Where is the edge?

Where is the edge?

The most budging term in telecom or IT industry today is “EDGE”. In fact there are two notions on the fore one is “edge computing” and other is “fog computing”, both are about bringing the cloud near the point of action. Essentially it’s a cloud computing, a freak of virtualization at front of access.

The need of “edge computing” or “fog computing” has been attributed to “real time” or “low latency” approaches, i.e. process the data at the point or near the point where it is being generated and produce the result for real time action.

Whereas Fog is much on the point of data generation, the edge computing is a centralized or aggregated stuff, at the nearest possible point of access. Therefore fog is much about a flat distributed system but edge is little different through the notion of “edge”.

I don’t want to jump into hardcore technicality with these stuffs, as there would be specifics but essentially it about virtualization at different points in end to end construct. My idea is finding the edge.

“Edge”, as per vendors, is something about hierarchical distribution of certain functionalities in E2E construct. “Edge” is something creates a moat for innovation. I don’t differ with vendors but I feel that edge disrupt the very nature of cloud services too, it’s about providing cloud services with specific needs, different KPIs and SLAs, rather more customized. I am here referring to public cloud as my thought and intention of putting my idea is around that’s only.

So “edge” disrupts the cloud in sense of not only providing a back office or central office work but distribute the work at different level, in terms of SLA and KPIs. Think about the OTT services, the players started them with much turbulence but not only settled but dominated. Edge is in that sense the gate through cloud for many of service creations for small players.

So, don't just confine to architectural adherence from the vendors for creating the edge, there are many possibilities to find your own edge and provide the service.

“A Big idea for small players”

If make sense…….

Talk to us contact@xgnlab.com

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Artificial Intelligence & Industry 4.0 -

Interesting White paper here from CC.

Is 5G really so hard to break?

5G is not a nut at all like previous Gs. 5G is a re-imagination, paradigm shifts and new vision to accommodate certain advancements on radio and core network technologies, like massive MIMO, SDN/NFV, VNF/Cloud and MEC. 5G is also about upcoming use cases and capability & flexibility provided for them like IOT, Network Slicing or Application defined networking.

By and large it’s an end-to-end overhauling with new instruments to existing networks, which may be of concern for many reason, that need a transformational approach. As VNF and Cloud are most obvious tools to take up the necessary load of new functionality, MEC at the RAN level will be pivotal to discriminate the service logics and catalyze the application specific requirements fulfillment.

The transformation is going to shape-in with the shift in architectural paradigms to more hybrid or heterogeneous approaches and also leveraging the virtualization to accommodate variety of applications and use cases like for massive IOT, public safety, HD  video, mission critical i.e. latency sensitive applications.

Mobile edge computing abbreviated as MEC is about the cloud at edge or may be related to new term called as fog computing which is about putting many of RAN specific functionalities on virtual systems which are adaptive to load and computational requirements. MEC will help to provide right orchestration for VNF kind of architecture need for End to End networking, in term of network operation and performance optimization. MEC is best for the uses cases like for content management networks, latency sensitive applications, massive access management etc.

Virtualization is the kingpin in whole 5G conception as the required flexibility of the systems and network can be provided through it and that help to accommodate the application specific configuration with the term that provide end to end re-construction i.e. it is all about network slicing. Network slicing can also be envisaged as application defined networking that is about ad-hoc re-deployment or re-configuring network in line to the specific application requirements.  As per the 5G specification, this re-deployment time is not in days but in minutes and saying precisely it is 90 minutes only.

From MEC to MAEC a forsighted ETSI vision or rethinking?

MEC, known as Mobile Edge Computing has come up in mainstream, when ETSI started working on it with an ISG (Industry Standard Group) formation. The whole concept has started with the incorporation of cloud computing in 3GPP network architecture, with some of architecture network function being transferred to cloud computing environment and there were conspicuous impact of transportation delays among network functions. ETSI got a foresighted vision of putting some of cloud computing functionality near the system, much in the propensity of edge of the network to provide delay sensitive or first respondent kind of functionality in close proximity. This whole thinking brought up edge computing ushering in the whole network end to end architecture in 3GPP network, specifically focused to LTE adv or LTE adv pro, in recent time.

