PETER DYKES TRANSPORT NETWORKS
technologies comes disaggregation, in which the disaggregated network function components can be distributed closer to the network edge, with commensurate requirements being placed on the mobile transport infrastructure.” But it’s not an either/or situation, what is required is a holistic viewpoint, he says. “It’s all about the optimal integration of IP and optical technologies to maximise the use of the fibre. But the question is, how do we apply this to fibre networks in an optimal way to deal with all of these new challenges that things like 5G, IoT and industry 4.0 bring? How do we apply them to produce an optimal services delivery environment?” Nokia is confident that it has a very powerful toolkit when it comes to addressing these issues whether it be in IoT, Industry 4.0, having the technologists
will be radio endpoints, because as we move from 3G to 4G, and on to 5G, the number of radio endpoints and cell density will increase massively. Also, these connections are going to different points; not all of them are going to one point in the network anymore. They’ve all got disaggregated functions, so a high level of automation will be required. Also with all this connectivity to interconnect all these different points in the network, an issue is basically how do we virtualise network infrastructure symbiotically across the RAN, mobile transport and core so that we can offer it based upon specific business requirements. This is where the industry is looking at concepts such as network slicing. So, network automation will be key” INTERGRATION The last thing, he explained, is that Nokia looks at leveraging both IP and optical technologies. He explained, “One of the things that we have from a Nokia perspective is we are a global industry leader in both IP and optical networking, so to us, it’s all about the optimal integration of technology to meet the transformational requirements of the mobile network layer within the evolved mobile transport layer. Also, with the implementation of cloud-based
for different things inside the mobile network layer. If the synch goes out, it has a knock-on effect inside the mobile network layer, and call connects and handoffs fail, creating problems in the signalling layers and the overall operation of the network. In addition, the operator or service provider will very quickly see their call centre access go up because handovers are failing and people can’t connect. Cadwgan says, “The solution therefore is specific capabilities in the transport infrastructure network elements, combined with higher capacity in the gigabit range, to support the capacity requirements of users which aligns well to fibre-oriented connectivity. In addition, we are looking for the distribution of functions closer to the user to manage requirements such as latency. Here we are looking at initiatives such as edge computing, where fibre connectivity will play a large role. Again, this comes back to evolution in the mobile transport network.” AUTOMATION Other issues impacting on the mobile transport layer are network automation and disaggregation. How do we automate it, how do we slice it, ponders Cadwgan. “Suddenly,” he says, “there will be a massive increase in the number of endpoints, not the least of which
to enable industry technological innovation, along with the ability to
commercialise it. Cadwgan says, “So for us, as we see this evolution, whether it be consumer oriented IoT, M2M, or industry 4.0, being an industry leader in both IP and optical technologies, we can cross fertilise technology and innovation across both our IP and optical product portfolios. That is one of our strengths.”
to get there. together.
Micro Optics & Services We couple your light
Visit us at ECOC in Bordeaux, France, 13 – 15 September, Hall 1, booth 904
Axetris is a leader in refractive micro-optic lenses, lens arrays and diffractive optical elements in silicon and fused silica.
www.axetris.com
www.opticalconnectionsnews.com
21
ISSUE 25 | Q3 2021
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker