AT&T has announced a new plan giving customers the choice to purchase enhanced data connectivity for real-time responsiveness with the introduction of AT&T Turbo on May 2.

Built to support high-performance mobile applications, like gaming, social video broadcasting and live video conferencing, with optimized data while customers are on the go. AT&T Turbo allows users the choice to optimize their network when they want by adding additional network resources to their mobile data connection.

For example, if customers want less freezing or stuttering and lower latency when milliseconds matter in gaming, AT&T Turbo can help offer real-time responsiveness by improving the performance of customers’ data on the network.

Through the myATT app or online, customers can easily add AT&T Turbo, priced at $7/month per line on eligible plans, when they want it and remove it from their line when they don’t.

Eligible customers will be in control of whether to activate this service, which boosts all the high-speed and hot spot data on a user’s connection while it is active. Consistent with open internet principles, once turned on the boost applies to a customer’s data regardless of the internet content, applications, and services being used.

Latency-sensitive applications will continue to need more enhanced network technologies to perform their best, so AT&T plans to continue to advance and evolve AT&T Turbo.

The post AT&T Launches Enhanced Data Connectivity on the Go appeared first on TelecomGrid.

O2 Telefónica in Germany and Nokia announced today the deployment of 5G standalone core software on Amazon Web Services (AWS). The rollout provides O2 Telefónica with ultra-low latency to deliver advanced 5G services, like extended reality and network slicing, which require instant availability and greater bandwidth capacity.

Nokia’s secure and cloud-native 5G core architecture, including packet core, strengthens O2 Telefónica’s network with more flexible scaling, reliability, and near zero-touch automation for moving and managing workloads.

The deployment underscores Nokia’s multi-cloud ability to migrate existing communication service providers (CSPs) to a range of cloud platform options including public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud; using their choice of cloud platforms and making it easy for CSPs to deploy applications and services on any infrastructure.

Nokia has a total of 107 5G standalone core deployments across the globe.

“We are building our network of the future. With the launch of the new, cloud-based 5G core network, we are doing pioneering work in Europe and we are taking a major step in our transformation process. With the new 5G cloud core, we are moving away from traditional architectures and instead focusing on modern, high-performance, and efficient network technologies. In doing so, we are relying on the quality and global expertise of Nokia and AWS. We offer our customers an excellent 5G experience and new digital applications.”, said Mallik Rao, Chief Technology & Information Officer at O2 Telefónica.

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The Secure Identity Alliance (SIA) recently announced that its OSIA specification, is recognized as international standard by the International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). This milestone establishes OSIA as official ITU standard (ITU-T Recommendation) for the global infrastructure of information and communication technologies (ICT).

The specification that is now an ITU-T Recommendation is: ITU-T X.1281 – APIs for interoperability of identity management systems.

ITU-T is the standardization arm of ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for ICT. The Secure Identity Alliance specifications were approved as official ITU-T Recommendations by ITU members including 193 countries and the world’s front-running ICT companies on 1st March 2024. The new ITU-T Recommendation is under the responsibility of ITU’s standardization expert group for security, ITU-T Study Group 17.

X.1281 is at publication stage and can be accessed here: https://www.itu.int/ITU-T/workprog/wp_item.aspx?isn=18778

Secure Identity Alliance (SIA) is a global non-profit association that serves as the voice for public and private actors and organizations active in the secure identity ecosystem and adjacent industries.

A digital public good, OSIA is an open standard set of interfaces (APIs) that enables seamless connectivity between building blocks of the identity management ecosystem – independent of technology, solution architecture or vendor.

The post OSIA is Now a Official International Telecoms Union (ITU) Standard appeared first on TelecomGrid.

With promises of lightning-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and ubiquitous connectivity, 5G is poised to transform industries, empower consumers, and redefine the very fabric of our digital existence. But behind the buzzwords and hype lies a complex ecosystem of standards, protocols, and specifications that form the backbone of 5G networks. Developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), these specifications provide the blueprint for 5G New Radio (NR), the 5G Core network, and a myriad of other essential components that make up the 5G landscape.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the world of 5G, unraveling the mysteries of key 3GPP specifications that underpin the next generation of mobile connectivity. From the intricacies of NR radio interfaces to the architecture of the 5G Core network, we explore the technical foundations that enable the seamless delivery of 5G services and experiences.

Here’s a summary of key 3GPP specifications relevant to 5G NR and the 5G Core, along with their specification numbers:

• 3GPP TS 38.1xx, 38.2xx Series This series includes specifications related to the NR radio interface. Key specifications in this series include:
  • TS 38.101 NR; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception.
  • TS 38.104 NR; Base Station (BS) radio transmission and reception.

