October 2017 Vol. 15 No. 10

Feature Articles: NTT DATA Technology Foresight 2017―Examining Future Technology Trends and How They Will Affect Us

• Overview of NTT DATA Technology Foresight 2017

  

  Abstract
  NTT DATA Technology Foresight is the outlook on technology trends of the near future that is compiled by NTT DATA once a year. The objective is to find the challenges our future society will face at an early stage and serve as a compass to promote the creation of new value. The Feature Articles in this issue introduce NTT DATA Technology Foresight 2017 published in January this year; this article provides an overview as an introduction to it.

• Power of the Individual

  

  Abstract
  Our individual-centric society is leading to the transformation of current systems. Individuals are encouraging the restructuring of businesses, an increase in options, and a transformation to a more flexible society.

• Decentralized Collaboration

  

  Abstract
  Many people and all kinds of things will be linked to the Internet in the near future, resulting in innovation. Each component will act autonomously, and a new ecosystem will be built where relationships will change dynamically.

• Ever-evolving Things

  

  Abstract
  Big data analytics will fuel innovation. Even after products are shipped, they will become ever-evolving things through functionality and performance enhancements. This in turn will boost value for customers and promote business model transformation.

• Physical Digital Convergence

  

  Abstract
  The physical-digital convergence will broaden in scope. People will freely go back and forth between physical (real) and digital environments, and between offline and online without being aware of the borderlines. Restrictions in time, space, and ability will be relaxed; therefore, new value will be created.

• Pervasive Artificial Intelligence

  

  Abstract
  Widely accessible advanced machine learning will result in the expanded use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI will increase convenience, resolve intellectual labor shortages, and drastically advance science. Consequently, mastering AI will become a critical component of competitiveness.

• Conversational Computing

  

  Abstract
  The advancement of voice recognition technology with enhanced context/emotion interpretation will make natural and seamless people-to-technology interactions possible. Such intelligently interactive systems will change human behavior, societal interactions, and decision making.

• Environment-aware Robotics

  

  Abstract
  Advancements in perception technology for images and voice are enabling robots to acquire enhanced environmental awareness and providing opportunities to exploit its use within products such as self-driving cars and drones. These higher-level operational capabilities will transform the industrial structure.

• Precision Life Science

  

  Abstract
  Genetic analysis, biosensors, and electronic health records continuously generate data related to individuals, accelerating the field of data-driven life sciences and enabling root cause analysis of genetics, personal habits, and environmental factors to aid in the treatment and preventive care of individuals.

• Synthetic Reality

  

  Abstract
  With the rapid evolution and diffusion of virtual reality and augmented reality devices, the digital and real worlds are being further integrated and expanded. Human perception will become synthesized within new three-dimensional spaces, enabling the sharing of knowledge and distributed experiences.

• Security for the IoT Era

  

  Abstract
  Internet of Things devices have enhanced the value of data collection by collecting more detailed and broader information. However, they have also increased the risk of data breaches and large-scale cyberattacks. While value associated with utilization is being realized, it is now necessary to change the way we treat and protect data.

• Heterogeneity in IT Infrastructures

  

  Abstract
  To supply the massive computing performance required for artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, new infrastructure is needed for both general use and specific purposes. Cloud services will rapidly enable such a flexible future infrastructure.

• Experience Design Innovation

  

  Abstract
  Development of the API (application programming interface) economy and UX (user experience) design are simplifying the creation and continuous evolution of innovative services. Propagation of the Internet of Things will drastically change interactions between humans and systems, resulting in more natural and freer user experiences.

Regular Articles

• Hardware Acceleration Technique for Radio Resource Scheduling in 5G Mobile System

  

  Abstract
  This article presents a hardware acceleration technique for the scheduling process in ultra-high-density distributed antenna systems for fifth-generation (5G) mobile communications systems. In 5G systems, the overall system throughputs for a huge number of combinations of antennas and user equipment (UE) for communications have to be calculated in the scheduling process. To speed up the calculation, this acceleration technique calculates the throughputs of each UE simultaneously. Experimental results show that the acceleration technique calculates the system throughput approximately 60 times faster than without the acceleration. As a result, the acceleration technique improved the throughput by about 73% for a system with 32 antennas and 256 UEs. The hardware acceleration technique therefore enables a future practical 5G system.

• Network Resource Management Technology

  

  Abstract
  The era of software-defined networks is approaching, and NTT is working on network management and operation architecture for various types of networks and their topologies, including current physical and virtual networks. This article presents the technology used in network resource management architecture for comprehensive network operation based on unified information models.

• Practical Implementation of a New Clock Supply Module Supporting Telephone System Communications and Leased Line Communications for Corporate Customers

  

  Abstract
  NTT has achieved high-accuracy frequency synchronization for communications using time division multiplexing, which is applied to telephony, leased lines, and other applications. Recently, the demand for high-accuracy time synchronization as well as high-accuracy frequency synchronization has increased, particularly in mobile systems. We introduce here the New Clock Supply Module (New CSM) enabling high-accuracy frequency and time synchronization on packet transport networks.

Global Standardization Activities

• Standardization Trends for Future High-speed Passive Optical Networks

  

  Abstract
  Standardization organizations are conducting studies on optical networks with higher-than-ever speeds as part of efforts to continue the development of access networks. This article briefly reviews the general concept of the latest high-speed passive optical network system called NG-PON2 (Next-Generation Passive Optical Network Stage 2) and introduces current standardization trends for future high-speed optical access systems.

Practical Field Information about Telecommunication Technologies

• Failure Analysis of Internet Protocol Terminal Equipment

  

  Abstract
  This article describes a fault that occurred in the transmission of voice signals in a customer’s Internet protocol telecommunication system and the analysis carried out to identify the problem. This is the forty-second article in a series on telecommunication technologies. This contribution is from the Network Interface Engineering Group, Technical Assistance and Support Center, Maintenance and Service Operations Department, Network Business Headquarters, NTT EAST.

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

• External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings