法人別リリース

NTT Presents　東京2020オリンピック聖火リレーセレブレーション　6月30日（水）横浜会場の参加募集開始

NTT — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +0900

2021年6月1日
日本電信電話株式会社

NTT Presents　東京2020オリンピック聖火リレーセレブレーション
～CONNECTING WITH HOPE　ひとりひとりの、希望の光をつなぐ～
6月30日（水）横浜会場の参加募集開始
―ライブ配信により、誰もが安心安全に聖火リレーに参加できるイベントを実現―

実施にあたっては、「東京2020オリンピック聖火リレーにおける新型コロナウイルス感染症対策に関するガイドライン」を遵守し、新型コロナウイルス感染症対策を徹底してまいります。
＜東京2020オリンピック聖火リレーにおける新型コロナウイルス感染症対策に関するガイドライン＞
https://gtimg.tokyo2020.org/image/upload/production/y58zcil9z0cwkfnauuli.pdf　

また、新型コロナウイルス感染拡大の状況により、実施内容を変更、または中止する場合がございますのであらかじめご了承ください。最新の開催情報は、特設サイト（https://2020.ntt/jp/tokyo/torch/celebration）にてご確認ください。

　日本電信電話株式会社（本社：東京都千代田区、代表取締役社長：澤田純、以下NTT）は、東京2020組織委員会、東京2020オリンピック聖火リレー神奈川県実行委員会と共同で6月30日（水）に横浜赤レンガ倉庫において、「NTT Presents 東京2020オリンピック聖火リレーセレブレーション　～CONNECTING WITH HOPE　ひとりひとりの、希望の光をつなぐ～」を実施予定です。開催にあたっては、会場にお越しいただくのが難しいコロナ禍においても、安心安全により多くの皆様に参加いただけるよう、NTTの最新の通信テクノロジーを活用したライブ配信も実施いたします。このライブ配信に約10,000名様、また会場現地での観覧に約1,600名様を抽選でご招待します。応募受付は特設サイトにて6月1日（火）より開始いたします。
特設サイト：https://2020.ntt/jp/tokyo/torch/celebration

■開催経緯、背景について
　NTTは東京2020オリンピック聖火リレープレゼンティングパートナー＊として、フィジカルディスタンスの確保を前提としたリモートワールド（分散型社会）においても、史上最もイノベ―ティブで、全国47都道府県の地域が盛り上がり、地域の皆さまが、安心・安全に参加できる聖火リレーの実現に向けて活動しています。その取り組みの一環として、日々の聖火の到着を祝うセレブレーションの拡大版イベントを、4月13日大阪府吹田市にて実施、さらに6月30日には神奈川県横浜市の横浜赤レンガ倉庫にて開催予定です。
　4月13日に大阪万博記念公園にて実施した同セレブレーションでは、ステージに登場したGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBEメンバーがNTTの超高臨場感通信技術「Kirari!」の被写体抽出技術によってパフォーマンス中に瞬間移動したり、ディスプレイボットを用いて幻想的なトーチキスを演出するなど、最新の通信テクノロジーを用いて聖火の到着を祝福しました。また、新型コロナウイルス感染拡大の影響により無観客開催となりましたが、NTTグループの通信サービス等を活用したライブ配信をセレブレーションイベントで初めて活用し、約10万回の視聴を記録しました。大阪での開催模様を記録した特別ムービーを本日よりご覧いただけます。
特別ムービーURL　https://youtu.be/gnFP8t-iV-E

■横浜会場　実施概要
イベント名　　 NTT Presents 東京2020オリンピック聖火リレーセレブレーション
～CONNECTING WITH HOPE　ひとりひとりの、希望の光をつなぐ～
開催日時           2021年6月30日(水)　　15：00～21：00 (予定)
　　　　　　　　-　ステージプログラム：15:00開場／18:10開始／21:00終了（予定）
　　　　　　　　-　ランナー応援プログラム：聖火ランナー到着時
　　　　　　　　-　体験・展示プログラム：15:00～21:00（最終入場：20：30）
　
開催地　横浜赤レンガ倉庫(パーク・イベント広場) （〒231-0001　神奈川県横浜市中区新港1-1）
登壇者（予定）   EXILE ÜSA、EXILE TETSUYA
　　　　　　　　GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE、SAMURIZE from EXILE TRIBE
　　　武田双雲
　黒岩祐治（神奈川県知事）
　　　林文子（横浜市長）
　　　　　　　　橋本聖子（東京オリンピック･パラリンピック競技大会組織委員会会長）　
　田口亜希（東京2020聖火リレー公式アンバサダー）
　井上福造（東日本電信電話株式会社代表取締役社長）　　　　　　　　　　
　　　　　　　　他
　 ※登壇者は都合により、急遽変更になる場合がございます。

プログラム           ※画像はすべてイメージです。
＜ステージプログラム＞
登場する様々なアーティストと通信テクノロジーがコラボレーションして、今までにない演出を実現。
　※観客席は、フィジカルディスタンス確保のため、収容率50％以下で設定いたします。

【出演者※五十音順】
武田双雲、EXILE ÜSA、EXILE TETSUYA、
GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE、SAMURIZE from EXILE TRIBE、他

＜ランナー応援プログラム＞
聖火ランナーのリレーシーンを、通信テクノロジーとアートを融合させた新たな演出で実現。

＜体験・展示プログラム＞
最先端の通信テクノロジーを活用した様々な体験企画をご用意します。
※入場制限がございます。各会場での詳細は、特設サイトよりご確認ください。

＜配信プログラム＞
➀５G時代の新たなライブ視聴体験「REALIVE360」にご招待（抽選：約10,000名）

② 抽選にはずれた方でもセレブレーションを視聴いただけるよう「YouTube LIVE」や「DOOR」上での配信も実施
※YouTube LIVE URLは、後日特設サイト（　https://2020.ntt/jp/tokyo/torch/celebration）に掲載予定
※DOORは、「DOOR」東京2020オリンピック聖火リレーバーチャル応援ワールド（https://2020.ntt/jp/tokyo/torch/door/）からアクセスいただけます。
※配信時間等詳細は、各サイトにて後日案内予定。

■配信視聴、現地観覧ご招待について
ご招待内容：      抽選で「NTT Presents 東京2020オリンピック聖火リレーセレブレーション」
　　　　　　　横浜会場のステージプログラムの配信視聴、現地観覧のご招待
応募期間： 2021年6月1日(火)11:00　～　6月13日(日)23:59
応募条件：配信視聴：どなたでもご応募いただけます。
現地観覧：神奈川県在住の方を優先させていただきます。
応募方法：以下特設サイトよりご応募ください。
【特設サイト】 https://2020.ntt/jp/tokyo/torch/celebration
※当選通知は、6月24日（木）頃までにご案内予定です。
当選人数：        配信視聴（REALIVE360）：約10,000名
現地観覧 : 約1,600名
　　　　　　　 ※現地観覧については、フィジカルディスタンス確保のため、収容率50％以下で設定しております。
　　　　　　　　　※YouTube LIVE、DOOR（抽選無し）も実施予定です。

*対象となるグループ会社は、以下の通りです。
• 日本電信電話株式会社
• 東日本電信電話株式会社
• 西日本電信電話株式会社
• エヌ・ティ・ティ・コミュニケーションズ株式会社
• 株式会社NTTドコモ

NTT Verifies “Direct Spectrum Division Transmission” Technique That Divides Up and Recombines ...

NTT — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Dec. 11, 2019 /Kyodo JBN/ --
NTT Verifies “Direct Spectrum Division Transmission” Technique
That Divides Up and Recombines Spectrum
of Wireless Signal Transmitted to Satellite
- For Efficient Use of Satellite Transponders and More Secure Communications -

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (hereinafter NTT) has developed a technique named “Direct Spectrum Division Transmission (DSDT)” that divides the spectrum of satellite communications signals into multiple sub-spectra, then making communications after allocating them to the unused frequency slots of the operating band of a transponder (*1) in space, and finally recombining the divided sub-spectra into a single carrier signal. The practicality of this technique was verified by satellite experiments.

