-driving trucks along highways years ahead of the personal automobile industry.
The trucking industry is no stranger to technological adoption, as fleet telematics, electronic logging systems, autonomous driving features, and vehicle-to-infrastructure systems have improved fleet maintenance, asset tracking, delivery times, and roadway safety. The next iteration in trucking will entail trucks capable of semi-autonomous and autonomous driving as the wireless industry’s push towards 5G will enable vehicle-to-X communications, coordinating low-latent communications between cloud networks, vehicle sensory networks, and roadway infrastructure networks.
This panel will discuss the current technologies and multi-industry collaborations that are transforming the trucking industry, innovations that will eventually transform the automotive industry as a whole and user in an era of technological advancement eighty years in the making.
From eNodeB to gNB: How MNOs Will Upgrade their Legacy Wireless Infrastructure for 5G
5G is coming, but with over 300,000 mobile wireless access points across the US alone, MNOs migration from a 4G to 5G mobile network architecture will not be to rip and replace existing hardware and software, but rather to integrate existing 4G technologies with to-be released 5G NR technologies.
This panel will discuss how leading wireless OEMs are working with Test & Measurement companies to ensure that MNOs near-term deployment of 5G NR radio technologies will provide a new level of wireless quality of experience and service while leveraging existing 4G access infrastructure, ultimately providing a smooth transition to a fully standalone architecture comprised of a 5G NextGen wireless core and gNB.
5G Mobile Handset Development: 5G NR Specs Are Here, and the Phones are Shipped!
While the proposed applications for 5G wireless are numerous, the consumer mobile market has not been forgotten by manufacturers and mobile network operators; even while 5G use cases that connect everything from cars, cities, and the industrial machinery are piloted. For the consumer handset market, increased data rates, improved coverage, and the opportunity to be introduced to new applications that leverage 5G mobile networks will not only spur consumer demand for new 5G-enabled handsets, but will also spur further consumer IoT adoption as 5G handsets will become a high-speed gateway that supports secondary-consumer devices, including virtual and augmented reality headsets and even cars.
For many mobile handset manufacturers, 2019 will be the year 5G mobile handsets will hit the market, but several challenges to 5G adoption and deployment remain, including the ability for devices to support the power requirements for mmWave, further innovation to address packet-loss and attenuation associated with non-line-of-sight mmWave spectrum, and the overall densification of mobile network infrastructure.
This panel will address the remaining challenges the mobile industry faces as 5G deployment and adoption nears, current research and investment to overcome the mobile industry’s remaining challenges, and what consumers can expect once 5G handsets are brought to market.
Evolve Towards Gigabit LTE and 5G
Greater flexibility, greater efficiencies, and more agility is what network virtualization will help provide for 4G LTE and 5G and IOT networks. Virtualizing the EPC and IMS onto a single NFVI will enable to scale the mobile core up or down dynamically to support new 5G services, depending upon demand. Join this NMG hosted panel as we look into how leaders are accelerating and redefining software network transformation for Communications Service Providers.
5G: A True Business Case
As 5G deployments are right around the corner, the industry digs deeper to find out the real business cases for 5G and how to maximize ROI. On this NMG Media executive panel we welcome leaders in 5G to discuss the ideal ways to monetize the network.
Industry’s First 5G Mobile Core
Will vendors make good on their goals to handle heavy loads of 5G traffic with virtual solutions? Are we now seeing the first fully virtualized, cloud-native mobile solutions that supports the development and deployment of 5G capabilities for operators' LTE networks? Join NMG Media and leaders in the 5G space to look into the 5G mobile core.
IoT and Security In 5G Networks
The arrival of 5G promises support for Massive Machine Communication (MMC) and Critical Machine Communication (CMC) services, as well as extreme mobile broadband, and with it the expectation of an explosion of scale in IoT based devices and services. Smart devices, smart homes, and smart cities are our future. In IoT- consumer or enterprise, there will be two leading factors to success in widespread IoT deployment: security by design for IoT based services and the leveraging Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning to automate behavioral analysis and decision making. As we move towards automation, the importance of identifying Risk factors and Threat factors for IoT Device Security are the focal points for this executive speaking panel.
Ready, Set - Is 5G ready for mmWave?
There have been many demonstrations of 5G in action both in fixed wireless and mobile scenarios. We are seeing the first commercial releases with mmWave access, but the real questions are about performance and reliability when a device is mobile. 5G mmWaves can offer many benefits, including a higher bandwidth and faster data throughput. However, engineers designing 5G based solutions also need to be aware of the challenges concerning the use of high frequencies, such as shielding effects and signal propagation.
mmWave frequencies have issues with path loss and signal propagation. Until more research and validation is done to ensure reliable mobile scenarios, capabilities will be very limited. Initial releases will focus on fixed wireless access (FWA) and will rely heavily on FR1 operating bands as back up. There’s still a way to go before we’ll see mass commercialization of 5G mmWave specific devices for mobile communications.
Test and Assurance Solutions Operators Need to Succeed in 5G How Intelligent Connectivity will make 5G a reality? Intelligent Connectivity in 5G will involve new antennas and chipsets, new architectures, new KPIs, new vendors, cloud distributions, new frequencies. Intelligent testing and service assurance throughout the lifecycle will be essential for success in 5G. NMG will delve into the unique test and assurance solutions that assure the promise of delivering 5G.
Network Automation for 5G: Putting the Horse in Front of the Cart for Operators
Adopting an automation friendly environment is key to realize 5G. As service providers move towards automation to reduce operating costs and realize business benefits like increased velocity, faster repair and testing, reduced risk and better utilization, what then is the danger of not moving the automation needle fast enough? On this NMG hosted panel we will address how automation and NFV focused architectures will position operators for success by minimizing their Capex/Opex, reduce their risk and accelerate innovation through IMS Core slicing, 5G core slicing and fully automating the system.
The Promise of NFV- Disaggregation is Critical for Telcos
Building operational models and processes to leverage NFV technology is the primary challenge for service providers. The benefits are clear, lower Capex through virtual software capabilities on X86 servers and lower Opex through automation and more services. So, why haven’t we seen NFV supporting large operational functions? The first challenge: retraining the workforce to accept NFV as a nascent technology, that operators and vendors need focus on in order to achieve an agile and scalable network environment. The second challenge: as telcos are migrating towards open source capabilities, the need to disaggregate these solutions in a multi-vendor environment is key. Providing open and disaggregated systems and solutions for SP’s and for their customers is critical. Watch this NMG hosted panel with leaders in the NFV value chain who see the end game for NFV existing in workforce training and multi-vendor options, for Telcos.
Data Monetization: How 5G and AI Are Changing the Game?
Data is king and the value of data cannot be overstated. CSPs have immense amounts of data and are on the heels of webscale players, be able to monetize it. With 5G and IOT, data sets and volumes are ever increasing. So, what are CSPs doing to monetize this data to improve customer centricity and improve top line performance? Moreover, how is AI changing the game, what are the challenges and how can vendors help?