2023 AF Roundtables

5G AMERICAS PRESENTS

ANALYST FORUM 2023

OCTOBER 11 – 12, 2023 | Richardson, TX

Roundtable Topics

Analyst Forum roundtables provide unparalleled access to our member companies' best and brightest subject matter experts. The following list of roundtables and topics may be subject to change. All subject matter experts will be listed closer to the date of the event.

Latin America & the Caribbean​

Overview of CALA markets, spectrum, infrastructure needs & deployment. New tech.​

The Latin America and Caribbean cellular marketplace provide opportunities and challenges for the mobile wireless industry.  4G LTE remains a prominent technology in the region even as 5G expands in many countries.  This 5G Americas round table will address:

  • Spectrum assignment in Latin America
  • Regulatory considerations throughout the region
  • 5G progress and deployments specific to countries
  • Key ingredients for the success of 5G in the region

Host:

  • Jose Otero, Vice President, Latin America and the Caribbean, 5G Americas

Speakers: 

  • Qualcomm: Hector Marin, Senior Director, Government Affairs
  • Telefonica: Ana Valero, Latin America Regulatory Director

The success of the next generation of wireless requires the cellular industry to work closely with the regulatory bodies in the region. This 5G Americas round table will address:

  • The significant leading policy considerations throughout the region
  • The challenges with the current regulatory environment in some parts of the region
  • Recommendations on progressing regulations to foster technology innovations and eMBB advances

Host:

  • Jose Otero, Vice President, Latin America and the Caribbean, 5G Americas

Speakers: 

  • Qualcomm: Hector Marin, Senior Director, Government Affairs
  • Telefonica: Ana Valero, Latin America Regulatory Director

Spectrum continues to be a key ingredient for the successful and efficient deployment of new generations of mobile wireless technologies worldwide.  All types of spectrum bands (low, mid, and high) are needed for 5G to reach its full potential.  In Latin America, various key spectrum considerations and processes affect the progress of 5G. This 5G Americas round table will address:

  • The current low, mid, and high band spectrum situation in Latin America
  • The most recently used spectrum bidding processes in Latin America
  • Best practices for spectrum management

Host:

  • Jose Otero, Vice President, Latin America and the Caribbean, 5G Americas

Speakers: 

  • Qualcomm: Hector Marin, Senior Director, Government Affairs
  • Telefonica: Ana Valero, Latin America Regulatory Director

Infrastructure deployment is critical for the successful expansion of wireless technologies.  Yet, challenges persist in many parts of the world, including Latin America, to ensure efficient, robust deployments. This 5G Americas round table will:

  • Discuss harmonization efforts for streamlining regulatory requirements for infrastructure deployment in Latin America
  • Provide information on infrastructure recommendations for the region
  • Examine the importance of policies that would encourage wireless networks deployments and advancements in the region

Host:

  • Jose Otero, Vice President, Latin America and the Caribbean, 5G Americas

Speakers: 

  • Qualcomm: Hector Marin, Senior Director, Government Affairs
  • Telefonica: Ana Valero, Latin America Regulatory Director

Spectrum

Spectrum pipeline. Emerging regulatory requirements. Models shared spectrum. Lessons from CBRS and more.

As the fifth generation of cellular wireless (“5G”) continues to expand around the world, there is a growing need to support its additional demands by expanding the commercial availability of low, mid, and high band radio spectrum. At the same time, recent challenges with incumbent users of adjacent spectrum bands in the United States have highlighted the need for better coordination when it comes to spectrum use. Different models of licensed, unlicensed and shared spectrum will provide different opportunities and challenges for wireless operators.

As North America looks ahead towards its spectrum pipeline, ensuring a healthy amount of available spectrum will require both regulatory and technological efforts. Improving receiver standards requires an ecosystem approach involving different vertical industry leaders, regulators, and wireless standards bodies.

This roundtable will focus on the current status and emerging trends when it comes to commercial spectrum availability in North America, as well as aligning industries to transition from legacy receivers to fit modern cellular wireless requirements.

Topics:

  • Will there be enough available low, mid, and high band spectrum in the pipeline to keep up with demand?
  • What are the current and future considerations when it comes to spectrum availability?
  • What lessons have been learned from the release of CBRS (3.55 GHz to 3.7 GHz) in the US?
  • What is the status of Incumbent Informing Capability (IIC)?
  • What new models for spectrum are there for unlicensed, shared, and licensed spectrum solutions?
  • What emerging regulatory considerations are being envisioned by FCC and other agencies for receiver standards?
  • What potential impacts will there be from different industries that currently use legacy receivers?
  • How will the wireless cellular industry engage with incumbents using underperforming legacy receivers?