  • TS  38.201  NR; Physical layer; General description

  • TS  38.202  NR; Services provided by the physical layer

  • TS  38.211  NR; Physical channels and modulation

  • TS  38.212  NR; Multiplexing and channel coding

  • TS  38.213  NR; Physical layer procedures for control

  • TS  38.214  NR; Physical layer procedures for data

  • TS  38.215  NR; Physical layer measurements

• 3GPP TS 38.3xx, 38.4xx Series: This series encompasses NR overall architecture, including network protocols and procedures. Key specifications include:

  • TS  38.300 NR; NR and NG-RAN Overall description; Stage-2

  • TS  38.304  NR; User Equipment (UE) procedures in Idle mode and in RRC Inactive state

  • TS  38.305  NG Radio Access Network (NG-RAN); Stage 2 functional specification of User Equipment (UE) positioning in NG-RAN

  • TS  38.306  NR; User Equipment (UE) radio access capabilities

  • TS  38.307  NR; Requirements on User Equipments (UEs) supporting a release-independent frequency band

  • TS  38.314  NR; Layer 2 measurements

  • TS  38.321  NR; Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol specification

  • TS  38.322  NR; Radio Link Control (RLC) protocol specification

  • TS  38.323  NR; Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) specification

  • TS  38.331  NR; Radio Resource Control (RRC); Protocol specification

  • TS  38.34   NR; Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) specification

  • TS  38.351  NR; Sidelink Relay Adaptation Protocol (SRAP) Specification

  • TS  38.355  NR; Sidelink Positioning Protocol (SLPP); Protocol Specification

  • TS  38.401  NG-RAN; Architecture description

  • TS  38.41   NG-RAN; NG general aspects and principles

  • TS  38.411  NG-RAN; NG layer 1

  • TS  38.412  NG-RAN; NG signalling transport

  • TS  38.413  NG-RAN; NG Application Protocol (NGAP)

  • TS  38.414  NG-RAN; NG data transport

  • TS  38.415  NG-RAN; PDU session user plane protocol

  • TS  38.42   NG-RAN; Xn general aspects and principles

  • TS  38.421  NG-RAN; Xn layer 1

  • TS  38.422  NG-RAN; Xn signalling transport

  • TS  38.423  NG-RAN; Xn Application Protocol (XnAP)

  • TS  38.424  NG-RAN; Xn data transport

  • TS  38.425  NG-RAN; NR user plane protocol

  • TS  38.455  NG-RAN; NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa)

  • TS  38.46   NG-RAN; E1 general aspects and principles

  • TS  38.461  NG-RAN; E1 layer 1

  • TS  38.462  NG-RAN; E1 signalling transport

  • TS  38.463  NG-RAN; E1 Application Protocol (E1AP)

  • TS  38.47   NG-RAN; F1 general aspects and principles

  • TS  38.471  NG-RAN; F1 layer 1

  • TS  38.472  NG-RAN; F1 signalling transport

  • TS  38.473  NG-RAN; F1 Application Protocol (F1AP)

  • TS  38.474  NG-RAN; F1 data transport

  • TS  38.475  NG-RAN; F1 interface user plane protocol

• 3GPP TS 23.501: System Architecture for the 5G System; This specification provides an overview of the 5G system architecture, including network functions, interfaces, and protocols.
• 3GPP TS 23.502: Procedures for the 5G System; This specification details procedures related to the 5G system, including registration, session management, mobility management, and handover.
• 3GPP TS 23.503: Policy and Charging Control Framework for the 5G System; Stage 2. This specification outlines the policy and charging control framework for the 5G system, including policy control functions, charging architecture, and interfaces.
• 3GPP TS 29.5xx Series: This series covers interfaces and protocols for the 5G Core network. Key specifications include:

  • TS 29.500    5G System; Technical Realization of Service Based Architecture

  • TS 29.501  5G System; Principles and Guidelines for Services Definition

  • TS 29.502  5G System; Session Management Services

  • TS 29.503  5G System; Unified Data Management Services

  • TS 29.504  5G System; Unified Data Repository Services

  • TS 29.505  5G System; Usage of the Unified Data Repository services for Subscription Data

  • TS 29.507  5G System; Access and Mobility Policy Control Service

  • TS 29.508  5G System; Session Management Event Exposure Service

  • TS 29.509  5G System; Authentication Server Services

  • TS 29.51   5G System; Network function repository services

  • TS 29.511  5G System; Equipment Identity Register Services

  • TS 29.512  5G System; Session Management Policy Control Service

  • TS 29.513  5G System; Policy and Charging Control signalling flows and QoS parameter mapping

  • TS 29.514  5G System; Policy Authorization Service

  • TS 29.515  5G System; Gateway Mobile Location Services

  • TS 29.516  5G System; Interworking between 5G Network and external Data Networks

  • TS 29.517  5G System; Application Function Event Exposure Service

  • TS 29.518  5G System; Access and Mobility Management Services

  • TS 29.519  5G System; Usage of the Unified Data Repository Service for Policy Data, Application Data and Structured Data for Exposure

  • TS 29.52   5G System; Network Data Analytics Services

  • TS 29.521  5G System; Binding Support Management Service

  • TS 29.522  5G System; Network Exposure Function Northbound APIs

  • TS 29.523  5G System; Policy Control Event Exposure Service

  • TS 29.524  5G System; Cause codes mapping between 5GC interfaces

  • TS 29.525  5G System; UE Policy Control Service

  • TS 29.526  5G System; Network Slice-Specific and SNPN Authentication and Authorization services

  • TS 29.531  5G System; Network Slice Selection Services

  • TS 29.575  5G System; Analytics Data Repository Services

  • TS 29.576  5G System; Messaging Framework Adaptor Services

  • TS 29.577  5G System; IP Short Message Gateway and SMS Router For Short Message Services

  • TS 29.578  5G System; Mobile Number Portability Services

  • TS 29.579  5G System; Interworking MSC For Short Message Services

  • TS 29.58   5G System; Multicast/Broadcast Service Function services

  • TS 29.581  5G System; Multicast/Broadcast Service Transport Services

These specifications form the foundation of the 5G NR and 5G Core networks, providing detailed guidelines for the design, implementation, and operation of 5G systems.