Simply by attaching a “DSDT adapter” to the existing satellite modem (*2), the spectrum of the signal can be divided up and recombined, so that unused frequency resources scattered throughout the operating band of the transponder can be used without affecting existing signals of other users that share the same transponder. In addition, this technique enhances communication security by dividing the signal into multiple sub-spectra in the transmitter and combining the multiple sub-spectra back into the original signal in the receiver.

NTT conducted satellite experiments on a preproduction prototype showing that the proposed technique is a practical way of exploiting unused frequency resources scattered on the satellite transponder. Hereafter, NTT will study an effective method of allocating unused frequency resources to multiple users that share the same transponder and further improve spectral efficiency of satellite transponders.

Glossary
(*1) A relay node in space that receives a wireless signal from an earth station and transmits it again to the Earth after amplifying it, converting its frequency, and so forth.
(*2) A piece of hardware equipped with a function that modulates information and generates a Tx signal, as well as a function that demodulates the received signal and extracts the information.

Original News Release
https://www.ntt.co.jp/news2019/1912e/191211a.html

Attachments
Fig. 1 Concept of spectrum division and combining
https://www.ntt.co.jp/news2019/1912e/image/191211aa.gif

Fig. 2 Spectrum-editing technique
https://www.ntt.co.jp/news2019/1912e/image/191211ab.gif

Fig. 3 Spectrum synchronous combining technique
https://www.ntt.co.jp/news2019/1912e/image/191211ac.gif

Fig. 4 Examples of spectrum division
https://www.ntt.co.jp/news2019/1912e/image/191211ad.gif

Fig. 5 Experimental parameters
https://www.ntt.co.jp/news2019/1912e/image/191211ae.gif

Fig. 6 BERs in satellite experiments
https://www.ntt.co.jp/news2019/1912e/image/191211af.gif

Source: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

BBF Publishes International Standards Developed by NTT, Chunghwa Telecom to Achieve ...

NTT — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 14:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Feb. 13, 2019 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
Broadband Forum
Chunghwa Telecom
BBF Publishes International Standards Developed by NTT,
Chunghwa Telecom to Achieve Modularization
of Dynamic Bandwidth Assignment
- Modularization Crucial to QoS in Optical Access System -

The Broadband Forum (“BBF (*1)”), which is an industry organization focusing on engineering smarter and faster broadband networks, approved standards about modularization of a dynamic bandwidth assignment (DBA (*2)) function on December 3, 2018, which represents a significant impact on quality of service (QoS) in an optical access system. These standards, developed jointly by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., specify an API (*3) (Application Programming Interface), which enables the replacement of the DBA software module, to realize future optical access systems that can quickly and cost-effectively provide the widest possible range of services.

NTT and Chunghwa Telecom have jointly proposed use cases of the DBA software module at BBF meetings, and developed the API specifications as the international standards. This advance enables carriers to use a common access system for a diverse range of services, including accommodation of base stations for mobile systems of the fifth generation (5G) and beyond, which strictly require low latency.

NTT will promote the developed standards, and push forward its R&D activities which are even now contributing to the expansion of the application area of optical access systems in cooperation with other carriers, system vendors, standardization organizations (SDO), and open source software (OSS) development organizations.

Figure 1 Replacement of softwarized DBA functions to meet each service requirement
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103662/201902123061/_prw_PI1fl_p0kK2kL7.png

Table 1 List of newly developed BBF standards
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103662/201902123061/_prw_PI2fl_j4fAXVYv.png

Looking forward
In addition to this international standard of API specifications, NTT will pursue to modularize the remaining access functions in cooperation with carriers, system vendors, SDOs, and OSS organizations in order to avoid the significant investment of redeveloping hardware-level equipment from scratch. This will result in cost-effective access systems that can quickly meet various requirements.

Terminology
(*1) BBF
A non-profit industry organization composed of the industry’s leading broadband operators, vendors, and thought leaders, the BBF’s work to date has been the foundation for global broadband proliferation and innovation.
BBF home page: https://www.broadband-forum.org/

(*2) DBA
Dynamic Bandwidth Assignment. This is a dynamic bandwidth control function for point-to-multi-point optical access networks. In order to avoid the collision of upstream data from multiple ONUs, the DBA function in an OLT assigns time to each ONU at which to start upstream transmission and the transmission duration.

(*3) API
Application Programming Interface. This is an interface that specifies how components should interact.

(*4) FASA
Flexible Access System Architecture. “Introducing the New FASA Concept for Future Access Systems” -- NTT news release, Feb. 8, 2016
FASA home page: http://www.ansl.ntt.co.jp/e/global/FASA/index.html

(*5) BBF news release, June 20, 2018
“Broadband Forum hits 5G milestone”
https://www.broadband-forum.org/news/download/pressreleeases/2018/PR08_BBF_Q2meeting_FINAL.pdf

(*6) NTT news release, Nov. 20, 2018
“World’s First Demonstration of Modularization of Dynamic Bandwidth Assignment; A Crucial Function to QoS in Optical Access System”
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2018/1811e/181120a.html

Attachments / references
Figure 1: Replacement of softwarized DBA functions to meet each service requirement
Table 1: List of newly developed BBF standards

FASA is a registered trademark of NTT.

World’s First Demonstration of Modularization of Dynamic Bandwidth Assignment; Crucial Function ...

NTT — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 15:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Nov. 21, 2018 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
World’s First Demonstration of Modularization
of Dynamic Bandwidth Assignment;
Crucial Function to QoS in Optical Access System
- To Achieve Future Optical Access Systems Quickly to Provide Various Services in 5G Era -

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (hereinafter “NTT”) headquartered in Tokyo has developed a prototype of an optical line terminal (OLT) with a softwarized and modularized dynamic bandwidth assignment (DBA (*1)) function, which represents a significant impact on the quality of service (QoS) in optical access systems (e. g. FTTH; Fiber to the Home). The prototype successfully supports, for the first time, the replacement of the DBA software module to meet changes in service requirements. This advance enables carriers to use a common access system for a diverse range of services including accommodation of base stations for the fifth generation (5G) and beyond 5G mobile systems.

(Photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103662/201811190492/_prw_PI1lg_i6nNZLN1.png)

NTT has already introduced the FASA (*2) (Flexible Access System Architecture) concept, and tried to modularize the functions essential to access system operation. Although DBA is well known to be one of the most difficult functions to modularize because of its timing-critical feature, NTT has succeeded in modularization by dividing it into a software part that is replaced to suit the service requirements, and a hardware part independent from the requirements. Furthermore, an API (*3) (Application Programming Interface) that facilitates the cooperation and control of the two parts is introduced. Combining this approach with low-latency optical access technology (*4) offering coordination with 5G mobile systems will yield optical access systems that can be quickly altered to realize various new services in the 5G era. In addition to the DBA function, continued modularization of other various functions and the replacement of software components will avoid the significant investment of redeveloping hardware-level equipment from scratch. This will result in cost-effective access systems that can quickly meet various requirements.

In order to establish the API as open specifications for use by various partners, NTT is currently working to advance standardization activities in the Broadband Forum. NTT will push forward its R&D activities which are even now contributing to the expansion of the application area of optical access systems in cooperation with other carriers, system vendors, standardization organizations, and open source software development organizations.

The accomplishments will be presented at NTT R&D Forum 2018 (Autumn) (*5) and an international exhibition on network virtualization technologies, ONF CONNECT (*6).

For details,
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2018/1811e/181120a.html

Terminology
(*1) DBA
Dynamic Bandwidth Assignment. This is a dynamic bandwidth control function for point-to-multi-point optical access networks. In order to avoid the collision of upstream data from multiple ONUs, the DBA function in an OLT assigns times to each ONU at which to start upstream transmission and the transmission duration.

(*2) FASA
Flexible Access System Architecture. “Introducing the New FASA Concept for Future Access Systems” -- NTT news release February 8, 2016
FASA Home page: http://www.ansl.ntt.co.jp/e/global/FASA/index.html

(*3) API
Application Programming Interface. This is an interface that specifies how components should interact.

(*4) Low-latency optical access technology
“Development and trial of low-latency optical access technology that operates in coordination with a 5G mobile system” -- NTT news release February 14, 2018

(*5) NTT R&D Forum 2018 (Autumn)
To be held November 29 to 30, 2018, at the NTT Musashino R&D Center (Musashino, Tokyo).

(*6) ONF CONNECT
To be held December 4-6, 2018 (Santa Clara, United States of America).

FASA is a registered trademark of NTT.

NTT Successfully Demonstrates 100 Gbps Wireless Transmission Using New Principle ...

NTT — Wed, 16 May 2018 15:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, May 16, 2018 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT)
NTT Successfully Demonstrates 100 Gbps Wireless Transmission
Using New Principle (OAM Multiplexing) as World’s First
- New Groundbreaking Technology for Achieving Next Generation of 5G Systems -

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) has successfully demonstrated for the first time in the world 100 Gbps wireless transmission using a new principle -- Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) multiplexing -- with the aim of achieving terabit-class wireless transmission to support demand for wireless communications in the 2030s. It was shown in a laboratory environment that dramatic leaps in transmission capacity could be achieved by an NTT-devised system that mounts data signals on electromagnetic waves generated by this new principle of OAM multiplexing in combination with widely used Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology.

NTT conducted transmission experiments at a distance of 10 meters in the laboratory using the devised system operating in the 28 GHz frequency band. Eleven data signals each at a bit rate of 7.2 to 10.8 Gbps were simultaneously generated and carried by multiple OAM-multiplexed electromagnetic waves, thereby achieving large-capacity wireless transmission at a world-first total bit rate of 100 Gbps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKLBzmHmX1Y

The results of this experiment revealed the possibility of applying this principle to large-capacity wireless transmission at a level about 100 times that of LTE and Wi-Fi and about 5 times that of 5G scheduled for launch. They are expected to contribute to the development of innovative wireless communications technologies for next generation of 5G systems such as connected cars, virtual-reality/augmented-reality (VR/AR), high-definition video transmission, and remote medicine.

NTT is to present these results at Wireless Technology Park 2018 (WTP2018) to be held on May 23-25 and at the 2018 IEEE 87th Vehicular Technology Conference: VTC2018-Spring, an international conference sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to be held on June 3-6.

For details, visit:
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2018/1805e/180515a.html

NTT Develops Low-latency Optical Access Technology That Operates in Coordination with 5G Mobile ...

NTT — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 15:00:00 +0900

TOKYO, Feb. 23, 2018 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT)
NTT Develops Low-latency Optical Access Technology
That Operates in Coordination with 5G Mobile System
- Achieving Efficient Accommodation and Operation of Base Stations -

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) has developed low-latency optical access technology that helps to reduce the number of optical fibers needed to accommodate base stations, especially during the period when the fifth and subsequent generation mobile systems are introduced. NTT has also conducted a feasibility trial in which the optical access system has operated in coordination with a mobile system.

This technology reduces data transmission latency which is an issue when applying optical access systems, widely used for accessing the Internet, to a mobile system. It is achieved by making optical line terminals and base station aggregation units in a telecom office operate in coordination with the signal control.

(Fig.1: https://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M103662/201802211148/_prw_PA1fl_745S870e.pdf)

By applying optical access systems with the technology to a mobile system, it becomes possible to efficiently use optical fibers between a telecom office and base stations. This reduces both the number of optical fibers required and the ports of the base station aggregation unit, enabling efficient operation of base stations. Detailed discussions on this technology have been initiated at ITU-T, a standardization organization.

NTT is committed to ongoing R&D to help mobile operators in efficient construction of their networks.

For details,
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2018/1802e/180214a.html

About Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
Headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
President & CEO: Hiroo Unoura

NTT and Telkom Indonesia Launch "APAC Telecom Innovation Initiative (ATII)" to Create New Network ..

NTT — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:00:23 +0900

TOKYO, Apr. 18, 2017 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk
NTT and Telkom Indonesia Launch
"APAC Telecom Innovation Initiative (ATII)"
to Create New Network Services in Asia-Pacific Region
Based on Virtual Infrastructure Technologies
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom Indonesia) established the "APAC Telecom Innovation Initiative (ATII)" as a joint research and development initiative on April 17 with a view to creating new network services in the Asia-Pacific region with a look beyond 2020 focusing on virtual infrastructure technologies. The ATII launch was attended by Tadashi Ito, Senior Vice President, Head of NTT Information Network Laboratory Group, NTT, and Arief Mustain, Executive General Manager (EGM) of Digital Service Division, Telkom Indonesia, in Tokyo on April 17. The initiative will develop technical studies and proof of concepts (PoCs) regarding requirements for new network services in the virtualization era, and aims to expand this initiative together with various partners, including other service providers, who share the initiative's goals.

Currently, APAC service providers are faced with several common issues such as sustainability due to natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes and typhoons) and unique traffic demands/requirements due to uneven population distributions (growth/erosion of population) with a similar geography as island nations in the APAC region. With this in mind, ATII will propose new services and technologies for the APAC region. Moreover, ATII will attempt to accelerate innovation and create new markets using information and communications technology (ICT) to benefit society with a focus on sustainable development through collaboration and promotion with various partners in the APAC region so as to realize the vision of APAC service providers/countries to lead the world economy in the future.

With consideration of the APAC market environment, joint technical studies and PoCs will be conducted focusing on the instantaneousness and availability characteristics of virtualization infrastructure technologies to realize flexible and efficient network services. Initially, the following three projects have been established:
1) High Value-added Network Services,
2) Server Platform Virtualization, and
3) Flexible Access Network Virtualization.

ATII will immediately start the joint technical studies and has plans to publish whitepapers on the identified requirements, specifications and PoCs results. Further, ATII will liaise and share these findings with the related standards developing organizations (SDOs) and industrial alliances to expand and further develop ATII's activities.

ATII eventually hopes to perform field trials with participating service providers and partners in emerging markets which will lead to deployable commercial services based on lessons learned from the ATII studies and PoCs.

About NTT
NTT Group delivers advanced technology and innovative solutions in networking, communications, software and cloud computing that help transform businesses, governments and societies around the world. NTT Information Network Laboratory Group is undertaking R&D of network technologies for contributing to the development of an information network society platform which is able to connect all things. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.ntt.co.jp/inlab/e/index.html

About Telkom Indonesia
Telkom Group is a state-owned telecommunications enterprise as well as a telecommunications and network service provider in Indonesia. Telkom Group serves millions of customers throughout Indonesia with a complete range of telecommunications services that include fixed wireline and fixed wireless connections, mobile communications, networking, and interconnection services as well as Internet and data communication services. Telkom Group also provides various services in the field of information, media and edutainment, including cloud-based and server-based managed services, e-payment services and IT enabler, e-commerce and other portal services. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.telkom.co.id/en/

Tbps-level Transport Functions Achieved with White-box Switching on Virtual Networks

NTT — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 14:00:29 +0900

TOKYO, Sept. 30, 2016 /Kyodo JBN/--
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
Tbps-level Transport Functions Achieved with White-box Switching on Virtual Networks
- Driving NetroSphere with Network Architecture (MSF) Maximizing General-purpose Equipment -

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT hereinafter), headquartered in Tokyo, has attained transport functions for carrier networks using white-box switches (*1), which is general-purpose communications equipment, and demonstrated the possibility of configuring carrier-provided Tbps-level virtual networks using only general-purpose communications equipment.

This has been achieved by software that enables the use of functions (MPLS functions) required for virtual networks, which were prepared as hardware for commercial white-box switches but could not be used. NTT has developed it with a completely open technology so that many equipment vendors and carriers will be able to use this software in the future.

As equipment vendors use this software, the white-box switch market that was limited to the small-scale networks used in data centers and so forth holds the promise of expanding into the carrier network field.

As well as having a much greater range of choices of network equipment, carriers will also have the ability to add functionality with network operating systems (*2) themselves. This will make network configuration more flexible, and make it easier to provide even faster communication speeds and more customer-oriented services.

These achievements are a big step towards the realization of the general-purpose, modularized networks aimed for by the Multi-Service Fabric (MSF), which is an elemental technology of NTT's NetroSphere concept established in 2015.

With ongoing studies, NTT will engage in the experimental "NetroSpherePIT" operation and wide-ranging partnering as initiatives for never-before-seen openness while establishing this technology through further expansion of functionality.

(*1) White-box switch: General-purpose communications equipment that runs on equipment vendor hardware, for which software can be freely selected and developed.
(*2) Network Operating System (network OS): Control software that runs internally in network equipment such as routers and switches.

- Backgrounds

With the development of better server performance and software technologies in recent years, increasing amounts of virtual technologies have been adopted to economically achieve higher scalability and reliability, mainly in data centers. Adapting these technologies for carrier networks by virtualizing computer and hardware resources to virtualize networks has been gaining attention.

Based on the NetroSphere concept (*3), NTT aims to provide both virtualization and speedy, highly reliable and even more diverse services to customers and service providers by driving commonization and modularization of network equipment. (Fig.1)

As part of these efforts, NTT is promoting its Multi-Service Fabric (MSF) (*4) initiatives to build networks using general-purpose equipment by using general-purpose products with simple functionality instead of high-functionality specialized equipment. (Fig.2)

Since network functions can be developed independently, MSF provides network architecture in which (1) simplified hardware for transport functions and (2) software for network control can be separated and redefined. This architecture aims for (1) transport functions making maximum use of generic network switches (general-purpose switches (*5)) and (2) flexible software functionality for network control. (Fig.3)

Fig.1: Network virtualization and commonization
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2016/1609e/160928b_1.html

Fig.2: MSF high-level architecture
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2016/1609e/160928b_2.html

Fig.3: Overview of MSF (functions separated and redefined)
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2016/1609e/160928b_3.html

- Software maximizing use of white-box switching

Using generic switches mainly used in data centers, MSF aims for carrier network virtualization (to configure network slices), although this requires transport functions that use MPLS (*6) technologies.

To date, however, MPLS transport functions were only provided with software (network OS) by some router vendors even though hardware was equipped with many general-purpose switches.

Hence, NTT has created a software product that is equivalent to a network OS, which can be mounted on white-box switches to achieve MPLS transport functionality by making full use of hardware performance.

Fig.4: MSF transfer function problems and solutions
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2016/1609e/160928b_4.html

- Software overview and effects

Using two techniques to achieve MPLS transport, the software generates optimal pathways by exchanging network path data (*7) with other MPLS routers, and writing the generated paths to hardware through an interface that supports MPLS transport. Because software functions are configured using only commercially available open-source technologies such as OSS (*8), white-boxing is possible even in internal software configurations.

At the same time, using architecture that maximizes hardware performance achieves high-capacity, carrier-grade transport with white-box switching (1Tbps/tens of thousands of paths).

With the potential to apply general-purpose switches to carrier networks as a result of these achievements, equipment vendors will be able to pioneer new markets (for general-purpose switches for carrier networks), which should bring down prices for general-purpose switches as well as invigorating additional functionality through competition among vendors. As well as that, carriers will have a greater selection of equipment with which to build networks, and will be able to modify network OS software by themselves.

These developments are driving the NetroSphere concept and MSF objectives of network commonization and modularization, and will make it easier to meet customer requirements with even faster communication speeds.

Fig.5: Technical overview (software for white-box switches)
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2016/1609e/160928b_5.html

- Future outlook

Beginning with NetroSpherePIT (*9), NTT will engage in studies on experimental operations and further expansion of functionality to establish this technology, and engage in even greater levels of openness by forming wide-ranging partnerships.

Glossary
(*3) NetroSphere Concept
Set down by NTT in February of 2015, a concept for developing technologies for the communications networks of the future. http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2015/1502e/150219a.html
(*4) Multi-Service Fabric (MSF)
Elemental technology in the NetroSphere concept that enables network architecture based on general-purpose products with simple functionality instead of high-functionality specialized equipment such as core and edge routers.
http://www.ntt.co.jp/journal/1608/files/jn20160825.pdf (in Japanese)
(*5) General-purpose switches
Switches on networks consisting of generic equipment. Currently, these are mainly used in data centers. These include switches such as switches provided by equipment vendors that provide hardware and software, and white-box switches for which software can be freely selected or developed to run on hardware provided by the device vendor.
(*6) MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching)
A type of packet transport technology that uses tags called "labels" to provide network virtualization functions.
(*7) Path information
Information used to determine the destination network (port) when network equipment receives communication packages.
(*8) OSS (Open Source Software)
Software with published source code for which modification or redistribution is permitted.
(*9) NetroSpherePIT
A testing environment (test-bed) to enable various testing toward achieving the NetroSphere concept.

About Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
President and CEO: Hiroo Unoura

NTT Group Sponsors World Triathlon Series and Provides Digital Tools

NTT — Wed, 11 May 2016 17:30:19 +0900

TOKYO, May 11, 2016 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Source: International Triathlon Union (ITU), Japan Triathlon Union (JTU), NTT Group
NTT Group Sponsors World Triathlon Series and Provides Digital Tools
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation(NTT), Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation (NTT East) and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation (NTT West) have entered into an agreement to become global partners with International Triathlon Union (ITU) and Japan Triathlon Union (JTU) to support the ITU World Triathlon Series (WTS) and other events.

NTT Group (the above three companies and others; see Appendix for details, http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M103813/201605110493/_prw_OA1fl_0fpUeklA.pdf ), in cooperation with ITU and JTU, will begin providing distribution of images of the Elite Paratriathlon race, a competition of top athletes with disabilities, and official triathlon related smart phone apps, beginning with WTS Yokohama 2016 (scheduled for May 14 - 15, 2016)and continuing with future races, while developing a race data tracking system. In this way, NTT Group aims to enhance convenience for competitors and spectators alike, while considerably improving the charm of firsthand experience in watching races. The overall aim is to further increase the value of triathlon events.

I. Providing Digital Tools for the ITU World Triathlon Series (WTS)
NTT Group will provide digital tools for participating triathletes, spectators and organizers of WTS and other events, by fully utilizing its own ICT technologies and service infrastructures in Japan and worldwide.

1. Provision of digital tools at WTS Yokohama 2016
(1)Distribution Service of Live Video of Triathlon Events
Race footage of Elite Paratriathlon races will be distributed live via the Internet. The distributed images can be viewed on the JTU official website and via the Triathlon Official Smartphone App.

Contact: NTT East (supported by NTT Plala Inc. and NTT Electronics Corporation)
Date: May 14, 2016

(2)Triathlon Official Smartphone App
This app is designed for general, non-elite triathlon competitors known as "Age Groupers." It is equipped with a function suitable for preparing for races, including a cumulative recording system of individual training and diets, an automatic ranking system for individual results, and more. In addition, the app provides information about triathlon events plus tourist attractions in Japan.

Contact: NTT Advertising, Inc. (NTT Ad.)
Date: Scheduled for May 9, 2016 (Details to be released in mid-July)

Contact: NTT West (Original supplier: NTT Smart Connect)
Dates: May 14 and 15, 2016

2. Provision of Digital Tools for Future Events are Scheduled
LIVE Tracking Service
By gathering ongoing information including the location and the speed from a device that triathletes will wear during races, an unprecedented experience will be offered to competitors, spectators, and organizers alike, in order to enhance the dynamism of Triathlon races and events as a whole. The LIVE Tracking Service is being developed based on a digital service that Dimension Data, an NTT Group Company, provided at Tour de France 2015.

Contact: Dimension Data, NTT Communications

Note for Reference: Footage from Tour de France 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eaPaUC9aWs

II. Sponsorship for ITU WTS
NTT East and NTT West have been supporting triathlon events in Japan and the country's National Triathlon Team since 1990. From April 1 of this year the companies began serving as an ITU global partner in the co-sponsorship of WTS, ASTC Asian Triathlon events and the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championship. The aim is to further develop the sport of triathlon at the global level, expand NTT Group's branding exposure in overseas markets, and contribute to sports overall by utilizing proprietary ICT knowhow.

Testimonials:
Marisol Casado, President of ITU
"NTT Group and ITU have enjoyed building a good relationship on our common goal to further develop the sport. I am confident that their sponsorship will assist us in taking triathlon to the next level by enhancing information available to fans through their data services."

Shin Otsuka, Director General and CEO of JTU
"Our history of triathlon in Japan has been supported by NTT Group for a long time, but we will not rely on what we have achieved; rather, we will work even harder to develop our sport of triathlon by making the best use of ICT capabilities so that more and more people can enjoy triathlon."