 
Recommended Reading:

Host:

  • Conor Campbell, Qualcomm


Speakers: 

  • Cisco: Scott Blue, Principal Engineer
  • Ericsson: Noman Alam, Director 5G Solutions
  • Nokia: Fabiano Chaves, Head of Spectrum, Standardization
  • Qualcomm: John Kuzin, VP, Spectrum Policy & Regulatory Counsel, Aspa Paroutsas, VP, Federal Regulatory Affairs
  • T-Mobile: Karri Kuoppamaki, SVP, Network Technology Development and Strategy

Radio Access Networks

Opportunities, benefits, and challenges of different RAN architectures, including Open RAN.

Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) is a concept that involves the interoperability of open hardware, software, and interfaces for cellular wireless networks. Open RAN architecture combines a modular base station software stack with off-the-shelf hardware, which allocates baseband and radio unit components from isolated suppliers to operate seamlessly together, whether or not elements of the RAN are virtualized or disaggregated.

Open RAN is gaining market momentum, yet it is at an early phase of mass commercial adoption by the global wireless community. As progress is being made there are many aspects to address such as software/hardware disaggregation, open interfaces, multi-vendor interoperability, the Open RAN ecosystem, and the role of AI and machine learning in network management and automation. Additionally, operators will have different Open RAN needs based on their own requirements for TCO savings, performance considerations, and brownfield vs greenfield deployments.

This roundtable focuses on the current and future status of Open RAN implementation in wireless cellular networks.

Topics:

  • What are the opportunities and challenges when it comes to network operators implementing Open RAN?
  • What operator trials and deployments are demonstrating successful rollout of Open RAN architectures?
  • How do supply chain and ecosystem issues factor into Open RAN considerations?
  • What learnings are available when it comes to existing Open RAN deployments?
  • What sorts of progress have been made when it comes to Open RAN standards and technical specifications?

 
Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host:

  • Karen Buitrago, Nokia

 

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Adam Loddeke, AVP, Member Tech Staff, RAN Technology
  • Nokia: Dhruv Khanna, Pre-Sales Manager Lead, NPO Services
  • Samsung: Sanjay Kodali,  Head of Networks Technology
  • Vmware: TBD

SESSION 2

Host:

  • Allison McArdle, Mavenir

 

Speakers: 

  • Crown Castle: Victor Ignacio, Principal Tech Strategy
  • Ericsson: Paul Challoner, Head of NTW Product Solutions & NPI
  • Mavenir: John Baker, SVP of Ecosystem Business Development
  • Qualcomm: Gerardo Giaretta, VP, Product Management

A radio access network (RAN) is a major component of a wireless telecommunications system that connects individual devices to other parts of a network through a radio link. The RAN links user equipment, such as a cellphone, computer or any remotely controlled machine, over a fiber or wireless backhaul connection. That link goes to the core network, which manages subscriber information, location and more.

Architectural considerations include network disaggregation and functional splits, hybrid vs. hierarchical management plane (M-plane), RAN cloudification and virtualization, and services-based architecture for RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) functions. At the same time, the integration of AI/ML into RIC interfaces and app development are rapidly evolving capabilities.

This roundtable focuses on more technical elements of radio access network architecture and deployment in 5G networks.

Topics:

  • How do different RAN architectures provide new opportunities and challenges for network operators?
  • What is the impact of cloud hyperscalers and virtualized network functions on RAN operations?
  • How will transport networks provide support for Cloud RAN architectures?
  • What are some considerations for RAN sharing and neutral host architectures?


Recommended Reading:

 

SESSION 1

Host:

  • Christine Keck, Ciena

 

Speakers: 

  • Ciena: Rafael Francis, Sr Director, Solutions PLM
  • Ericsson: Ranjeet Bhattacharya, Head of RAN Architecture and Solutions
  • Mavenir: Rajaran Sivaraj, Director – RIC Architecture and Standards
  • Samsung: Nivi Thadasina, VP, Head of Engineering

SESSION 2

Host:

  • Kyle Loomis, AT&T

 

Speakers: 

  • Airspan: Kyle Allen, VP, Sales Engineering Americas
  • AT&T: Rob Soni, VP RAN Technology
  • Nokia: Dhruv Khanna, Pre-Sales Manager Lead, NPO Services
  • Qualcomm: Gerardo Giaretta, VP Product Management

 

enterprise

Enterprise & Private Networks​

Use cases. Carrier grade solutions. Network slicing. Ecosystems and partnerships. Legacy and technology integration.