In early stages of technology adaptation the major impact on 3GPP networks came on radio access networks and concept of C-RAN has been the prominent outcome in industry, where most or much affable RAN functionality was put over edge computing and radio front end is kept as bare metal as possible. This also brought up front haul in consideration while defining and deploying such architectures.

In 2016 ETSI re-evaluated the importance of MEC and asked its ISG to extend it work for two more years to assess the Edge computing, in its applicability not only to 3GPP but also to other access technologies, not limited to wireless but in area of wireline too. This also forced ETSI to redefine and re-name it as "Multi Access Edge Computing" or MAEC, which going to cater multi access technologies and their functionalities on edge. Also in line of having MAEC role in End-to-End architecture, even the core network functionalities are also being thought of, to bring and coordinate within the edge.

Industry has widely accepted the MAEC, and with the most buzzing 5G now days, it is being taken as a prominent player in defining and deploying next gen mobile network architecture.


Will come with our white paper on it soon…with notion "MAEC impact"……….just wait.

Mobile Edge Computing - what it is?

References

1. ETSI MEC ISG, "Mobile Edge Computing (MEC); Framework and reference architecture," ETSI, DGS MEC 003, April 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/MEC/001_099/003/01.01.01_60/gs_MEC003v010101p.pdf
2. ETSI NFV ISG, "Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV); Architectural Framework," ETSI, DGS NFV 002, December 2014.
3. ETSI MEC ISG, "Mobile Edge Computing (MEC); General principles for Mobile Edge Service APIs," ETSI, DGS MEC 009, July 2017. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/MEC/001_099/009/01.01.01_60/gs_MEC009v010101p.pdf
4. ——, "Mobile Edge Computing (MEC); Radio Network Information API," ETSI, DGS MEC 012, July 2017. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/MEC/001_099/012/01.01.01_60/gs_MEC012v010101p.pdf
5. ——, "Mobile Edge Computing (MEC); Location API," ETSI, DGS MEC 013, July 2017. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/MEC/001_099/013/01.01.01_60/gs_MEC013v010101p.pdf
6. ——, "Mobile Edge Computing (MEC); Bandwidth Management API," ETSI, DGS MEC 015, October 2017. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/MEC/001_099/015/01.01.01_60/gs_mec015v010101p.pdf
7. ——, "Mobile Edge Computing (MEC); Mobile Edge Platform Application Enablement," ETSI, DGS MEC 011, July 2017. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/MEC/001_099/011/01.01.01_60/gs_MEC011v010101p.pdf
8. ——, "Mobile Edge Computing (MEC); Mobile Edge Management; Part 1: System, host and platform management," ETSI, DGS MEC 010-1, October 2017. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/MEC/001_099/01001/01.01.01_60/gs_mec01001v010101p.pdf
9. ——, "Mobile Edge Computing (MEC); Mobile Edge Management; Part 2: Application lifecycle, rules and requirements management," ETSI, DGS MEC 010-2, July 2017. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/MEC/001_099/01002/01.01.01_60/gs_MEC01002v010101p.pdf
10. ——, "Mobile Edge Computing (MEC); UE application interface," ETSI, DGS MEC 016, September 2017. [Online]. Available: http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/MEC/001_099/016/01.01.01_60/gs_mec016v010101p.pdf

What's about Blockchain? An Introductory feat.

From Techopedia - An Introduction to Blockchain.

What is Blockchain.

Blockchain is a distributed digital ledger. It is an official record-keeper that can be used to verify data transactions over time in a way that is both open and virtually unbreakable. It works by recording transactions (blocks) on multiple specialized servers around the world, creating a distributed record of transactions (the chain) that can be verified against one another to determine authenticity. The only way to tamper with a blockchain is to break into every server containing a copy of the chain at once – not an impossible feat, but extraordinarily difficult for even the most sophisticated hacker.