NTT Introduces New FASA Concept for Future Access Systems

NTT — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:00:26 +0900

TOKYO, Feb. 9, 2016 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

NTT Introduces New FASA Concept for Future Access Systems

- With Access Equipment Modularization, NTT Enables Service Providers to Begin Service Immediately -

In order to enable a more diverse range of services to be provided quickly and at low cost, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (hereinafter "NTT") has introduced the FASA (*1) (Flexible Access System Architecture) concept for technology development on future access networks. FASA aims to serve customers and service providers who use access networks and wish to begin using or providing services immediately.

FASA will not make use of conventional purpose-built equipment, but instead modularize the various individual functions of access equipment as much as possible to enable the free combination of these individual components. This will allow functions to be built into the equipment at low cost and flexibly as required for services, while still maintaining the same service quality. The innovative concept of this sort of modularization technology for implementation in access equipment is the first of its kind in the world. Additionally, an API (*2) developed in cooperation with multiple partners will be released in phases, promoting a commonly usable API.

NTT has developed NetroSpherePIT as a visualized testing environment for the implementation of the NetroSphere concept (*3). Testing of FASA under NetroSpherePIT has already begun, in addition to the testing of technologies that work toward the concept, such as Multi-Service Fabric (MSF), new server architecture (MAGONIA), and Integrated Management. In the future, NTT will perform R&D with even greater openness, in cooperation with other carriers and vendors.

Background
In February 2015, NTT introduced the NetroSphere concept, a vision of R&D for future communications networks. At that time, MSF and MAGONIA were also announced as R&D initiatives working toward the implementation of the concept and transforming network infrastructure for the future. Additionally, in May 2014, NTT announced the "Hikari Collaboration Model," which promoted the further use of access networks by enabling various business players to collaborate in the creation of new types of communications services. However, access networks are equipped with a large amount of access-specific equipment, making it difficult to promptly change or add functions and stalling any large reduction of costs. FASA will be introduced in this context as a part of the NetroSphere concept to transform access networks and their system architecture.

FASA (Fig. 1)
Conventionally, network infrastructure has been comprised of equipment specifically developed for each function. This is true of access networks as well, which contain a large amount of purpose-built equipment. Thus, in order to add or change a function to meet the requirements of new services, at present it is necessary to newly develop the equipment from the device level. Moreover, equipment specifications differ from vendor to vendor, making large cost reductions on equipment difficult to achieve and equipment maintenance complicated.

With FASA, the components of access equipment are separated into three types: (1) software components, (2) generic hardware, and (3) external modules. FASA enables access equipment to provide its necessary functions through the unrestricted combination of these three component types. With software components (1), it will become possible to add new functions quickly and flexibly just by adding or updating necessary software in response to the requirements of services. For the generic functions of access equipment, generic hardware (2) will make it less frequently necessary to newly develop equipment from the device level by striving to achieve a set of common generic components. The creation of such components can also be expected to lower equipment costs and make maintenance simpler by reducing the number of component types that need maintenance. For functions like optical transmission that are difficult to address with either software components or generic hardware, things like optimal transmission capacities can be achieved through the use of external modules (3) that can be substituted for dedicated hardware in response to the requirements of services.

FASA aims to achieve a structure that can meet the needs of service providers who want to begin providing service immediately. It does this by making it possible to add on or exchange newly developed software components and external modules to achieve necessary features based on customers' and service providers' demand. For example, mobile traffic is growing year by year, and it is expected that coordination between mobile communications and access systems will be used to efficiently accommodate this growing traffic. While mobile communication specifications are in a state of rapid evolution, access systems can enable providers to begin providing new services sooner with FASA's generic hardware, timely software component add-ons, and the use of external modules.

Commonly usable API by multiple partners (Fig. 2)
FASA seeks to achieve thorough modularization while still maintaining the quality of access services (e.g. fair transmission speeds among customers) provided by conventional access-specific equipment. To achieve this, access equipment will be modularized in implementation as described above, and it will be necessary to introduce an API to handle the exchange of data among these components. This is an innovative concept and the first of its kind in the world. Moreover, the introduction of an API commonly usable by partners both domestically and internationally can be expected to attract a large number of vendors while also achieving modularization, universal compatibility, and cost reduction. NTT plans to introduce the FASA API in phases moving forward into the future. (The first API release is scheduled for May 2016.) API brush-up work will also be conducted in cooperation with partners who support the project's core concept.

Testing in NetroSpherePIT (Fig. 3)
NTT has developed NetroSpherePIT as a test environment for the NetroSphere concept, and it is used for work on identifying issues and implementing the concept in practice. NetroSpherePIT, named with reference to a pit in automobile racing, serves as a space for sending new technologies and services into the field (i.e. for commercialization) in cooperation with a variety of partners. Collaborative testing has already begun with some partner companies.
At the NTT R&D Forum 2016 (*4), FASA will be given a public test run in NetroSpherePIT along with MSF, MAGONIA, and Integrated Management. Here, feasibility will be tested in NetroSpherePIT for prototypes in which OLT functionality is handled though modularized hardware components and some modularized software components. These prototypes will be assessed in a virtual environment using generic hardware.

Looking forward
To bring FASA to fruition, it will be necessary to achieve this transformation in partnership with many players in the communications industry. In the future, NTT will cooperate with international and domestic equipment vendors, carriers, and others who share a vision for FASA or something similar to FASA. Open cooperation will also be pursued for initiatives like joint work on API brush-ups and joint testing under NetroSpherePIT.

Terminology
(*1) FASA: Flexible Access System Architecture.

(*2) API: Application Programming Interface. This is an interface that specifies how components should interact.

(*3) NetroSphere concept: "NetroSphere: Towards the Transformation of Carrier Networks" (NTT news release Feb 19, 2015)

(*4) NTT R&D Forum 2016:
To be held February 18-19, 2016, at the NTT Musashino R&D Center (Musashino, Tokyo).

About Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Hiroo Unoura

Attachments/ References
(Fig. 1: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M103662/201602087715/_prw_OI1fl_klx47q8d.jpg )
(Fig. 2: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M103662/201602087715/_prw_OI2fl_6E48wyI1.jpg )
(Fig. 3: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M103662/201602087715/_prw_OI3fl_S953JlC4.jpg )

FASA and MSF are trademarks of NTT. MAGONIA is a registered trademark of NTT.

Source: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

SDN Software Switch "Lagopus" Showcased in ShowNet at Interop Tokyo 2015

NTT — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 14:00:17 +0900

TOKYO, June 16 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

SDN Software Switch "Lagopus" Showcased in ShowNet at Interop Tokyo 2015

- NTT Wins Special Prize of Best of Show Award for Work in Demonstrating SDN- based Internet Exchange -

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT, TSE: 9432, NYSE: NTT) on June 16 announced that the SDN software switch "Lagopus" was used as an essential part of ShowNet at Interop Tokyo 2015 on June 10 - 12, in Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture. Lagopus provided key functions in the advanced experiment about SDN-based Internet Exchange (SDN-IX). The purpose of the experiment was to test new technologies that aimed at improving usability and stability of future Internet. In the SDN-IX, Lagopus contributed to the realization of highly-valued services in a sophisticated manner that the existing technologies cannot easily achieve. Lagopus received Special Prize of this year's Best of Show Award for the Software Defined Infrastructure category. It was also nominated as a finalist for the ShowNet Demonstration category of the award, winning high evaluations from experts.
NTT aims to expand OSS-based SDN eco-systems with the participation of various organizations, develop complementary technologies, and create new applications. As part of these activities, it is planning to provide assistance to young researchers and students of academic entities, such as colleges, in cooperation with other bodies.

