NEC Technical Journal: Special Issue on Open Network Technologies

In a very short time, we have witnessed and experienced a significant transformation as a society, where information and communication networks have emerged as key drivers for connecting people, things, and processes beyond mere speed improvement. To achieve this kind of integration, it is essential to seamlessly merge hardware and software within an open environment, catering to a diverse range of needs and use cases.

At the forefront of this transformation is the initiative known as open architecture. Since the early 2010s, NEC has been actively advancing the openness of core networks, wireless networks, and optical transmission systems. Their leadership in the Open Networking Foundation (ONF) has been instrumental in driving the advancement of network function virtualization (NFV) within the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), resulting in the realization of software-defined and virtualized core networks. NEC has also emphasized fostering openness in the radio interface through involvement in the O-RAN ALLIANCE. Furthermore, NEC has made strides in developing an open and all-photonics network, set to be the infrastructure for ultra-high-speed communications in the 2030s. These core, wireless, and optical technology assets based on open architecture will be interconnected, resulting in a substantial enhancement in the value of services offered by information and communication networks. In 2022, NEC consolidated its initiatives into a suite of solutions called NEC Open Networks as part of its commitment.

The story of the NEC Technical Journal dates back to May 1902 when, shortly after NEC was founded, a monthly PR magazine entitled Nippon Denki Geppo (Nippon Electric Monthly) was published.

Through more than 100 years of evolution, the NEC Technical Journal became a publication that focuses on “Solutions for Society”, passing messages to the world on how NEC will contribute to its customers and society, and what social values will be created through NEC’s commitment.

This Special Issue on Open Network Technologies presents the suite of NEC Open Networks solutions, initiatives in network openness, and ongoing research and development efforts dedicated to the advancement of Beyond 5G/6G. Additionally, it introduces initiatives aimed at mitigating energy consumption in network operations, aligning with NEC’s objective of attaining carbon neutrality.

• Special Issue on Open Network Technologies — Network Technologies and Advanced Solutions at the Heart of an Open and Green Society 
  • Open RAN and Supporting Virtualization Technologies 
  • Wireless Technologies for 5G/Beyond 5G 
  • Initiatives in Open APN (Open Optical/All Optical) 
  • Initiatives in Core & Value Networks 
  • Enhancing Network Services through Initiatives in Network Automation and Security 
  • Network Utilization Solutions and Supporting Technologies 
  • Global 5G xHaul Transport Solutions Toward Beyond 5G/6G 
• NEC Information 

Aspire is proud of our contribution to this edition of NEC Technical Journal with our paper on Reducing Energy Consumption in Mobile Networks, in which we present a fully automated software-based solution that addresses RAN energy consumption at the cell and site level. By using advanced algorithms and AI/based traffic prediction, the solution enables the safe reduction of excess site capacity during periods with low levels of user and data traffic, thereby reducing energy consumption. It also incorporates intelligent continuous customer experience feedback enabling fast reactivation should traffic levels increase unexpectedly. The solution applies to both legacy and Open RAN-based deployments.

We extend our warm invitation to explore this special issue of the NEC Technical Journal for in-depth insights into the network technologies and advanced solutions at the heart of an open and green society.

Original source: (September 2023) Special Issue on Open Network Technologies (Vol. 17 No. 2): NEC Technical Journal | NEC