The fifth generation of mobile networks (5G) promises to enable a variety of new applications and services across different sectors of the economy. However, the deployment and adoption of 5G in vertical industries face many challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed and explored. This roundtable will discuss some of the use cases and scenarios of 5G in vertical industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, energy, and agriculture.

Enterprises are eyeing the development of a new version of 5G, dubbed standalone 5G, or SA 5G, which promises to reduce latency even further than 5G networks that rely on a 4G core. SA 5G networks rely on both a 5G radio and a 5G core at its foundation, thus offering enterprises an additional high-speed, low-latency option. Standalone 5G will open new opportunities for the introduction of network slicing capabilities. Additionally, the use of millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum will create new capabilities with expanded bandwidths and throughput.

The roundtable will aim to provide a comprehensive and balanced perspective on the current state and future prospects of 5G in vertical industries, examining how enterprises might engage with 5G networks.

Topics:

  • Which industry verticals are seeing early adoptions of 5G wireless networks?
  • What innovative use cases using 5G are currently being pursued by enterprises?
  • How might companies use 5G and how will they leverage its capabilities to deliver for their own customers?
  • How do network slicing and 5G standalone networks play into the development of new use cases?
  • Which industries may be ready for future 5G applications?

 
Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host:

  • Henry Chalian, T-Mobile

 

Speakers: 

  • Cisco: Ravi Guntapalli, Director, SW Engineer
  • Ericsson: Bob Gessel, Head of Strategy Market Development
  • Qualcomm: Hemanth Sempath, VP Engineering
  • Samsung: Imran Akbar, VP New Business

SESSION 2

Host: 

  • Renee Domanic, Nokia

 

Speakers: 

  • Airspan: Kyle Allen, VP, Sales Engineering Americas
  • Crown Castle: Murat Erkam, Director Technology Strategy
  • Nokia: Christopher Pickard, NA Digital Industries Leader
  • T-Mobile: Mark McDiarmid, SVP Radio Network Engineering and Development

The rise in private 5G and 4G/LTE network deployments is rapidly expanding, as enterprises continue the digitization of their operations to boost automation and improve data security.

This roundtable focuses on developing deployment models, progressing RAN technologies, emerging mobility requirements, as well as security and management needs that are required by enterprises. It addresses the challenges of the complexity of the cellular Radio Access Network (RAN) in initial enterprise adoption. For enterprise IT departments used to the ease of Wi-Fi deployment, the 5G RAN raises considerations involving additional spectrum requirements, coverage, device-centric use cases, performance per device, enterprise-owned and operated radios, virtualization, and transport considerations.

The roundtable can address additional factors involving enterprise mobility, including scenarios used by different industry verticals, cellular identity onboarding, mobility in an enterprise context, application-based vs network-based mobility, shared networks, and roaming between public and private networks.

Topics:

  • What carrier solutions are already in the marketplace for enterprise adoption?
  • How will 5G networks impact enterprise IT considerations and operations?
  • What is the role of 5G alongside other wireless connectivity technologies like Wi-Fi when it comes to the enterprise?
  • What new applications are being developed for enterprises, specifically with 5G in mind?

 
Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host:

  • Emma Spiteri, Mavenir

 

Speakers: 

  • Airspan: Kyle Allen, VP, Sales Engineering Americas
  • Mavenir: Brandon Larson, SVP, Multimedia, Platform & AI
  • T-Mobile: Mark McDiarmid, SVP Radio Engineering and Development

SESSION 2

Host: 

  • TBC, T-Mobile

 

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: TBD
  • Cisco: Bob Everson, Director, Engineering
  • Ericsson: Brenda Connor, Principal Solutions Consultant

The fifth generation (5G) of mobile networks promises to deliver unprecedented levels of speed, latency, reliability and connectivity for various applications and services. However, the deployment and integration of 5G networks into existing private enterprise networks pose significant challenges and opportunities for network operators, service providers and end-users.

This roundtable aims to bring together experts from across the industry to discuss best practices and the future directions of 5G network integration. It is focused on integration opportunities, issues, challenges, and learnings when it comes to legacy enterprise deployments.

The topics of discussion will include, but are not limited to:

  • The benefits and drawbacks of different 5G network architectures and technologies for private enterprise networks
  • The security, privacy and regulatory issues of 5G network integration
  • The use cases and business models of 5G network integration for various sectors and domains
  • The technical and operational challenges and solutions of 5G network integration
  • The standardization and interoperability aspects of 5G network integration

It will also identify the research gaps and the emerging trends in the field of 5G network integration, as well as discuss ecosystem and partnership approaches aimed at addressing enterprise needs.