1.Background
SDN(*1) and NFV(*2) have become particularly important in the drive to achieve adaptive and rapid network deployment and added functionality for network services. The focus of these technologies is on software-oriented rather than hardware-oriented network functions. In contrast to rather limited usages in data centers in the past, SDN has begun to be used more widely and is expanding its role to such areas as wide area networks, enterprise networks, and smaller networks.
In the field of SDN switches, NTT Network Innovation Laboratories is promoting R&D in the O3 Project(*3) as part of a "Research and Development of Network Virtualization Technology" program commissioned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. After successfully developing a prototype SDN software switch "Lagopus," which enabled 10 Gbps forwarding and 1 M flow entries, in December 2013, the organization made the software publicly available as an open source software (OSS). Besides being a high performance switch that conforms to OpenFlow, the most widely used SDN specifications, Lagopus supports a wide range of network protocols and management interfaces. With these advantages, an important issue is creating newer applications that have not been realized easily by the existing technologies. Recognizing that usage in carrier networks is one of the targets, the organization is progressing software development to enhance functionality and performance even further. The organization is also engaged in accelerating OSS activities to expand its eco-systems to meet the goal.

2. Usage of Lagopus for the operation of SDN-IX in ShowNet
Internet Exchange (IX)(*4) using SDN, or SDN-IX, is gathering attention as a new use case of SDN. A demonstration experiment of SDN-IX was planned for Interop Tokyo 2015, an exhibition of computing and networking technologies. SDN-IX was part of ShowNet(*5), which was operated during the event.
The purpose of the experiment was to actualize automated operations and some sophisticated functions that will be highly valued but have been difficult to achieve in the existing IXs. Below are the examples of such services:

        - Automated path setting
            -- Paths between autonomous systems (ASs) can be set automatically by inputting
               connection information on the operation and management system.
            -- VLANs between ASs can be interconnected through interconversion of VLAN IDs
                administered by individual ASs.
        -  Mitigation and prevention of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) traffic
            -- Segregate and block DDoS attack traffic at the SDN-IX to keep ShowNet intact.
        -  Improvement of operational stability through traffic reduction
            -- Unnecessary traffic is reduced to prevent unpredictable problems that it could
                cause. The measures taken include blocking traffic from unregistered routers
                and restricting broadcast traffic to specific areas by implementing Proxy ARP
                in SDN switches.

Lagopus was used for the SDN-IX in this year's ShowNet. High functionality and usability that Lagopus, a software switch, provided was the main reason for its adoption. Lagopus provided OpenFlow mechanisms and helped realize services with less efforts than the existing network equipment required.
Lagopus switches were installed at two different sites: Otemachi, Tokyo, where ASs were based and Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture, where the event was held. Thus, a distributed IX was constructed.

NECOMA Project's controller(*6) was used to control Lagopus switches.
At Interop Tokyo 2015, Lagopus was showcased in ShowNet. Lagopus was nominated as a finalist for this year's Best of Show Award. Finalists of the award, which is given to honor "the most notable," represent the trend of the year. A finalist of both the Software Defined Infrastructure (SDI) category and the ShowNet Demonstration category, Lagopus received a high evaluation both for its high functionality and performance that the high-level software technology provided and for its forward-looking approach. On the first day of the event, it was announced that Lagopus received Special Prize for the SDI category.

3. Assistance for studies involving Lagopus
NTT Network Innovation Laboratories aims at adding new use cases and functions of Lagopus through expanded OSS eco-systems. It also hopes that young engineers, researchers, and students will use Lagopus to learn SDN technologies or conduct their research and, in doing so, try to create applications with fresh ideas.
To meet these objectives, the organization is discussing how to support universities, graduate schools and technical colleges that are interested in utilizing Lagopus for their education or research purposes. Providing technical assistance and holding hands-on seminars on site or remotely are among possible measures.
The entities that hope to receive assistance should participate in either Lagopus User Community or Okinawa Open Laboratory(*7), or both, and undertake studies involving Lagopus. Further conditions, including subjects of studies or ways of sharing research results, will be announced at relevant websites. The number of entities that can receive assistance will be limited to about 10 entities.

4. Future plans

NTT Network Innovation Laboratories will advance development of Lagopus using expertise obtained through the SDN-IX experiment in this year's ShowNet. The organization will also expand open source communities to accelerate not only widespread utilization of the approaches but also functional extension and performance increase with the cooperation of co-developers and other relevant bodies. It will promote market expansion by leveraging open source software and aim at expanding SDN/NFV technology and stimulating business.

Notes
(*1) SDN stands for "Software Defined Networking."
(*2) NFV stands for "Network Functions Virtualisation."
(*3) See the press release, "O3 Project launched for achieving the world's first wide area SDN." http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2013/1309e/130917a.html
(*4) Internet Exchange is where autonomous systems (ASs) meet and exchange their traffic. It involves path establishing between ASs and switching of traffic from different ASs.
(*5) ShowNet is a large scale network to be operated at Interop Tokyo to interconnect newest products, technologies, and so on, that the participating organizations provide. It also enables Internet access in the event.
(*6) NECOMA stands for Nippon-European Cyberdefense-Oriented Multilayer threat Analysis. Further information is available at http://www.necoma-project.eu/.
(*7) Okinawa Open Laboratory, A General Incorporated Association: Research Institute located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan that is conducting technology research and development, education and training of engineers, international conferences and so on to promote integration of SDN technology and cloud technology. (http://www.okinawaopenlabs.org/en/).

Source: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

NTT Unveils NetroSphere Concept Towards Transformation of Carrier Networks

NTT — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 15:01:19 +0900

TOKYO, Feb. 23 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
NTT Unveils NetroSphere Concept Towards Transformation of Carrier Networks: Novel R&D Concept to Innovate Network Development by Accelerating Network Function Modularization
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT hereinafter) announced on February 23 that it has launched the "NetroSphere concept" as a new way to form the carrier network infrastructure. Instead of using conventional purpose-built high-functionality equipment, NetroSphere aims to divide it into small modular components, and flexibly assemble those components at will. This makes it possible to quickly form proportional networks that can offer required functionality, capacity, and level of redundancy in accordance with the user's needs. As a result, carrier networks will achieve enhanced flexibility and elasticity while also drastically reducing costs.

As the key technologies to open the door of modularization and fabrication of network functions, NTT will work on the development of "MAGONIA" and "Multi-Service Fabric (MSF)." We expect that we can accelerate these R&D efforts by open and worldwide collaboration with other carriers and vendors.

- Background
In May of 2014, NTT announced the "Hikari Collaboration Model (*1)", which is the world's first full-scale service wholesaling of fiber access. This announcement means that NTT will transform its business model to become a "Value Partner" that supports the creation of new services by a wide range of players. Although this is only one aspect, future carrier networks are required to be flexible and dependable not only for end users, but also for various business players that collaborate in the creation of new types of services. Furthermore, in order to foster the appearance of innovative applications and services, the cost to use the network should be low enough so that its functionality, capacity and reachability can be fully utilized.

To simultaneously achieve flexibility and drastic cost reductions, we have concluded that there should be further exploration of the concept of applied virtualization technologies extended on their current trajectory, and that there should be transformation of the nature of equipment, networks and the entire surrounding communications industry.

- Transitions targeted with NetroSphere concept
Conventionally, network infrastructure has been built with purpose-built equipment specially designed for individual functions. Much of this purpose-built equipment is provided by particular vendors as all-in-one products that include the hardware, software and its operating system. To achieve the high level of reliability and performance required by carriers, each piece of equipment must contain various duplicate backup parts, must be fitted with system management functions such as monitoring and switchover, and must be big enough to handle large capacities. All of these lead to high power consumption, continued high prices, and difficulty in quick functional enhancement to respond to changing business requirements. In addition, large-scale systems where modules are tightly coupled have inefficiency in resource usage and a system life span. Vacant resources of a module in a certain system cannot be shared with the other systems. The whole system may face EOL (*2) even when a single sub-device reaches EOL.

The main idea in the NetroSphere concept is the division of functions. Not limited to decoupling software components from equipment, it pursues modularization as much as possible, ultimately at the sub-device level such as the CPU and memory. These modules will be distributed in locations that are optimal for each type of them, and prepared to be used as a resource pool. Then, they will be virtually assembled to form a virtual system to provide required functions. In this way, we can offer network slices required by service providers.

Breaking up the functions of conventional large-scale equipment into modules will enable a greater diversity of suppliers to participate in the market and hence widen the selection of available products. Using modules as shared resources will enable more resource efficiency in achieving required capacity and redundancy since the pieces can be added or removed to fit demand proportionally, and can be focally replaced if they fail.

