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Nokia Networks is hard at work, building its envisioned 5G ecosystem

By Wong Chung Wee - on 21 Oct 2015, 10:30pm

Nokia Networks is hard at work, building its envisioned 5G ecosystem

In a local media briefing, three executive from Nokia Networks shared details about the company’s vision for the implementation of their programmable 5G architecture. Although 5G standards have not been finalized, Nokia Networks is already hard at work to build their envisioned 5G ecosystem by offering more than just high-speed (think 3.6Gbps of data transfer speed).

(Image source: Nokia Networks)

Nokia’s software-defined 5G architecture primary aim is to overcome the rigidity of existing 4G network equipment. By making a large part of the 5G architecture software-defined, its 5G architecture is able to achieve three key functionalities:-

  • Network slicing - dividing the network into sub-networks, so that each subnet, within the same infrastructure, can be configured to runs services for different requirements.
  • Dynamic Experience Management (DEM) - By leveraging on the high-speed connectivity of the 5G architecture, the network is able to optimize each subscriber’s user experience at the application level. This is done through the use of real-time measurement and data analytics in order to determine the actions to take to enhance each user’s application session.
  • Service-determined connectivity - In the past, connectivity determines the type of services that can be delivered to the user. With 5G, it’s the service that determines the best connectivity path on the 5G infrastructure to ensure the user experience isn’t compromised, as per the services requested.

Nokia Networks is also releasing the Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) so that services are able to adapt to the 5G network core on runtime. This allows saving in man-hours that were previously required for network configuration. The company shared with us their vision of the pervasiveness of their 5G architecture where the flexibility in the deployment of their network services and equipment will meet the needs of vertical markets like healthcare, retail, transportation services, and even the critical needs of rescue services. This has been demonstrated through its successful implementation of 1Gbps small cell services with its outdoor Flexi Zone base station.

In its utopian vision for its 5G architecture, even personal tracking devices can enjoy the services of its high-speed radio network. However, the Nokia executives were quick to add that it doesn’t mean a fitness band will be requiring a 5G-enabled SIM card anytime soon. Given the sheer amount of data that passes through its radio network, it is only natural that Nokia Network offers its own analytics services. With Nokia Ad Analytics, telco operators can potentially slice and dice subscriber-related data to advertisers. For telco operators, there’s Nokia Big Data Consultancy that will advise them on both descriptive and predictive data analysis. Nokia has built a wealth of experience studying their own data treasure trove. Now, they are ready to transfer their experiences to help these operators manage their networks, and possible ways to grow subscriber revenue.

With ever growing concerns of data security, Nokia Networks has solutions to safeguard against any potential security breaches to network operations. Their services are touted to guard against both internal and external threats by leveraging on real-time data analytics to flag potential breaches on the networks.

Nokia Networks has its roots as a joint venture between Siemens and Nokia’s Network Business group; since the acquisition of Siemens’ shares by Nokia in the original joint venture, Nokia Networks was formed in 2013, and is wholly owned by Nokia. On the local front, Nokia Networks closest partner is StarHub and we reported the local telco operator was putting Nokia’s Liquid Applications on trial for customized delivery of broadcast content over its 4G network in October last year.

(Source: Nokia Networks)

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