Topics:

  • What is the role of communications service providers when it comes to the enterprise digital transformation journey?
  • How will network operators work with partners and vendors to drive enterprise success?
  • How will partners like system integrators, integrated software vendors, value-added resellers, and software developers work with CSPs to drive new opportunities in the enterprise market?
  • What role does vertical industry expertise have to play when it comes to 5G success?
  • What role will CSPs have when it comes to managing roaming and identity architecture for enterprises?
  • How can the ecosystem of service providers address OSS/BSS needs from enterprise customers?
  • What challenges are enterprises having when it comes to integrating 5G networks into their business operations?
  • What barriers are companies facing when it comes to managing legacy network deployments and introducing new 5G capabilities?
  • How are 5G and Wi-Fi co-evolving to support ongoing business needs?
  • What are some of the issues when it comes to hybrid deployments (hybrid cloud)?
  • What issues are there for ongoing support of legacy wireless devices and processes?

 
Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host:

  • Renee Domanic, Nokia

 

Speakers: 

  • Airspan: Kyle Allen, VP, Sales Engineering Americas
  • AT&T: TBD
  • Mavenir: Sandeep Singh, SVP, GM Digital Business Enablement
  • Qualcomm: Hemanth Sampath, VP, Engineering
  • Vmware: Sameer Naik , Sr. Product Manager, Private Mobile Network

SESSION 2

Host: 

  • Renee Domanic, Nokia

 

Speakers:

  • Cisco: Santhosh Hosdurg, Director Software Engineering
  • Crown Castle: Victor Ignacio, Principal Technology Strategy
  • Ericsson: Sandeep Chandel, Customer Solutions Sales Director
  • Nokia: Chad Gibbons, VP, Global Head of GSI Partner Sales
  • T-Mobile: TBD

Consumer Use Cases

Consumer use cases. Social media. Video gaming. Wearables. Opportunities for 5G Standalone.

The advent of 5G technology promises to revolutionize the consumer experience in various domains, such as gaming, entertainment, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles. However, the challenges and opportunities of 5G for consumers are not well understood by industry and academia. This roundtable aims to bring together experts from different sectors and disciplines to discuss the current state and future prospects of 5G specific to consumer use cases and consumer private networks.

Additionally, the roundtable will explore the various aspects of 5G Fixed Wireless Access by looking at how FWA is impacting cellular wireless network architecture, as well as the new applications that may be unlocked.

The topics of discussion will include:

  • The benefits and challenges of 5G for consumers in terms of speed, latency, bandwidth, and reliability
  • The potential applications and services that 5G can enable or enhance for consumers, such as immersive VR/AR, cloud gaming, smart home, and e-health
  • The role of network slicing and edge computing in delivering customized and differentiated 5G experiences for consumers
  • The security and privacy issues and solutions for consumer data and devices in 5G networks
  • The business models and strategies for monetizing 5G for consumers and creating value for stakeholders
  • The market opportunities and challenges for 5G FWA, including the customer segments, use cases, business models, and regulatory frameworks that can enable or hinder its adoption and growth.
  • The technical requirements and solutions for 5G FWA, including the spectrum bands, network architectures, radio access technologies, and customer premises equipment that can deliver high-performance and cost-effective FWA services.
  • The best practices and lessons learned from 5G FWA deployments around the world, including the strategies, partnerships, and innovations that have been successful or unsuccessful in different regions and scenarios.

Topics:

  • What are some current and future consumer use cases for 5G?
  • How will 5G impact consumer private networks?
  • What role does fixed wireless access have to play when it comes to closing the digital divide?
  • What are the practical performance characteristics of 5G FWA and possible limitations?
  • What benefits or challenges does fixed wireless access offer for consumers?
  • How might businesses – small, medium, large (or even enterprise) use fixed wireless access to augment their capabilities or change business models?


Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host: 

  • Colleen Rosander, Ericsson

Speakers: 

  • Ericsson: Peter Linder, Head of Thought Leadership
  • Qualcomm: Hermanth Sampath, VP Engineering
  • Samsung: Imran Akbar, VP, New Business

SESSION 2

Host:

  • Emma Spiteri, Mavenir

Speakers: 

  • Cisco: Humberto LaRoche, Principal Engineer
  • T-Mobile: TBD

Security

Security opportunities and challenges. Zero trust. Secure supply chain. Trusted Entity security.