In addition to the specifications related to 5G New Radio (NR) and the 5G Core network, there are several other relevant 5G specifications developed by 3GPP. Here’s a summary of some of these specifications:

• 3GPP TS 33 Series: This series addresses security aspects of 5G networks, including specifications for security architecture, procedures, algorithms, and protocols to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of 5G services and data.

• 3GPP TS 38.5xx: 3GPP-defined conformance testing. It defines conformance testing procedures and test cases to ensure compliance with 3GPP specifications for NR equipment.

  • TS38.508-1 5GS; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Part 1: Common test environment

  • TS38.508-2 5GS; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Part 2: Common Implementation Conformance Statement (ICS) proforma

  • TS  38.509  5GS; Special conformance testing functions for User Equipment (UE)

  • TS  38.521-1 NR; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Radio transmission and reception; Part 1: Range 1 standalone

  • TS  38.521-2 NR; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Radio transmission and reception; Part 2: Range 2 standalone

  • TS  38.521-3 NR; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Radio transmission and reception; Part 3: Range 1 and Range 2 Interworking operation with other radios

  • TS  38.521-4 NR; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Radio transmission and reception; Part 4: Performance

  • TS  38.521-5 NR; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Radio transmission and reception; Part 5: Satellite access Radio Frequency (RF) and performance

  • TS  38.522  NR; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Applicability of radio transmission, radio reception and radio resource management test cases

  • TS  38.523-1 5GS; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Part 1: Protocol

  • TS  38.523-2 5GS; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Part 2: Applicability of protocol test cases

  • TS  38.523-3 5GS; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Part 3: Protocol Test Suites

  • TS  38.533  NR; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; Radio Resource Management (RRM)

  • TS  38.551  NR; User Equipment (UE) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) Over-the-Air (OTA) performance; Conformance testing

  • TS  38.561  NR; User Equipment (UE) conformance specification; UE TRP (Total Radiated Power) and TRS (Total Radiated Sensitivity) requirements and test methodologies for FR1 (NR SA and EN-DC)

These specifications play crucial roles in shaping the overall architecture, functionality, security, and management aspects of 5G networks, ensuring interoperability, reliability, and performance across diverse use cases and deployment scenarios.

The post Unveiling the Blueprint of 5G: A Comprehensive Guide to Key 3GPP Specifications appeared first on TelecomGrid.

The promise of 5G – blazing-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and revolutionized connectivity – has captivated the tech world for years. But where do we stand today in terms of global deployment? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the dynamic landscape of 5G rollout across the globe.

As of April 2024, GSAcom reports that 308 commercial 5G networks have been launched worldwide. This signifies a significant increase in deployment compared to earlier reports, highlighting the accelerating pace of 5G adoption. Here’s a glimpse into the 5G deployment landscape by region.

Asia-Pacific: This region leads the pack with the most widespread 5G deployments, primarily utilizing low-band and mid-band frequencies. Countries like South Korea and China are frontrunners in this space. The undisputed champion, South Korea boasts the world’s most extensive 5G coverage and user penetration. With aggressive network build-outs and early consumer adoption, the country serves as a model for others. Not far behind, China is rapidly expanding its 5G infrastructure. This massive market prioritizes standalone (SA) networks, offering greater flexibility and future-proofing capabilities.

North America: The US is playing catch-up, focusing on mid-band deployments in major cities. However, rural areas often lack coverage. Similarly, Canada is making strides but faces challenges in infrastructure investment.

Europe: European countries like Finland, Sweden, and Germany are witnessing steady progress, with a focus on mid-band frequencies for wider coverage. However, uniformity across the continent remains a work in progress.

Latin America and Africa: These regions are in the early stages of 5G deployment, with spectrum auctions and initial network rollouts underway.

Emerging markets like India and Brazil are making significant strides in 5G spectrum auctions and initial network deployments. However, affordability and infrastructure development remain hurdles.

While the current landscape reflects uneven progress, the global 5G story is far from over. With continued advancements in technology, strategic investments in infrastructure, and a focus on efficient spectrum utilization, 5G has the potential to bridge the digital divide, empower individuals and industries, and unlock a new era of hyper-connected experiences.

The post 5G Around the World: Unveiling the Global Deployment Landscape appeared first on TelecomGrid.

NextNav, a provider of next-generation GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning and timing services, has announced a new vision for the future of positioning and communication. The company proposes leveraging additional spectrum in the lower 900 MHz band to not only enhance GPS but also create opportunities for expanded broadband services.

NextNav’s plan involves petitioning the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reconfigure the lower 900 MHz band. This reconfiguration would enable the deployment of NextNav’s terrestrial positioning service, Pinnacle, as a high-quality complement and backup to GPS. Pinnacle utilizes existing cellular infrastructure, making it a cost-effective and widely accessible solution.