One for All

Blockchain’s potential for electronic commerce is profound, says Computerworld’s Lucas Meerian, and not just for digital currencies like bitcoin, which were the first to make use of it. Currently, most records, financial or otherwise, are kept on privately-owned databases, and outsiders looking to update them, such as a retailer, must pay for access. Blockchain is a peer-to-peer network that is owned by no one and is accessible by all, so right off the bat it has the potential to dramatically lower the cost of doing business. It is also self-regulating and self-managing, essentially giving users the ability to manage their own digital records, not the banks, credit card companies or the government. (To learn more about blockchain's use in bitcoin, see How the Bitcoin Protocol Actually Works.)

But blockchain can be applied to far more than just financial transactions. Any digital exchange that requires a trusted version of past exchanges can benefit, including medical records, inventory management, real estate filings and legal documentation. Virtually any industry can leverage blockchain in a wide variety of ways, eliminating paperwork, lessening their management overhead and, according to Accenture, reduce data infrastructure by 30 percent, representing billions of dollars in annual cost savings.

Companies like Earnst & Young are at the forefront of integrating blockchain into mainstream enterprise applications, says Bitcoin Magazine’s Michael Scott. The firm’s EY Ops program is working with collaborators to insert the technology into supply chain management, billing and payments, and a range of other functions where broad visibility into complex relationships is crucial. The company recently opened a Blockchain Lab in New York, where it is developing cryptography, physics and other solutions in conjunction with existing centers in London and Trivandrum, India.

Causes for Concern

Still, if blockchain is this good, why hasn’t it taken the world by storm? What’s the downside?

Alex Jablokow, of software development firm PTC, says one of the more significant challenges facing blockchain is scale. Even though its use is already widespread, it still accounts for only a tiny fraction of the worldwide data load, which itself is about to explode due to big data and the internet of things (IoT). The more blockchain scales, the more resources it will require for encryption, storage and other functions. Already, an average bitcoin blockchain is around 100 GB, and given the right conditions, computational requirements for activities like bitcoin mining can impose significant burdens on local infrastructure.

As well, blockchain utilizes a timed refresh cycle that helps to ensure there are no variants in the system. For bitcoin, this is set at 10 minutes, but the cycle will have to become much shorter as the internet of things ramps up, perhaps down to the sub-millisecond level, which will fuel significantly greater resource consumption.

But how, exactly, should the enterprise implement blockchain? As an open-sourcesolution, it is available in a variety of community-based and industry solutions, each of which targets a specific set of use cases or capabilities, says Enterprise Times’ Charles Brett.

The Linux Foundation hosts and initiative called Hyperledger that provides an enterprise-grade framework and code base. IBM is currently building its blockchain portfolio, dubbed IBM Blockchain, around Hyperledger, most recently releasing a blockchain as a service (BCaaS) offering using the Hyperledger Fabric project designed for deployment on modular architectures.

Another option is called Quorum, devised by J.P. Morgan and Eurotech to leverage a version of blockchain called Ethereum to target high-speed transactions. The system is geared toward private networks with known, permissioned participants, most likely involving complex settlement processes like lines of credit. (For more on blockchain, see How Blockchain Can Impact Digital Business.)

Editable Blockchain?

Meanwhile, Accenture is working on an editable version of blockchain that would allow a central administrator to make changes to existing chains, provided a series of preconditions are met. This naturally raises some eyebrows given that a built-in ability to alter past records broadens the potential for fraud and abuse.

And Microsoft is currently working on Project Bletchley, an Ethereum-based BCaaS solution for the Azure cloud. The aim is to provide a common middleware between disparate sources that provide an added level of trust during the transaction process.

Blockchain’s raison d’etre is to provide a high degree of trust in complex data environments. But as a new technology, it has yet to earn that trust. The IT industry has a long history of becoming intrigued by tools and technology that purport to be dramatically better than the status quo, while at the same time remaining highly suspicious of anything new.

Blockchain is currently on the radar at most enterprises, but it will take some time, and a rock-solid performance record, for it to make a meaningful contribution to enterprise data operations.

