Tokyo, February 22, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – NTT Corporation (NTT) and NTT Docomo, Inc. (Docomo) have jointly demonstrated a mobile network with in-network computing capabilities. In the experiment, NTT and Docomo expanded and demonstrated for the first time a mobile core network compliant with 3GPP standards based on the concept of “Inclusive Core(1)” proposed by NTT as a core network in the 6G/IOWN era. A world where high-performance applications can be used with low latency by dynamically allocating computing resources within a network according to the characteristics of mobile devices and communications (2). This result makes it possible to reduce the processing load on devices by providing them with low-latency, high-performance computing functions provided over the network. It is also expected that services in the 6G/IOWN era, which require high-performance processing capabilities on the terminal side, will be able to be used without depending on the performance of the terminal. Our demonstration will be presented at the Nokia booth at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. By GSMA from 26 to 29 February 2024.
1. Background and purpose
Existing mobile networks transfer data independently of device and cloud data processing. This division of functionality prevented devices and cloud services from working closely together. On the other hand, 6G requires close collaboration between devices and cloud services in order to realize advanced services such as cyber-physical convergence (3). NTT and Docomo are taking on the challenge of solving problems such as linking devices and the cloud using computing functions including accelerators such as GPUs of ISAP (In-network Service Acceleration Platform) (4). ISAP accelerates device-to-cloud federation in low-latency, high-capacity 6G networks by offloading processing previously performed on the device. This makes it possible to provide Metaverse services, which require high processing power for 3D rendering, with low latency even on simple devices such as smart glasses.
2. Proposal for the fusion of mobile networks and computing
ISAP is a technology that provides the technical elements for the convergence of mobile networks and computing that:
Provides computing resources according to the mobile communication status of the device Provides computing resources according to changes in the status of cloud services Dynamically controls optimized computing resources according to the characteristics of the mobile network and each cloud service3 ．．Overview of demonstration experiment
In our collaboration, ISAP orchestrated computing resource management with support from Nokia’s 5G Core SaaS. ISAP’s integration with the Network Exposure Function (NEF)(5), part of Core SaaS, allows ISAP management systems to efficiently scale computing resources for new applications. The following three points were confirmed in the ISAP demonstration experiment.
A. Providing computing resources according to the device’s mobile communication status We have confirmed that computing services can be integrated and controlled on the mobile network according to the device’s connection status obtained from the mobile core network via NEF. We have also confirmed that this procedure can be completed in the same amount of time as the procedure for connecting to a regular mobile network.
B. Provision of computing resources according to changes in the state of cloud services In the Metaverse use case, we confirmed that computing services equipped with GPUs that achieve high-performance rendering, encoding, and decoding can be controlled according to the state of the service. Did. We also confirmed that computing resources can be secured within the metaverse state change time.
C. Dynamically control computing resources optimized according to the characteristics of the mobile network and each cloud service. Each service has different characteristics, such as a metaverse that uses AI to analyze video streams from surveillance cameras. We have confirmed that it is possible to dynamically combine computing capabilities such as GPUs and DPUs without involving the CPU to build computing services and provision them in the same amount of time as normal procedures.
4. Role of each company in the demonstration experiment
Demonstration experiments on the fusion of mobile networks and computing in 6G were conducted in the following areas.
– Docomo: Consider implementation methods and experimental configurations that utilize knowledge of mobile core network architecture and global standards, and provide metaverse applications
・NTT: Provides a test environment for ISAP technology, a comprehensive core technology, and AI video analysis applications, and conducts demonstration experiments
– Nokia: Offers Core SaaS5.
5. Future prospects
NTT and Docomo will continue to research and demonstrate use cases and architectures for 6G networks that integrate mobile networks and computing. We will also continue to consider providing services that can be used regardless of the processing capacity of the device or the characteristics of the service. NTT and Docomo will also work with Nokia to promote 6G standardization. In addition, we will expand collaboration with telecommunications carriers, equipment/device manufacturers, cloud providers, service providers, etc., and promote research and development on the fusion of mobile networks and computing (in-network computing (6)) in the 6G/IOWN era. I will continue to do so. )) and the provision of its services.
(1) Comprehensive core
NTT’s network architecture in the 6G/IOWN era
It enables various types of convergence and collaboration on the network, enabling the compute and network convergence required for 6G/IOWN use cases such as AI-integrated communications and cyber-physical systems.
*Comprehensive core technical specification white paper
www.rd.ntt/e/ns/inclusivecore/whitepaper_ver1.html
*Press release: “Inclusive Core” network in the 6G/IOWN era
https://group.ntt/ja/newsrelease/2023/10/25/pdf/231025aa.pdf
(2) As of February 21, 2024, according to NTT and Docomo research
(3) Fusion of cyber and physical
Services and systems that help realize a better, more advanced society by collecting information in real space (physical space) from various sensors and linking it with virtual space (cyber space).
*Docomo 6G White Paper
https://shorturl.at/zLQUZ
(4) In-network service acceleration platform (ISAP)
In-network computing mediates information processing related to services on devices or the cloud, forms a cascade processing platform on network hardware that matches the communication environment and service usage environment, and synchronizes and coordinates the two. Masu. high speed. By linking and accelerating information processing between terminals and the cloud anytime and anywhere, the network will lead to the creation of flexible service experiences that are not limited by the customer’s environment, device, or service. With ISAP, you can reach more users than service providers with a variety of advanced services, regardless of device specifications or access network environment.
(5) Network exposure function (NEF)
A network function that provides information held within the mobile communication network to the outside world.
(6) In-network computing (INC)
This technology concept transfers application layer processing functions to data transfer functions within the network, reducing latency and device power consumption while achieving high performance and high-performance services. By offloading information processing to devices such as switches on the network, you can expect to reduce the load on the devices. About NTT
NTT contributes to the realization of a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are one of the world’s leading technology companies serving consumers and businesses as a mobile carrier, infrastructure, network, applications and consulting provider. Our services include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise . The company’s revenues exceed $97 billion, the company has 330,000 employees and annual research and development investments of $3.6 billion. Our operations span more than 80 countries and territories, serving customers in more than 190 of those countries. We serve over 75% of the Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other business and government customers, and millions of consumers.
About NTT Docomo
NTT DOCOMO is a leading Japanese mobile operator with over 89 million subscribers and one of the world’s largest contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technology. Beyond core communications services, Docomo is collaborating with an increasing number of business entities (“+d” partners) to challenge new frontiers and provide exciting and convenient additions that change the way people live and work. We will create value services. Under our medium-term plan for 2020 and beyond, Docomo will develop a cutting-edge 5G network and promote innovative services that surprise and move customers beyond their expectations. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/