NextNav’s proposal highlights the following key points:

• Enhanced GPS Reliability: Pinnacle would provide a reliable and accurate terrestrial positioning service, mitigating vulnerabilities associated with GPS, such as jamming or signal degradation.
• Broadband Spectrum Creation: Reconfiguring the band would unlock 15 MHz of spectrum ideally suited for low-band 5G deployments, furthering mobile network capacity and speeds.
• Cost-Effective Solution: Leveraging existing cellular infrastructure makes Pinnacle a cost-effective alternative to building entirely new positioning networks.
• Focus on Incumbent Protection: The proposal prioritizes protecting the operations of existing licensed users in the band.

The company recently completed a successful trial with the Department of Homeland Security showcasing Pinnacle’s capabilities in GPS-denied environments. Additionally, NextNav has secured agreements for additional spectrum in the lower 900 MHz band, demonstrating its commitment to this vision.

The post NextNav Unveils Dual-Track Approach: Complementing GPS with Additional Spectrum for Broadband appeared first on TelecomGrid.

A U.S. telecom operator has extended its contract to use RADCOM ACE Service Assurance to drive quality and ensure superior customer experiences. As part of this contract extension, RADCOM ACE will run on Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Deploying RADCOM ACE on AWS will enable this operator to achieve high levels of automation and flexibility when using their assurance solution to gain real-time insights into the network and user experience. This allows the operator to adapt quickly to network changes, ensuring excellent customer experiences and delivering top-quality services.

RADCOM ACE leverages its cloud-native architecture to efficiently integrate with multiple AWS services as it processes the operator’s network data, presents critical insights, and automates changes. The migration from a private cloud environment to a SaaS model on AWS addresses the operator’s need to reduce cost and focus its engineering resources on highly technical tasks. The telecom operators’ experience and usage of RADCOM’s Service Assurance platform was a crucial consideration in selecting the solution for its network migration to AWS, as it helps engineering teams maintain consistency in service quality, measured and ensured by RADCOM ACE.

The post RADCOM to Provide SaaS Service Assurance Solution on AWS to a U.S. Operator appeared first on TelecomGrid.

While 5G primarily focused on boosting network speeds and capacity, 6G aims to transform the core network into a truly intelligent and adaptable platform. This blog delves into the evolving landscape of the 6G core network, exploring its key differences and potential advancements compared to 5G. Here’s what sets them apart:

Network Slicing Evolution:

• 5G: Network slicing allows operators to create virtual networks within the physical infrastructure, catering to specific needs (e.g., low-latency for AR/VR, high-bandwidth for IoT).
• 6G: 6G envisions ultra-flexible network slicing, enabling dynamic creation and modification of slices based on real-time requirements. This allows for on-demand resource allocation and service provisioning, catering to diverse and ever-evolving applications.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Core:

• 5G: While 5G utilizes some AI for network optimization, it’s not deeply integrated into the core.
• 6G: The 6G core network is envisioned to be AI-driven. AI algorithms will handle network management, resource allocation, and anomaly detection, enabling autonomous decision-making and self-healing capabilities for a more proactive and efficient network.

Distributed Cloud Architecture:

• 5G: The 5G core network is primarily centralized, with core network functions located in specific physical locations.
• 6G: 6G is expected to adopt a distributed cloud architecture, with core network functions distributed across various locations at the network edge. This approach reduces latency and improves scalability, catering to the demands of geographically dispersed applications and services.

Enhanced Security:

• 5G: 5G incorporates strong security features, but the ever-evolving threat landscape demands constant improvement.
• 6G: 6G security will likely build upon 5G’s foundation, incorporating advancements like quantum-resistant cryptography and zero-trust security models to address future security challenges in a hyper-connected world.

Integration with New Technologies:

• 5G: 5G is primarily designed for mobile broadband communication.
• 6G: 6G aims to seamlessly integrate with emerging technologies like satellite communication, blockchain, and next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) applications, creating a truly converged network infrastructure.

The development of the 6G core network is a global collaborative effort involving researchers, network operators, and equipment manufacturers. While specific functionalities are still under development, the focus areas described above paint a picture of a future network that is:

• Highly Adaptable: Able to cater to diverse and ever-evolving user needs and applications.
• Intelligent and Automated: Leveraging AI for proactive network management and self-healing capabilities.
• Secure and Scalable: Utilizing cutting-edge security protocols and a distributed architecture for robust and adaptable network infrastructure.
• Converged: Seamlessly integrating with new technologies to create a unified communication and data exchange ecosystem.

The 6G core network promises a fundamental shift in how we connect and interact with the digital world. By fostering innovation in network architecture, security, and AI integration, 6G paves the way for a truly intelligent and adaptable communication infrastructure, ready to support the ever-growing demands of a hyper-connected future. As the technology matures, we can expect further advancements and exciting possibilities that will redefine how we experience the digital world.

The post A Look at the Evolving 6G Core Network and its Differences from 5G appeared first on TelecomGrid.