5G Development with MATLAB

3GPP has completed SA mode specification for 5G in release 15. How the industry will incorporate SA and NSA mode?

As 3GPP announced a new milestone on 5G release 15 standardization, that is completion of Stand Alone mode specification of 5G operation. The big question arises, would there be a split in 5G deployments in near future (i.e. with the availability of equipment's and mobile terminals)? because there is no obstruction possible on NSA mode rather NSA is going to have a major coverage, in fact for large coverage areas NSA would be there and probably SA would cover smaller coverage areas through small cells.

SA mode is about no LTE for control plane but both plane would be on NR only. So SA will put LTE on spare, really? That is feasible only for smallcell deployment cases as the operators are not going to make LTE spare due to heavy investment. Rather that is the upbring of 5G in real sense. We have already witnessed gigabit LTE deployments and vested interest of operator on it through LAA and LWA due to LTE based carrier aggregation CA or multi RAT convergence.

That trends is leading towards the solid root for NSA mode, SA mode would be filling the gap and caveats but not overshadowing it anywhere. The Fixed broadband uses case of 5G NR so far has been for millimeter waves but sub 6 Ghz NR has yet to come for mobile use cases ( as we all are waiting for mobile terminals use cases). 

LTE is far established and well coordinated for network spread and coverage enhancements, 5G NR has yet to come for that level of maturity and that's gonna take long time. Still LTE and 5G both seems to be moving parallel as there seems to be no obstruction for LTE as well. Technology has matured and taken its much advance form in LTE adv pro. In fact LTE adv pro is well taken to accomplish much of 5G use cases, whether it be massiv IOT, V2X or URLLC use cases like for robotics or healthcare.

Therefore 5G is not about 5G NR only,  There is much more wider outlook for 5G, like Network Slicing, Application defined etc, etc. 5G is a big hash, technology under which create a comprehensive system, not a isolated sliver.

The QoS (quality of service) should change to AoS (applicability of service) in NGN.

5G could not be delivered without E2E QoS service management, So current QoS management architecture from LTE networks will not be effective there. We can't put QoS control at the edges of access, but we will have to see things E2E to abstract the QoS concept at application demand level. We propose here cocepts of AOS, that is applicability of service, a QoS demand from application towards service delivery network, E2E.

As 5G is more about 'application defined network'. The QoS (quality of service) should change to AoS (applicability of service). QoS is the network constrains whereas AoS is network demand. New policy architecture is demanding here. This is a paradigm shift from ‘bottom-up’ approach to ‘top-down’ approach. This is about to bring more flexibility, better control and far reaching service assurance, for required Quality of Experience QoE and service delivery.

Such kind of Policy architecture could be aligned with 3GPP efforts of verticalization through Standards for north bound APIs. A Northbound API is an interface between an Application Server (either in a mobile operator's network or external to it - operated by a third party) and the 3GPP system via specified Functions in a mobile operator's network (SDN can make this E2E QoS feasible in real world from AOS point of view).

XCOM - A 5G start up from Qualcomm EX.

Former Qualcomm Chairman, Paul Jacobs recently launched a wireless startup called XCOM. The company plans on focusing on advancing wireless technology, specifically in the 5G sector. Along with Jacobs, two former Qualcomm executives, Derek Aberle and Matthew Grob have also joined the company.

While a solid business model still hasn’t been laid out, Aberle confirmed in an interview with CNBC that the company will try to tackle important 5G problems, especially around latency and reliability. The company is also expected to license its proprietary 5G technology or provide software solutions to other companies that can be used in their semi-conductors. The three executives also plan on expanding the company’s workforce in coming months.

catch news here 

IOT: Much Ado About Nothing - So Far.

IOT: Much Ado About Nothing - So Far.