Fig.1: Approaches to achieving the NetroSphere concept
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2015/1502e/150219a_1.html#a1

- Approaches to achieving NetroSphere concept
Emerging technologies driven by NFV (*3) and SDN (*4) are believed to help the modularization of network equipment. There is no doubt that standardization efforts for the open interface are essential for separating functional blocks. However, it is anticipated that the fruits for data centers cannot be brought about likewise for carrier networks. Even though equipment may be divided into blocks, it may end up in a silo structure where all of those blocks are provided by the same vendor. Much less, we can hardly hope for fine granularity of modularization by just waiting for the progress of cloud technologies. Two major reasons why we cannot be optimistic are as follows. In the first place, design of the carrier network architecture normally begins with the fixed idea that network functions are gathered in a single high-functional box such as core routers and edge routers. Secondly, carrier networks have special requirements such as high reliability and large scale in terms of the number of users and dataflows, and nationwide coverage. And the fact that major vendors have a monopoly over technologies to cover those requirements results in making up the barrier for suppliers to provide small pieces as a part.

Thus, we are taking two approaches with our R&D to overcome these obstacles, as follows:

(1) Multi-Service Fabric (MSF)
MSF is an architectural design of a carrier network in which functions are achieved using simple general-purpose servers and switches. Maintaining reliability and scalability is brought by advanced and unified control of modularized switch and server groups as virtual resources using inexpensive equipment. Although these ideas have already been used to achieve network configurations in some of the data centers, this will be the world's first attempt at application to a carrier network on a national scale.

Modeling of the modularized network structure enables better clarification of requirements for individual functional components such as switches and controllers. Moreover, opening common specifications for these technologies promises the creation of markets, greater participation, and the commoditization of products.

A dynamic exhibit of MSF was showcased at the NTT R&D Forum 2015 held at the NTT Musashino R&D Center on February 19 and 20, 2015. Demonstrations included dynamic provision of network slices, and dynamic failover of virtualized network functions running on distributed virtual machines in conjunction with changing packet transfer routes to reach the backup server. We have successfully shown the feasibility of the part of our concept, using currently available technologies and products.

Fig.2: About Multi-Service Fabric (MSF)
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2015/1502e/150219a_1.html#a2

(2) New Server Architecture (MAGONIA)
MAGONIA offers a highly reliable and scalable platform that can be shared by a wide range of applications. By opening these technologies and developments so that they are available to various vendors, no longer will the applications need to have specific built-in functions. Thus, new vendors will be able to get a foothold in the market much more easily. It may bring about a wide variety of applications and the expansion of network potential is expected. By optimized assignment of network functions on servers distributed across a wide area, MAGONIA-based network infrastructure will be resilient against failure, traffic fluctuation, and even against a severe disaster.

Through the collaborative study (*5) with our partners, we have exhibited at the SDN & OpenFlow World Congress 2014, performed field tests (*6), and proven the concept of virtualized network functions proposed by ETSI NFV. Through these activities, we have verified the viability of the distributed processing base, which is responsible for high reliability and scalability that are the core of MAGONIA, and have set down API specifications (see separate papers 1, 2). Since we would like to see MAGONIA positioned as the basic architecture of future server systems, we are working towards standardization at ETSI NFV and others, and are promoting MAGONIA and its API among developers and service providers both in Japan and around the world.

Fig.3: About MAGONIA
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2015/1502e/150219a_1.html#a3

Separate paper 1: MAGONIA (distributed processing platform) overview
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2015/1502e/pdf/150219a_1.pdf

Separate paper 2: MAGONIA (distributed processing platform) API specifications
http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2015/1502e/pdf/150219a_2.pdf

- Looking forward
In order to achieve the goal of NetroSphere, the business structure of a wide range of players in the telecommunications industry should be changed. In this sense, we would like to collaborate with many partners, especially with other carriers that can share the same vision and common issues. We are willing to play an initiative role to develop uniform standards for common network functional requirements among carriers in order to create together the new market of modularized and general-purpose built products that can be used in future networks.

To accelerate these technical developments, we are linking up with a wide range of partners specializing in each of the key technical areas, such as vendors, universities and research institutes through joint research, PoC development, and experiments. For instance, in addition to the joint research (*5) on MAGONIA, we have led the development and interoperability test on Service Function Chaining (SFC) (*7) in which we worked closely with five other companies worldwide.

About "NetroSphere"
NetroSphere is a technological concept advocated by NTT. The term comes from the following meanings: "Netro" - a prospect that stands upon the deep and wide knowledge of network development and operation acquired in the past. "Sphere" - an image of networks that universally support our partners and customers just like the atmosphere cover and stand close to the life on earth.

Terminology
(*1) Hikari Collaboration Model: "Hikari Collaboration Model - Contributing to the Creation of New Value" - NTT press release, May 13, 2014.
(*2) EOL stands for "End of Life".
(*3) NFV stands for "Networks Function Virtualisation".
(*4) SDN stands for "Software Defined Networking".
(*5) Collaborative "Collaborative Study on Server Architecture for Future Networks" (http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2014/1402e/140207a.html)
(*6) Field test: Radio Japan broadcast contest (http://www.radiojapan.jp/contest/index.html) (in Japanese)
(*7) Development and interoperability test on Service Function Chaining led by NTT: "World's first demonstration of interoperability of new IETF method for service chaining involving six companies" - NTT press release, February 12, 2015.

About Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation:
Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Hiroo Unoura

World's Highest Performance SDN Software Switch to Be Unveiled as Open Source Software

NTT — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:00:26 +0900

TOKYO, June 18 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

World's Highest Performance SDN Software Switch to Be Unveiled as Open Source Software

- Promoting Expansion of SDN Eco-systems Based on Open Source Software -

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT, TSE: 9432, NYSE: NTT) announced on June 18 that the SDN software switch "Lagopus" will be unveiled in July 2014 as Open Source Software (OSS). The switch is widely compliant with OpenFlow 1.3 and features performance and functions suitable for both data centers and wide area networks.
The corporation has also established the SDN Switches Test Center, which is leveraging the "Ryu SDN Framework" already released as OSS.
Through these activities NTT aims to expand OSS-based SDN eco-systems with the participation of various companies, universities, and research organizations.

1.  Background
In recent years SDN (*1) and NFV(*2) have become particularly important in the drive to achieve adaptive and rapid network deployment and added functionality for network services. The focus of these technologies is on software-oriented rather than hardware-oriented network functions, especially dedicated LSIs. As SDN begins to be implemented into data centers, it is expected that its advantages will also be applied to wide area networks(*3). Thus, wide functionality and high-performance forwarding are required for controllers and switches, both of them principal components of SDN.
In the field of SDN switches, NTT Network Innovation Laboratories are promoting R&D in the O3 Project(*4) as part of a "Research and Development of Network Virtualization Technology" program commissioned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. A prototype SDN software switch "Lagopus" that enabled 10 Gbps forwarding was successfully developed in December 2013. Demonstrations and presentations of Lagopus have been warmly applauded by network experts and given them high expectations for its future.
In the area of SDN controllers, NTT Software Innovation Center released the "Ryu SDN Framework" as OSS in 2012. The framework has since been modified to extend its functionality with the participation of various companies, universities, and research organizations. Specifically, the Ryu SDN Framework can handle not only OpenFlow(*5), one of the leading specifications for SDN development, but also a wide variety of protocols needed for coordination with existing network nodes. In consequence it was unhesitatingly selected by Broadcom Corporation, a firm which is developing OpenFlow enabled LSIs, OpenStack Project(*6) engaged in cloud platform construction and other activities.
With the Lagopus switch updated from a prototype to a product qualified for general use, NTT will be providing it as OSS to further accelerate the expansion of SDN eco-systems with the Ryu SDN Framework.