Nokia and Vodafone have successfully completed an end-to-end Open RAN trial on Vodafone Italy’s live 5G standalone network. The trial utilized Nokia’s AirScale Massive MIMO radios and Nokia’s baseband software running on Dell PowerEdge XR8000 servers and Red Hat OpenShift, an industry leading hybrid cloud application platform powered by Kubernetes, connected to Nokia’s standalone dedicated 5G core. It also used Nokia’s intelligent MantaRay Networks Management system for a consolidated network view and improved monitoring and management.

Nokia is supporting Open Fronthaul features on top of its high-performance RAN software which ensures mobile operators have performance consistency with their existing RAN. Nokia has already integrated with five open radio unit (O-RU) suppliers highlighting the openness and industry-leading performance of Nokia’s AirScale O-RAN DU/CU. The solution offers operators enhanced flexibility, efficiency, and scalability in their mobile networks. By integrating with Red Hat OpenShift, service providers also have the option to scale their 5G network footprint and quickly introduce new services.

Vodafone aims to have 30 percent of its masts based on Open RAN technology by 2030 in Europe and is already deploying the technology commercially. This includes 2,500 Open RAN sites in the UK, the first large-scale deployment in Europe, as well as in Romania. By partnering with key strategic vendors like Nokia, Vodafone is pioneering the wider adoption of open, disaggregated, and automated networks, providing greater agility to quickly adopt and launch innovative new customer-focused services.

The post Nokia and Vodafone Complete Open RAN Trial in Italy on Live 5G Standalone Network appeared first on TelecomGrid.

Nokia and Anterix have announced the successful completion of the B106 data call at Nokia’s Lab in Dallas, Texas. The companies collaborated following the standardization of B106 in 3GPP Release 18 to widen the options for chipsets and devices to support private wireless use cases for utilities. By continuing to invest in enhancing private wireless solutions for the utility market, Nokia and Anterix are making it easier for energy suppliers across the United States to adopt private LTE/5G networks.

Following the standardization of B106 in 3GPP Rel 18, Nokia integrated this technology into its AirScale Radio portfolio. Enabling B106 paves the way for a broader device ecosystem, including Cat-M devices which can be ideal for utility use cases. Nokia’s AirScale Radio capabilities can be leveraged to enable the coexistence of legacy B8 and B106 devices and ensure seamless migration for existing customers to B106.

Anterix is the largest holder of licensed spectrum in the 900 MHz band (896-901/935-940 MHz) throughout the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. It enables the deployment of utility mission-critical applications on 900 MHz private wireless networks, with the ability to extend over long distances.

Adoption of 5G can help utilities take advantage of future key features to support use cases, such as optimizing grid performance and automating smart grids, with more stringent network performance requirements helping to extract more value from their investment in the network.

The post Nokia and Anterix Showcase 3GPP B106 Data Call appeared first on TelecomGrid.

In today’s hyper-connected world, maintaining a seamless mobile network experience is paramount. Service disruptions can be frustrating for users and costly for operators. This is where machine learning (ML) steps in, offering a powerful tool to predict and prevent service degradation before it impacts users.

4G LTE, 5G Mobile networks generate a vast amount of data – cell tower metrics, user activity logs, and network performance indicators. Manually sifting through this data to identify potential issues is a daunting task. However, ML algorithms can analyze this data and identify patterns that might lead to service degradation.

Several ML techniques are well-suited for this task:

• Supervised Learning: Here, the model is trained on historical data labeled with instances of service degradation. This allows the model to learn the characteristics that precede service disruptions and predict future occurrences. Common algorithms for this include Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and Random Forests.
• Unsupervised Learning: This approach identifies hidden patterns in unlabeled data. Techniques like K-Means clustering can be used to group network behavior into different categories, potentially revealing anomalies that could lead to service disruptions.
• Time Series Forecasting: This method analyzes historical network performance data over time to predict future trends. This can help identify potential bottlenecks or resource limitations before they cause problems. Techniques like Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks are particularly adept at handling time-series data.

Building a Service Degradation Prediction System

1. Data Collection and Preprocessing: Gather relevant network data, clean it for inconsistencies, and format it appropriately for the chosen ML algorithms.
2. Feature Engineering: Extract meaningful features from the raw data. These features could include cell tower load, signal strength, user traffic patterns, and historical network performance metrics.
3. Model Training: Divide the data into training and testing sets. Train the chosen ML model on the training data, allowing it to learn the relationships between features and service degradation.
4. Model Evaluation: Evaluate the model’s performance on the testing data. Metrics like accuracy, precision, and recall help assess how well the model can predict service degradation.
5. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerting: Deploy the trained model to analyze real-time network data. When the model detects signs of potential service degradation, it triggers alerts to network engineers, allowing them to take corrective action before user experience is affected.

Benefits of using ML for Service Degradation Prediction:

• Proactive Maintenance: Identify and address potential issues before they escalate into service disruptions.
• Improved Network Efficiency: Optimize resource allocation and network performance based on predicted future needs.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Minimize service disruptions and maintain network quality.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Data Quality: The accuracy of predictions is highly dependent on the quality and completeness of the training data.
• Model Explainability: While ML models can be highly accurate, understanding the rationale behind their predictions can be challenging. This is important for network engineers to take appropriate corrective actions.
• Continuous Learning: Network dynamics can change over time. Regularly retraining the model with new data is crucial to maintain its effectiveness.