IOT means Internet of Things, in literary term it's like expansion of connectivity to things not only to humans assistance for remote connectivity, that is only 'Internet'.
There are radios already available for Low range and low power connectivity and also devices and sensors. IOT is for what then - to rejuvenate this industry by creating a buzz in disruptive environment. Definitely not, but it could not be denied that such industry has taken or created much ado around IOT, which is actually not IOT but a kind of Automation only. Although good to specify some has come with categorization like Industrial IOT or IIOT.
There are technology like BLE, LORA, ZiGBEE, Sigfox, LOPWAN, already there and have a significant ecosystem too, and so could be said for devices with sensors - enhanced with LTE backhaul connectivity and miniatu.
IOT is widely used to create the buzz around, though the term IOT is essentially about global connectivity, much like internet. Its essentially about connectivity of devices, with zero human interaction, to far reaching data centers.
This is possible only with the networks of capacity and capability to connect this massive devices hives. Hives with different kind of requirements like throughput, signaling, and so on.
3GPP has come up with standards on it like LTE-M, NB-IOT and also GSM specific technological tweaks to cater such issues. But there is no big picture across the industry around IOT as a holistic system.
IOT is relevant with Big data and analytics, and could help and also be squared up with AI and machine learning.

Terragraph - Facebooks New Plan along with Qualcomm to Test the 10 gbps WiFi based backbone networks

The two tech companies announced the joint effort for test of, Facebook's mesh network technology, Called  Terragraph. it already has announced tow field trials in Europe. Now Tests are also expected to begin in partnership with Qualcomm in the U.S. next year.

The technology could deliver significantly higher bandwidth via Wi-Fi — perhaps as fast as 10 gigabits per second at peak speeds. If this gets a successful feat it would do wonder much like 'fiber in the air'.

"With Terragraph, our goal is to enable people living in urban areas to access high-quality connectivity that can help create new opportunities and strengthen communities," said Yael Maguire, vice president of connectivity with Facebook.

The technology is complicated. But it taps 60 gigahertz unlicensed airwaves — know as millimeter wave — to bring high speed Internet to big cities.

Millimeter wave spectrum can deliver a lot of data fast. But it's prone to interference and doesn't travel very far — only a few hundred feet at best — before degrading. It needs to be within line of sight of devices, small cells and access points.

The Terragraph system would use advanced and future generations of Wi-Fi standards to generate uber-fast speeds. Qualcomm is producing the chips and software to enable outdoor operation and avoid interference.

"Our collaboration with Facebook will bring advanced 11ad and pre-11ay technologies to market, increasing broadband penetration and enabling operators to reduce their capital expenses for last-mile access," said Irvind Ghai, a vice president with Qualcomm Atheros.

There ar obvious challenges with the deployment of such WiFi hotspots across the cities and delivering millimeter waves technology, but these challenges are there with others smallcell centric technology too, like 5G fixed broadband systems. 

"There are licensed and unlicensed approaches," said Jesse Burke, a product marketing manager at Qualcomm. "The point is our customers are looking for increasing capacity. There are various approaches in both the licenses and unlicensed bands, and we are providing solutions, along with our customers."

BT and EE show their post-merger road map with hybrid connections for all

The key message is that the company will converge their network by 2022, which will mean (it says) that "customers will never again have to think or worry about which network they are connected to". We're not sure anybody did, but hey.

Included is a 'hybrid' service which will leverage both the BT network and EE 4G cellular offering which aims to make calls and data faster and more reliable.

The result is a service called BT Plus or EE Keep Connected which will be used to ensure that you won't be waiting for ages for a fault fix or new line.

It will also guarantee your line speeds - with 100Mbps minimum speed on the Ultrafast Fibre Plus service, which will also include a 4G hub as back-up. Maxed out speeds could be as high as 314Mbps.

By 2020, all customer service calls will be answered in the UK and Ireland, whilst BT Stores will return to High Streets, presumably leveraging floor space from the extensive EE Store network.

For detail news click HERE

NFS (Network For Spectrum) : Rs 11,330 crore more for network for defence forces

The committee approved enhancement of budget by Rs 11,330 crore for the Network for Spectrum (NFS) project, over and above Rs 13,334 crore already approved by the Cabinet Committ​​ee on infrastructure in July 2012.