2.  Challenges for expanding SDN eco-systems
To assist SDN developers and users, NTT Network Innovation Laboratories and NTT Software Innovation Center will establish a test center for OpenFlow switches and will provide Lagopus as OSS. The expectation is that the combined use of the updated Lagopus switch and the Ryu SDN Framework will help to expand the SDN applicable area from data centers to wide area networks. NTT is also aiming at the expansion of SDN eco-systems based on OSS.
Challenges to be faced are as follows:
(1).    Providing Lagopus as OSS
With NTT providing the highly-functional, high-performance Lagopus switch as OSS, the organization aims to work together with companies, research organizations, and universities to accelerate SDN R&D. Since Lagopus was designed and developed for servers widely sold in markets, its inclusion in them will better enable buyers to select a server whose price and performance suits their purposes. In particular, Lagopus can be applied in wide area networks due to its fast packet processing performance that previous software switches cannot achieve. It is expected that ongoing user growth will help to expand developers' communities. Likewise, it is expected that the use of Lagopus will help to expand and mature eco-systems through the addition of new functions, the stabilization of software, the development of tie-in tools, the maintenance of documents, and the accumulation of know-how.
The first version of Lagopus will be available as OSS in July 2014 (http://lagopus.github.io/).

(2).  Development of a conformance test tool for OpenFlow switches
The Ryu SDN Framework is used by many switch developers due to its high conformance with OpenFlow specifications. In conjunction with this, NTT has been developing a conformance test tool for OpenFlow switches. Since OpenFlow specifications tend to be updated frequently and since they describe the determination of wide areas, it is difficult to speedily develop SDN switches that are highly compliant with them. To address this issue, NTT has co-developed a better conformance test tool with the help of various developers and users, in the same way as in the Ryu SDN Framework development process. This test tool is included in the Ryu SDN Framework and can be used by anyone.

(3).  Providing results obtained with the conformance test tool for various OpenFlow switches
Results obtained with the conformance test tool for various OpenFlow switches' have been published online (http://osrg.github.io/ryu/certification.html ). When system developers or application developers want to use OpenFlow switches, they should inspect suitable hardware- or software-based switches on the basis of their needs. By referring to these published test results, developers and users can easily check the conformance scores of various SDN switches. Thus, the results are expected to aid in promoting the use of OpenFlow switches.
Through these approaches taken at the test center, NTT aims to accelerate cooperation with SDN developers and SDN users and also aims to expand SDN eco-systems.

3.  Features of products
(1).  Fast SDN software switch "Lagopus"
A fast SDN software switch that can be applied to wide area networks and that conforms to OpenFlow specifications
a.  It is highly conformable with the latest and long-term-support OpenFlow 1.3.4. It also supports various protocols in not only data centers but also wide area networks.
b.  With its fast packet processing implementation leveraging recent server architecture components such as multi-core CPUs, and its fast I/O processing by Intel DPDK, Lagopus can achieve the 1M flow control rule support and 10 Gbps forwarding performance needed for large scale and broadband forwarding processing in wide area networks.

(2).  SDN controller "Ryu SDN Framework"
A software platform that provides tools and libraries for easy deployment of SDN networks
a.  Controlling various OpenFlow switches
In comparison with other SDN controllers, Ryu can handle a wider range of OpenFlow versions (1.0, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4) and thus can control more OpenFlow switches.
b.  Interoperability of existing network nodes
Since Ryu supports various protocols for existing network nodes, it can be applied even during network migration.
Details on the Ryu SDN Framework are available at http://osrg.github.io/ryu/

4.      Future plans
NTT will expand open source communities to accelerate not only widespread utilization of our approaches but also functional extension and performance increase with the cooperation of co-developers. The organization will also promote market expansion by leveraging open source software and aim at expanding SDN/NFV technology and stimulating business.

5.  Notes
(*1) SDN stands for "Software Defined Networking."
(*2) NFV stands for "Network Functions Virtualisation."
(*3) Wide area networks span a wide geographical area provided by carriers.
(*4) See the press release, "O3 Project launched for achieving the world's first wide area SDN." http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2013/1309e/130917a.html
(*5) OpenFlow is the first standard interface designed specifically for SDN, providing high-performance, granular traffic control across multiple vendors' network devices.
(Cited from ONF SDN White Paper https://www.opennetworking.org/images/stories/downloads/sdn-resources/white-papers/wp-sdn-newnorm.pdf)
(*6) OpenStack is a global collaboration of developers and cloud computing technologists producing the ubiquitous open source cloud computing platform for public and private clouds.
(Cited from OpenStack web site. https://www.openstack.org/)

Source: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

NTT Announces "Edge-computing" Concept and "Edge-accelerated Webplatform" Prototype to Improve

NTT — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 16:00:21 +0900

TOKYO, Feb. 4  /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT Corp.)

NTT Announces "Edge-computing" Concept and "Edge-accelerated Webplatform" Prototype to Improve Response Time of Cloud Applications

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT; TSE: 9432, NYSE: NTT) revealed on February 4 the "Edge-computing" concept which can reduce the cloud application response time by factor of 100 at most, and demonstrated its first research outcome, the "Edge-accelerated Web platform" prototype. The research and development effort leading up to the announcement has been carried out as a part of the company's strategic plan, "Accelerating Innovation and Collaboration for the Next Stage" (*1) , and is expected to open up a new era of applications for "Smart Life and Smart Work".

(Image; figure 1)

Although cloud services and their use by devices such as smartphones have become quite the norm today, they are increasingly and inevitably facing the problems of poor scalability and slow response time due to their dependence on sole remote servers that may be located far away, possibly across an ocean and on the other side of the planet. Because of the finite speed of light, it takes several hundred milliseconds to interact  over the Pacific Ocean, for example. These problems hinder the most promising applications to be widely deployed, such as intelligent transport control systems (ITS) and games that necessitate real-time response time, and the M2M services that will impose huge data traffic loads on the data center.

The edge computing platform solves the problems by the simple idea of locating small servers called edges servers in the vicinity of the users and devices and passing to the servers some of the load of center servers and/or user's devices. The following benefits are expected.

- Executes real-time applications that require high-speed response at the nearer edge-servers which will satisfy the severe real-time requirement.  The communication delay is shortened to a few milliseconds, not a several hundred milliseconds.
- Locally confines regional data processing of M2M/big data applications that incur large data traffic to edge-servers, and reduces network bandwidth.
- Offloads some of the computation intensive processing on the user's device to edge servers and makes application processing less dependent on the device's capability. It is possible to run applications faster and improve the user's experience.

As a result, the edge computing platform makes it possible to implement new and attractive applications that require real-time responses along with regional M2M/big data transactions.
(Image; figure 2)
Typical applications that have the former requirement include ITS or AR and those that have the latter requirement include smart buildings/houses and city management.

(Image; figure 3)
Through the spread of the edge computing platform, we will accelerate collaboration with ICT partners and aim at activating the market for new applications.

As the first instance that realizes the edge computing concept, we have developed the "edge accelerated Web platform (EAWP)"; it enables Web applications to run on edge severs. EAWP is a Web application execution framework that takes full advantage of the features of the edge computing. This platform relieves the user's device from having to process the entire Web application by distributing processing loads to the edge server close to the users and devices. In consideration of the background that Web applications and their developers are rapidly increasing, our development of this platform allows Edge computing developers to use HTML standards to develop high performance applications.
The following are the key features of EAWP
(Image; figure 4)

- The loads of heavy web application processes such as Web content evaluation and rendering are split and distributed among edge-servers and the user's device. This distribution yields high-speed Web applications whose performance is made less dependent on the capability of the user's device.
- The distribution method and data transfer method are optimized according to the user's environment, such as device capability and the networking environment, such as fixed or mobile. For example, the processing of objects, such as images and sounds, are dynamically allocated to devices or edge-servers to suit the user's environment, and resolution and frame rate are controlled to suit the networking environment.
- EAWP provides an execution environment equivalent to other Web engines that conform to HTML standards. Therefore, existing Web applications can be run in this distributed Web-based platform without being rewritten.

We will aim at business development from 2014 in Japan toward the realization of our vision. In addition, we will explore new applications, and extend the edge computing platform. In parallel, we will establish the edge computing market at the global level by forming alliances with network carriers, content providers, cloud business, etc.
Our future activity is shown in http://labolib3.aecl.ntt.co.jp/cec_en/index.html.

(*1) http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2013/1311ehzt/pdf/xgxf131108d_all.pdf

About Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation:
Headquarter: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
President & CEO: Hiroo Unoura,

Source: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT Corp.)