Machine learning offers a powerful solution for predicting service degradation in mobile networks. By leveraging its capabilities, network operators can proactively address potential issues and ensure a consistently high-quality user experience for their customers. As ML technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more sophisticated techniques to emerge, further enhancing the reliability and efficiency of mobile networks.

The post Machine Learning for Mobile Network Service Degradation appeared first on TelecomGrid.

This week in telecom was a whirlwind of activity, with significant developments in net neutrality, 6G research, and broadband access initiatives. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top news:

Net Neutrality Back in the Spotlight (US):

In a landmark decision, the FCC voted to reinstate net neutrality regulations, reversing the 2017 repeal. This move ensures a level playing field for internet traffic, prohibiting ISPs from throttling or prioritizing specific content. This victory for open internet advocates is likely to be met with legal challenges from the broadband industry.

Broadband Expansion Efforts Gain Momentum:

States are taking the lead in addressing the digital divide. California is exploring the creation of a statewide internet authority to improve infrastructure and affordability. Meanwhile, Maine is looking at public-private partnerships to expand broadband access in rural areas. These efforts highlight the growing focus on bridging the gap between those with internet access and those without.

6G Research Gets a Cloud Boost:

Nvidia made waves with the unveiling of its cloud-based 6G research platform. This platform provides researchers with a virtualized environment for testing and experimenting with next-generation wireless technologies. This collaborative approach has the potential to accelerate 6G development and pave the way for even faster and more reliable network connections.

Beyond the Headlines:

• T-Mobile Strengthens Grip: T-Mobile’s acquisition of Lumos, a fixed wireless access provider, strengthens its position in the US market. This consolidation move has implications for competition and service offerings.
• Open RAN Testing Gains Traction: Collaborations are pushing for open interfaces in cellular networks (Open RAN). This promotes competition in equipment vendors and potentially leads to more innovative and cost-effective broadband solutions.
• EU Warns Against Telecom Mergers: Antitrust concerns are being raised in the European telecom landscape. Regulators are urged to carefully examine potential mergers to ensure healthy competition and prevent consumer harm. pen_spark

The post Telecom Weekly Roundup: Net Neutrality Wins, 6G Research Heats Up, and Broadband Expansion Takes Center Stage appeared first on TelecomGrid.

Korean Air, in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company, Korea Telecom (KT), Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), and Hyundai Engineering & Construction, successfully completed a comprehensive urban air mobility (UAM) operations demonstration, a goal set for the first phase of the Korean Urban Air Mobility (K-UAM) Grand Challenge. The demonstration was conducted over five weeks from March 11 at Goheung Aviation Test Center in South Jeolla Province.

Korean Air successfully validated its comprehensive urban air mobility (UAM) system by utilizing a 5G aviation communication network that links the electric vertical take-off and landing (e-VTOL) aircraft with the UAM operating systems. Leveraging the airline’s extensive operational expertise, Korean Air demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of its in-house developed proprietary UAM Operation Control System and Traffic Management System. These systems collectively ensure safe and efficient urban air travel.

During the demonstration, Korean Air conducted ten scenarios, including normal and abnormal situations, in which it tested the functionality and performance of the operating systems. The data collected from these scenarios will be analyzed to enhance the systems and ensure safe UAM operations in high-density urban environments.

The airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), Incheon International Airport Corporation, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) on February 22, 2023, to test the feasibility of comprehensive UAM operations in Korea. Korean Air will continue to engage in various UAM initiatives, and work to validate and enhance government-established UAM concepts and procedures to develop the UAM ecosystem in Korea.

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In a 3-2 vote along party lines, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has restored net neutrality rules, effectively reclassifying broadband internet service as a Title II telecommunications service. This decision reverses the FCC’s 2017 repeal of net neutrality regulations, a move that sparked widespread public outcry and legal challenges.

Net neutrality prohibits internet service providers (ISPs) from throttling, blocking, or prioritizing specific content online. This ensures all internet traffic is treated equally, regardless of its source or destination. Proponents of net neutrality argue it fosters innovation and competition on the internet, while opponents claim it stifles investment in broadband infrastructure.

The new ruling gives the FCC the authority to:

• Prohibit ISPs from blocking or throttling lawful internet traffic.
• Prevent ISPs from creating “fast lanes” for content providers who pay a premium.
• Protect consumers’ ability to choose how they access the internet.

The decision is likely to face legal challenges from the broadband industry. However, internet rights advocates are celebrating the victory. Public Knowledge, a digital rights group, called it “a win for millions of Americans who depend on an open internet.”

The FCC will now begin the process of crafting new net neutrality rules. This includes defining specific prohibitions for ISPs and outlining enforcement mechanisms.

The reinstatement of net neutrality marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over internet regulation. It remains to be seen how the broadband industry will respond and whether the new rules will withstand legal scrutiny. However, today’s decision sends a clear message: the FCC is committed to protecting an open and accessible internet for all Americans.