5G networks promise to deliver unprecedented levels of performance, reliability, and scalability for various applications and services. However, they also introduce new security challenges and risks that need to be addressed from an end-to-end perspective.

5G networks based on standard technical specifications from the Third Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) continue to be the most widely adopted and secure wireless cellular technology in existence. As increased bandwidth, higher data rates, and a surge of new devices and connections have made managing network security more complex, 5G Americas has provided nearly annual updates around the topic of security in wireless cellular networks.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Security requirements and threats for 5G networks
  • Security architectures and protocols for 5G networks
  • Security solutions for 5G core, edge, and access networks
  • Security solutions for 5G verticals and use cases
  • Security testing and evaluation for 5G networks
  • Security standardization and regulation for 5G networks

The roundtable will provide an opportunity for participants to share their insights, experiences, and best practices on end-to-end 5G security in networks. The roundtable will also foster collaboration and networking among the participants and identify open research challenges and opportunities for future work.

Topics:

  • What new security challenges must 5G network operators contend with?
  • How will 5G networks get to Zero Trust architecture?
  • What is needed to ensure network supply chains are secure?
  • What is the role of the Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) in helping to secure supply chains?
  • What standards organizations are leading on wireless cellular security issues?
  • How have network operators addressed previous wireless security challenges?
  • What is the role of Trusted Entity security?
  • What 3GPP specifications will have the biggest impact for 5G security?
  • What changes have been made in inter-public land mobile network (PLMN) security?


Recommended Reading:

Host:

  • Colleen Rosander, Ericsson


Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Amy Zwarico, Director, Cybersecurity Platforms
  • Cisco: Bob Everson, Director, Engineering
  • Ericsson: Mohammad Khaled, Security Solutions Director 
  • Nokia: Melody Fallah-Khair, Chief Architect, Cloud and Network Services
  • Qualcomm: Gavin Horn, Sr Director, Engineering

V2X

MEC apps for connected vehicles. Autonomous driving. Smart city and transportation infrastructure. Fleet management.​

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication is a key enabler for connected and automated mobility (CAM), which promises to enhance road safety, traffic efficiency, and user experience. 5G cellular networks are expected to provide ubiquitous, reliable, and low-latency V2X services, leveraging on the enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC) capabilities.

However, 5G cellular V2X also faces several technical and non-technical challenges, such as spectrum allocation, network slicing, security and privacy, standardization, and business models.

The roundtable will cover topics such as:

  • The use cases and requirements of 5G cellular V2X for CAM
  • The architecture and design of 5G cellular V2X networks
  • The performance evaluation and optimization of 5G cellular V2X protocols
  • The integration of 5G cellular V2X with other technologies, such as edge computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain
  • The regulatory and policy issues of 5G cellular V2X deployment
  • The market potential and business models of 5G cellular V2X services

This roundtable will look at the status of C-V2X and emerging possibilities when it comes to 5G networks that use the 5.9 GHz spectrum for automotive use.

Topics:

  • What MEC applications are currently being addressed for connected vehicles?
  • What does the future roadmap look like for C-V2X development?
  • What is the role of 5G networks in getting to autonomous vehicles?
  • What sorts of infrastructure will be required for smart city and transportation applications?
  • What is the future of 5G networks for fleet management?


Recommended Reading:

 

SESSION 1

Host: 

  • Kyle Loomis, AT&T

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Cameron Coursey, VP, AT&T Connected Solutions
  • Cisco: Bob Everson, Director Engineering
  • Nokia: Niren Choudhury, Head of Business Development for Transportation, Aviation and Ports

SESSION 2

Host: 

  • Henry Chalian, T-Mobile

Speakers: 

  • Ericsson: Brenda Connor, Principal Solutions Consultant
  • Qualcomm: John Kuzin, VP Spectrum Policy & Regulatory Counsel, Aspa Paroutas, VP Federal Regulatory
  • T-Mobile: TBD

 

5G & the Metaverse/XR​

Standards and applications for 5G in the metaverse. Technologies. Optimization. Use cases in verticals.​

The Industrial Metaverse is a term that refers to the convergence of digital and physical worlds in the context of industry 4.0. It encompasses the use of immersive technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality to create and interact with digital twins of physical assets, processes, and environments. 5G is a key enabler of the Industrial Metaverse, as it provides the high bandwidth, low latency, and massive connectivity required to support the data-intensive and real-time applications of the Industrial Metaverse.

