With AsiaTech x Singapore taking place virtually this week, Tara Neal, Executive Editor of The Fast Mode ran a brief interview with Masayuki Takahashi, Director of NTT Advanced Technology, Singapore Office. As a leading vendor of fiber and optical solutions in the region, Masayuki discusses NTT AT's plans for the event and the key solutions they will be exhibiting. Masayuki also explores operator readiness in deploying 5G, as well as the challenges operators face in managing last mile fiber connections.
Tara: So how does it feel to be part of Asia Tech x Singapore? What are some of your showcase themes this year?
Masayuki: We are excited to participate in this exhibition, even though it's virtual.
Masayuki Takahashi, Director, NTT Advanced Technology Corp. Singapore OfficeNTT Advanced Technology opened their Singaporean office in October 2019 and we have taken up the challenge of positioning ourselves as a market leader in the APAC region. While the below are just a select few of our extensive product lineup, we would like to focus on three areas: optical related products, advanced materials / devices and analytical solutions.
- For optical related products, our “Intelligent Optical Switch” provides a high level of network reliability and has been deployed by many ISPs, telecommunication carriers, and in large data centers.
- NTT AT's propriety “ROME” has a set of interesting features, its robot mechanism can connect any combination and it can be entirely remotely controlled by commands.
- Our “Super Water-repellent Material” and “Humidity Control Sheet” also have their own unique features and can be very effective under right conditions.
We also offer advanced technologies in the fields of software and AI:
- “@FlowInspector” is a sophisticated combination of a hardware and software system that detects anomalies in network activity.
- “@DeAnoS” uses AI technologies to detect signs of anomalies in any kind of system where time-varying data can be obtained.
Tara: Early deployments of 5G have started in this region. How ready do you think operators are, in terms of infrastructure and hardware rollouts, to support the development of 5G networks?
Masayuki: Since 5G is not just a “faster 4G”, simply upgrading base stations will not be enough to be truly 5G-ready. Furthermore, even if we look at communication speeds, there are only a few cases where 5G is able to demonstrate its true capabilities. As a result, current 5G speeds seems to be only slightly faster than 4G in many areas.
Of course, there's no need to be pessimistic; the situation was similar when we went from 2G to 3G and 3G to 4G.
However, the is a significant difference here that we can't ignore. Microwave-based backhaul networks have been able to support 4G speeds, but due to the limitations of the transmission method, they are often insufficient to cater for 5G speeds. The best solution, in this case, is an optical backhaul network.
NTT has a long history with optical-based IP networks. NTT introduced an all-IP network in Japan in 2008, and established the basic network architecture. Since then, we have been working on upgrading of the network, and have completed support for 5G. In recent years, NTT has proposed the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) concept to realize the vision of a smart society, with the capabilties offered by 5G and beyond.
You can check out some of our products that support the needs of advanced optical networks at our virtual booth at AsiaTech x Singapore 2021.
Tara: What are some of the challenges that operators might face in managing fiber connections at the last mile, and how can they overcome that?
Masayuki: The last mile has been a perennial challenge for telecom carriers since the beginning of broadband.
There is no doubt that running optical fibers to the ONU in the room is the best way to achieve the highest performance. However, there are cases where this is made difficult due to various factors.
NTT has introduced a special optical fiber cable that can be easily pulled into a room, increasing the percentage of direct optical connections.
I don't think the global situation has changed much, as operators continue to choose appropriate technologies such as VDSL for the last mile or 100 feet, based on network/building conditions and economic rationality.
“Optical connector cleaners” and “Polishing Machine” which we will be exhibiting at the event are some of NTT's products that support optical connectivity infrastructures behind the scenes.
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In conjunction with Asia Tech x Singapore, The Fast Mode also conducted a video interview with NTT AT's Deputy Senior Manager, Yuki Low and Deputy Senior Manager of Global Pre-Sales, Kanika Bhutani. Watch the full interview here.