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Cradlepoint, part of Ericsson, has launched its single vendor Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution, NetCloud SASE. Designed to serve agile enterprises, NetCloud SASE integrates cellular-centric SD-WAN and security into a fully unified solution. The cloud-delivered platform enables lean IT teams to provision true zero-trust networks in as little as 6 minutes.

IDC forecasts that the 5G and 4G/LTE Enterprise Wireless WAN market will reach $5.5 billion in revenue by 2027. While this adoption allows organisations to extend their reach and move services closer to customers, an influx of connected devices increases the attack surface. This is driving the need for simplified, scalable, and specialised SASE solutions that extend beyond fixed sites to secure dynamic environments, such as shifting locations, roaming vehicles, multiplying IoT devices and employees connecting from anywhere.

NetCloud SASE’s unique design elements include:

• Cellular Optimisation: Delivers Wireless WAN optimisations that preserve bandwidth, improve performance, and deliver a 5G standalone slicing-ready solution. SD-WAN with intelligent bonding provides a zero loss WAN for mission-critical communications from vehicles and sites.
• Unparalleled Simplicity: While many SASE vendors have focused on unifying management across multiple disjointed products, Cradlepoint NetCloud SASE is based on a clean, single pass architecture that delivers one platform, one policy engine and a consistent provisioning experience across all services.
• Zero Trust Built in Rather Than Bolted On: Combines security with the network creation process to construct a zero-trust foundation that is deny-all by default. The solution also obscures all IP addresses and blocks east-west traffic, minimising the attack surface and preventing lateral movement, as the network grows and scales.
• Powerful Isolation Technology to Block Zero-day Exploits: Offers a zero-trust approach to web and email security by leveraging Remote Browser Isolation to completely airgap users from malicious web activity. Without impacting the browsing experience, the solution protects organisations against phishing attacks (even when a user clicks on the link), retains intellectual property from potential leaks and disarms embedded malware in attachments.
• Robust Security for Unmanaged Devices: Replacing the common practice of providing clientless browser-based access for unmanaged devices, NetCloud SASE uses isolation-based security to airgap corporate applications from unmanaged devices – mitigating the risk of malware infection.

“Streamlining the transition from wired to wireless WAN, NetCloud SASE provides a common networking and security policy engine and consistent provisioning experience across all SASE features,” says GigaOm Sr. Industry Analyst Ivan McPhee based on GigaOm’s Radar Report that named Cradlepoint a Challenger and Outperformer in SASE.

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Comcast has introduced NOW, a new brand of quality, low-cost Internet, mobile and streaming TV products that consumers can purchase month-to-month, whenever they want. NOW Internet is a prepaid service that includes unlimited 5G data combined with access to more than 23 million WiFi hotspots.

Backed by the Xfinity network, NOW delivers a connection customers can rely on for Internet, mobile or streaming in their homes or on the go.  NOW Internet and Mobile join NOW TV and NOW WiFi Pass to create a comprehensive portfolio of quality, low-cost products that consumers can purchase month-to-month, whenever they want.

• NOW Internet customers will be able to choose between two prepaid options: 100 Mbps for $30/month, or 200 Mbps for $45/month. Each tier includes unlimited data and an Xfinity gateway.
• NOW Mobile will provide unlimited 5G data, talk and text for $25/line and will be the only prepaid wireless option that seamlessly connects customers to more than 23 million Xfinity hotspots.
• NOW TV is a streaming offering for Xfinity Internet customers that includes live and on-demand programming from 40+ networks, more than two dozen integrated FAST channels, and Peacock Premium, all for $20/month.
• NOW WiFi Pass gives customers unlimited access to more than 23 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots for $20 for 30 days.

The NOW portfolio is poised to be particularly impactful for Americans looking for cost-effective connectivity. The federal government recently announced that April is the last full month of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) if it does not receive additional funding. NOW Internet and Mobile will provide customers enrolled in ACP with another option for affordable, reliable connectivity – supplementing Comcast’s longstanding low-income broadband adoption options Internet Essentials and Internet Essentials Plus, and Xfinity’s current suite of offerings.

Initial customer trials for NOW Internet and Mobile have already begun in Hartford – New Haven, Houston, and Miami, with a full-scale national launch across all Comcast service areas expected in the coming weeks. NOW TV and WiFi Pass are available today, everywhere Comcast provides service.

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The race to expand broadband access and improve internet speeds continues to be a hot topic in the US. Here’s a roundup of some key news stories from the past week :

FCC Announces Funding Boost for Rural Broadband: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a significant increase in funding for its Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). This program aims to bridge the digital divide by providing grants and loans to expand broadband access in underserved rural areas. The additional funding will support deploying high-speed internet to millions of Americans who currently lack adequate connectivity.

States Take Action on Broadband Expansion: Several states are taking proactive steps to address broadband access issues within their borders. For example, California is considering a proposal to create a statewide internet authority focused on infrastructure development and affordability. Additionally, Maine is exploring ways to leverage public-private partnerships to expand broadband access in remote areas.

The Race to 5G Heats Up: Major internet service providers (ISPs) continue to aggressively roll out 5G networks across the country. Companies like Verizon and AT&T are touting the benefits of 5G, including faster download speeds, lower latency, and the potential to support a wider range of connected devices. However, concerns remain regarding the actual coverage areas and affordability of 5G plans for consumers.