5G can enable exciting uses like Metaverse VR, Metaverse XR, and help make Web 3.0 a reality. It is accelerated through novel technologies, like Web 3.0, blockchains, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), 5G, digital twins, artificial intelligence, and XR devices.

With VR, new immersive visuals need to be projected within 20ms (ideally below 10ms) to avoid motion sickness. In AR, less than 30ms is required to ensure that virtual objects appear spatially anchored in the environment for a single-user experience, and significantly less than that for a multi-user AR experience.

In this roundtable, we will discuss the opportunities and challenges of 5G and the Industrial Metaverse for various industrial sectors, such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and healthcare. We will also explore the ethical, social, and regulatory implications of 5G and the Industrial Metaverse for workers, consumers, and society at large.

Topics:

  • How are 5G networks enabling extended reality (XR) applications and the Industrial Metaverse?
  • What applications requirements will there be for XR and Metaverse use cases?
  • What progress is being made in terms of 3GPP specifications to enable XR and Metaverse applications?
  • What are network operators and vendors doing to establish Metaverse standards?
  • How will 5G impact Web 3.0 and blockchain-based architectures?
  • What system optimizations will be required to progress XR and Metaverse in 5G networks?
  • What verticals will likely see early adoptions in 5G and Metaverse applications?
  • What are some potential consumer use cases for the wireless cellular-enabled Metaverse?
  • What does the roadmap look like when it comes to developing apps for 5G or 6G Metaverse use cases?


Recommended Reading:


Host: 

  • Colleen Rosander, Ericsson

 
Speakers: 

  • Ericsson: Christina Chaccour, Ph.D, Network Solution Manager
  • Nokia: Devaki Chandramouli, Head of Standardization
  • Qualcomm: Hemanth Sampath, VP, Engineering
  • T-Mobile: TBD

Intelligent Networks​

Distributed intelligence. AI in the RAN. Automation. Security and fraud detection. Spectrum management.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key enabler for the development and deployment of 5G networks, as well as for the evolution towards 5G Advanced. This roundtable will explore the various aspects and applications of AI in 5G networks, with a focus on the following topics:

  • Distributed intelligence: how to leverage AI to optimize network performance and resource allocation across different network domains and layers, such as core, transport, and access.
  • Intelligence in edge networks: how to use AI to enable new services and functionalities at the edge of the network, such as edge computing, edge caching, and edge analytics.
  • AI in the RAN: how to apply AI to enhance the radio access network (RAN) operations and management, such as spectrum sharing, interference mitigation, beamforming, and network slicing.
  • Role of AI in 5G Advanced: how to exploit AI to support the transition from 5G to 5G Advanced, which will introduce new features and capabilities such as ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and terahertz communications.
  • AI in cell siting: how to use AI to assist in the planning and deployment of 5G cells, taking into account factors such as coverage, capacity, interference, and environmental impact.
  • Generative AI: how to use AI to create novel and realistic data and content for 5G applications and services, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and holographic communications.
  • Hardware to support AI: how to design and implement hardware solutions that can support the computational and communication demands of AI in 5G networks, such as specialized processors, accelerators, and memory devices.

The roundtable will bring together experts from across the industry to share their insights and experiences on the use of AI in 5G networks.

Topics:

  • What are some of the benefits of using intelligence in the network? What are some of the drawbacks?
  • How are edge and cloud computing interacting with AI and analytics in the telecom stack?
  • How might intelligence be used for more efficient cell siting?
  • What is the role of AI in upcoming 3GPP Release 18 “5G-Advanced” standards?
  • Which components in the RAN or core do AI functions play a role?
  • What are the challenges that network operators face and technologies used to address them in implementing analytics or AI in the stack?
  • When might we start to see large scale deployments of intelligence in telecom networks?
  • From a standardization standpoint, what kind of additional work should be done by 3GPP or others to accelerate intelligent deployments?

 
Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host: 

  • Colleen Rosander, Ericsson

Speakers: 

  • Cisco: Humberto LaRoche, Principal Engineer
  • Ericsson: Ayodele Damola, Dir AI and ML Strategy
  • Qualcomm: Kiran Mukkavilli, Sr Director, Engineering
  • T-Mobile: Ron Marquardt, VP Advanced Technologies and Innovation

SESSION 2

Host:

  • Karen Buitrago, Nokia

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Jin Wang, AVP, Network Analytics & Automation
  • Nokia: Melody Fallah-Khair, Chief Architect, Cloud and Network Services

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key enabler for 5G network optimization, as it can provide intelligent solutions for complex and dynamic network scenarios. This roundtable will explore the current and future applications of AI in various aspects of 5G network management and operation, such as:

  • MANO: How AI can automate and optimize the orchestration and lifecycle management of network services and resources across multiple domains and technologies.
  • RAN Intelligent Controller: How AI can enhance the performance and efficiency of the radio access network (RAN) by enabling centralized control and coordination of RAN functions and parameters.
  • OSS/BSS: How AI can improve the operational and business support systems (OSS/BSS) by enabling data-driven decision making, predictive analytics, and proactive customer care.
  • Security and fraud detection: How AI can enhance the security and reliability of 5G networks by detecting and preventing malicious attacks, anomalies, and frauds in real time.
  • Spectrum management: How AI can optimize the utilization and allocation of radio spectrum resources by enabling dynamic and adaptive spectrum sharing and access schemes.
  • Growing role of AI in 5G: How AI can facilitate the evolution and innovation of 5G networks by enabling new use cases, services, and business models.

This roundtable is a deeper dive into how AI/ML are being used to automate and optimize functions and operations in wireless cellular networks.

Topics:

  • What are some use cases for AIOps, or intelligence and analytics in a network?
  • How can performance baselining, anomaly detection, automated root cause analysis, noise reduction, or predictive insights help a network operator?
  • How might AIOps impact a network operators’ customer experience? Can it help them with customer segmentation?
  • Which network management roles will be most impacted by actionable intelligence?
  • Within a NetOps organization, who will need to address business or ops process changes due to actionable intelligence? Will this lead to eliminations or streamlining of these roles – or will they simply change?
  • What sorts of safeguards should be undertaken when it comes to management orchestration and automation (MANO)?
  • How will AI and analytics evolve to support the next level of actionable intelligence?
  • How does the RIC play into management of actionable intelligence?

 
Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host: 

  • Andrea Kirby, AT&T

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Jennifer Yates, AVP, Inventive Science, Network Analytics & Automation
  • Cisco: Humberto LaRoche, Principal Engineer
  • Mavenir: Bejoy Pankajakshan, EVP, Chief Technology and Strategy Offer

SESSION 2

Host:

  • Colleen Rosander, Ericsson

Speakers: 

  • Ericsson: Erin Liao, Head of E2E 5G Systems
  • Nokia: Melody Fallah-Khair, Chief Architect, Cloud and Network Services
  • Qualcomm: Ofir Zemer, VP Product Management 

IoT & Devices

RedCap evolution. NR-IoT. Precision timing, sensing. Wearables. Positioning. Impact of URLLC.​

The advent of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened new possibilities for precision positioning applications in various domains such as manufacturing, mission critical, and public safety. However, there are also many challenges and trade-offs involved in designing and deploying such systems.

The global Internet of things (IoT) market is projected to grow from $478.36 billion in 2022 to $2,465.26 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 26.4% in forecast period, according to a recent estimate. With potential applications across a wide variety of different industry verticals, 5G will play an important role in unleashing IoT’s capabilities.

Some of the topics that will be covered include:

  • The role of 5G RedCap devices in enabling high-accuracy and low-latency positioning for industrial and critical scenarios
  • The integration of LTE-M and other IoT technologies with 5G for positioning applications
  • The system architecture and network protocol stacks for 5G and IoT positioning systems, including the user plane and control plane aspects
  • The performance evaluation and optimization of 5G and IoT positioning systems in terms of accuracy, reliability, scalability, security, and energy efficiency
  • The use cases and best practices of 5G and IoT positioning systems in different domains such as manufacturing, mission critical, and public safety

This roundtable is focused on emerging evolution of IoT technologies, spectrum, networks, and devices – and how 5G will play a role in regard to precision positioning capabilities in networks.

Topics:

  • What are some of the trends in 5G evolution that support growth of the IoT ecosystem?
  • What will be the impact of reduced capability 5G (RedCap) on IoT capabilities and deployment?
  • What changes to spectrum use are being envisioned by the IoT marketplace?
  • How does 5G potentially complement other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi in IoT deployments?
  • Which market verticals for IoT are seeing an impact from 5G networks?
  • How is the availability of 5G-capable IoT devices impacting the marketplace?


Recommended Reading:

 

Host: 

  • Kyle Loomis, AT&T

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Matt Harden, AVP, AT&T Connected Solutions
  • Cisco: Santhosh Hosdurg, Director, Software Engineering
  • Ericsson: Sandeep Chandel, Customer Solutions Sales Director
  • Qualcomm: Kiran Mukkavilli, Sr Director, Engineering
  • T-Mobile: TBD

The fifth generation of mobile networks (5G) promises to enable a wide range of new applications and services for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. However, to realize this potential, several challenges need to be addressed, such as the limited battery life of IoT devices, the massive number of connected devices, and the efficient use of the scarce spectrum resources.