"The NFS project will boost the communication capabilities of the defence forces in major way leading to enhanced national operational preparedness," the committee said after the approval.

"The project will have forward linkages to other related industries such as telecom equipment manufacturing and other telecom related services," it added.

For more Click HERE

Google WiFi, Test your one 2 one speed on your own.

 Google has added a new feature to its Wi-Fi network technology that lets users measure how each individual device is performing on their wireless Internet network.

The new feature will basically run a speed test on each device and inform the users which devices need to be kept within a closer router range for a stronger connection.

Globally, an average of 18 devices are connected on each "Google Wifi" network.

For full coverage go HERE

A Comprehensive Outlook on WiFi and Cellular Integration and holistic approach for WiFi in 5G. From Fundarc-Comm (xgnlab)

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Good news for flyers, they can get voice and data over the Indian Sky.

The Telecom Commission Tuesday approved the telecom regulator's recommendations for offering voice and data services in flights withing Indian airspace. 

The highest decision making body of the telecom ministry also approved another consumer benefitting initiative of creating a telecom Ombudsman under Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), for which it will also amend the Trai Act. This will give powers to Trai to take decisions on consumer complaints and possibly penalize telcos also. 

   

get it from ETT HERE

Mergers are evident for survival to become big and scaling up, but market has different emotions

The merger announcement triggered the highest-volume selling day since April 2013, dropping the stock into a six-month trendline of rising lows. A turnaround right here could save the day for discouraged bulls, carving a higher low in a possible inverse head and shoulders basing pattern. However, heavy selling pressure signals a major change of heart, raising the odds for a breakdown that tests the 2017 low.

The industry grew just 2.7% in 2017, while many research firms expect zero growth in 2018.

Read more: T-Mobile and Sprint Stocks Near Breakdowns After Merger News | Investopedia https://www.investopedia.com/news/tmobile-and-sprint-stocks-near-breakdowns-after-merger-news/#ixzz5EJe5nNsc 

T-mobile and Sprint merger- talk of town of telecom carriers

T-mobile and Sprint merger is being talked about with the asteroid falling impact on US economy and consumers, both are boasting each others with their capabilities and capacities those gonna changed the game and transform the combination to stand at 3rd largest, following Verizon and AT&T. They are going to create the 'ultimate network', based on 5G, an example of their mega plans and also to boost the confidence and showcase their strength.

The deal still awaits regulatory approval and raises plenty of questions and speculations, while the $26 billion deal still has to face approval from the FCC and Justice Department.

"This new company would represent more than 90 million retail wireless phone customers in the U.S., roughly one-third of the market", said research firm Recon Analytics.

With the two companies combining their networks, it's possible service on both will improve, in a joint statement, the companies promise that existing customers, with both services, will benefit from increased speeds, coverage, and performance.

There are many talks of the towns, and much expectation and anticipation, in terms of consumer benefits and economical impacts, but any naive guy who is following industry around the globe, must be understanding the emerging games , that could be for survival of industry 4.0  and upcoming technological advances as for 5G.

5G is anyway about scaling up, whatever it be, technology or its performance, capacity, throughput or data rates.. That scaling up is also for business, operation, investment, revenue, comprehensiveness in approaches etc etc.

That is need of hour, nothing to boast here, you can't move into next level of the game if you are not big enough.

Ajit Pai, current FCC chairman, rightly said it's not about number of player in the game as no one can justify whether it should be 4 or 5. The main concern is competitive environment among them and growth and sustainability in the marketplace.

Lets see how this goes up, regulatory authorities are going to be conducive but ball is mainly supposed to be hanging with department of justice.

--

Saurabh Verma

Chief Tech Consultant & Founder

Fundarc Communication (xgnlab)

Noida, India - 201301

M:+91-7838962939/9654235169

saurabhverma@xgnlab.com

www.xgnlab.com

5G in perspective from Qualcomm

Making 5g-nr-a-commercial-reality from Saurabh Verma