Net Neutrality Debate Resurfaces: The ongoing debate around net neutrality has re-emerged with some lawmakers pushing for stricter regulations on ISPs. Net neutrality ensures that internet service providers treat all online content equally, without prioritizing or throttling specific traffic. With growing concerns about potential ISP manipulation, the net neutrality debate is likely to continue in the coming months.

Focus on Bridging the Digital Divide: There’s a growing focus on addressing the digital divide – the gap between those who have access to reliable internet and those who don’t. Initiatives are underway to provide low-cost internet options, particularly for low-income families and students. Additionally, efforts are being made to increase digital literacy skills across all demographics to ensure everyone can benefit from the opportunities offered by a connected world.

The coming weeks and months will likely see further developments in the US broadband landscape. With continued investment, innovative solutions, and a focus on closing the digital divide, the US aims to ensure everyone has access to the transformative power of high-speed internet.

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Ericsson has partnered with Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) and Turkcell to establish a 5G test network at İTÜ’s Ayazağa Campus. The network will showcase the benefits of 5G while providing a development and test environment for new and enhanced use cases.

The 5G test network at İTÜ Ayazağa Campus is built using Ericsson Radio System products and Ericsson 5G Standalone Core.

The campus will experience better connectivity, high data speed and low latency. The 5G test network will also create a collaborative environment for academia, industries, and telecom ecosystem players to conduct R&D activities.

The first use case is an ongoing test run of a fully functioning autonomous bus, powered by 5G, within the university campus.

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A team led by researchers from the University of Glasgow has developed a wireless communications antenna which combines the unique properties of metamaterials with sophisticated signal processing to deliver a new peak of performance.

In a new early view paper published in the IEEE Open Journal of Antennas and Propagation, the researchers showcase their development of a prototype digitally coded dynamic metasurface antenna, or DMA, controlled through high-speed field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

Their DMA demonstrated at the operating frequency of 60 GHz millimetre-wave (mmWave) band – the portion of the spectrum reserved by international law for use in industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) applications. The antenna’s ability to operate in the higher mmWave band could enable it to become a key piece of hardware in the still-developing field of advanced beamforming metasurface antennas.

It could help future 6G networks deliver ultra-fast data transfer with high reliability, ensuring high-quality service and seamless connectivity, and enable new applications in communication, sensing, and imaging.

The DMA’s high-frequency operation is made possible by specially-designed metamaterials – structures which have been carefully engineered to maximise their ability to interact with electromagnetic waves in ways that are impossible in naturally-occurring materials.

The DMA uses specially-designed, fully-tunable metamaterial elements which have been carefully engineered to manipulate electromagnetic waves through software control, creating an advanced class of leaky-wave antennas capable of high-frequency reconfigurable operation.

The matchbook-sized prototype uses high-speed interconnects with simultaneous parallel control of individual metamaterial elements through FPGA programming. The DMA can shape its communications beams and create multiple beams at once, switching in nanoseconds to ensure network coverage remains stable.

Professor Qammer H. Abbasi, co-director of the University of Glasgow’s Communications, Sensing and Imaging Hub, is one of the paper’s lead authors. He said: “This meticulously designed prototype is a very exciting development in the field of next-generation adaptive antennas, which leaps beyond previous cutting-edge developments in reconfigurable programmable antennas.

The capabilities of the DMA design could find use in patient monitoring and care, where it could help directly monitor patients’ vital signs and keep track of their movements.

It could also enable improved integrated sensing and communications devices for use in high-resolution radar and to help autonomous vehicles like self-driving cars and drones safely find their way around on the roads and in the air.

The improved speed of data transfer could even help create holographic imaging, allowing convincing 3D models of people and objects to be projected anywhere in the world in real time.

The post University of Glasgow Announces Breakthrough Development To Deliver Software-controlled 6G Networks appeared first on TelecomGrid.

Faroese Telecom, in partnership with Ericsson, has launched 5G in its modernized network today, bringing 5G connectivity to the entire population across all 18 of the rocky volcanic islands.

The 100 percent population coverage means full access to fast, low-latency connectivity for everyone. It has required establishing reliable mobile coverage on bridges, ferries and fishing boats up to 100 km out to sea, and even deep subsea tunnels. Despite challenging geography, 5G is now rolled out to all subscribers. Additional services are also being launched, including enhanced mobile broadband through Fixed Wireless Access, and significantly higher voice call quality though Voice over LTE (VoLTE).

The new 5G network, coupled with the possibility to leverage Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, have the potential to boost sustainability and tourism efforts in the Faroe Islands, as well as transform industries and operations. This includes the fisheries and aquaculture industry, which accounts for 90 to 95 percent of the islands’ total export value, and around 20 percent of the GDP. Potential benefits include improved safety, autonomous navigation and route monitoring for fuel volume control and reduced gas emissions.

The modernized non-standalone (NSA) 5G network utilizes Ericsson’s Cloud Core solutions, supported by Ericsson NFVI, and Ericsson 5G RAN products and solutions including the Ericsson Radio System portfolio that covers Massive MIMO and Ericsson Antenna System. The launch follows live network speed tests conducted last year, showing download peak speeds of up to 6Gbps using 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum.

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