In this roundtable, we will discuss the current state and future prospects of hardware technologies that can enhance the performance and sustainability of IoT devices in 5G networks. Specifically, we will focus on two emerging techniques: energy harvesting and storage, which can provide self-powered IoT devices by converting ambient energy sources into electrical power; and backscattering, which can enable ultra-low-power wireless communication by reflecting modulated signals from ambient carriers.

We will also examine how smartphones, as the most ubiquitous and versatile IoT devices, will evolve in the next decade with the advent of 5G and beyond. We will explore how smartphones can leverage 5G features such as massive MIMO, mmWave, and network slicing to offer enhanced user experiences and enable new functionalities.

Finally, we will discuss how spectrum efficiency can be improved in 5G networks to cope with the increasing demand for wireless data from IoT devices. We will review the existing and emerging techniques for spectrum sharing, allocation, and management, and identify the open research challenges and opportunities in this area.

Topics:

  • How can hardware technologies such as energy harvesting/storage and backscattering enable more efficient and sustainable IoT devices in the 5G era?
  • What are the current and future challenges and opportunities for smartphones as the primary interface for IoT applications and services?
  • How can spectrum efficiency be improved and optimized for the massive number of IoT devices that will be connected by 5G networks?
  • What are the best practices and standards for ensuring security, privacy and reliability of IoT data across different industries and use cases?
  • How can 5G private networks support industrial IoT applications that require low latency, high reliability and local control?


Recommended Reading:

 

Host:

  • Conor Campbell, Qualcomm


Speakers: 

  • Cisco: Bob Everson, Director, Engineering
  • Ericsson: Sandeep Chandel, Customer Solutions Sales Director
  • Qualcomm: Kiran Mukkavilli, Sr Director, Engineering

NTN/Satellite​

3GPP Rel-17 and beyond. Non-terrestrial architecture. Integration and interop. Apps and use cases. Satellite elements.​

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are emerging as a key enabler for extending the reach and performance of 5G systems beyond terrestrial coverage. NTNs can provide connectivity to remote and underserved areas, support global mobility and resilience, and enable new applications and use cases in various domains. However, NTNs also pose significant technical and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed to ensure their successful integration and interoperability with terrestrial networks.

This roundtable will bring together experts from academia, industry, and standardization bodies to discuss the state-of-the-art and future directions of NTN research and development.

The topics of the roundtable will include:

  • Architecture and design principles of NTNs for 5G and beyond, including the role of satellite gateways, ground stations, user terminals, and network slicing.
  • Integration and interoperability issues of NTNs with terrestrial networks, such as spectrum sharing and allocation, network management and orchestration, security and privacy, and quality of service and experience.
  • Applications and use cases of NTNs in various domains, such as smart agriculture, maritime communications, disaster relief, public safety, e-health, and entertainment.
  • Elements of satellite characteristics that affect the performance and feasibility of NTNs, such as orbit type (LEO, MEO, GEO), payload type (transparent or regenerative), antenna size and shape, power consumption and generation, and link budget.
  • Services currently available or planned to be offered by NTN operators and providers, such as direct-to-consumer (D2C), broadband (BB), Internet of Things (IoT), emergency communications, and more.
  • 3GPP standard developments related to NTNs for 5G and beyond, such as the Release 17 study item on NTN enhancements for NR (New Radio), the Release 18 work item on NTN support for NR sidelink (device-to-device) communications, and the Release 19 study item on NTN support for NR unlicensed spectrum.

The roundtable will provide a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of NTNs for 5G systems. It will also foster an interactive discussion among the participants on the opportunities and challenges of NTN deployment and operation.

Topics:

  • How will 3GPP Release 17 and beyond enable the integration and interoperability of non-terrestrial networks with terrestrial networks?
  • What are the main challenges and opportunities for non-terrestrial network architecture design and optimization?
  • What are the most promising applications and use cases for non-terrestrial networks in different domains such as agriculture, maritime, aviation, defense, and disaster relief?
  • How do the elements of satellite characteristics such as orbit, payload, frequency, and antenna affect the performance and reliability of non-terrestrial networks?
  • How do the different types of satellite constellations such as LEO, MEO, GEO, transparent or regenerative influence the network topology and resource allocation of non-terrestrial networks?
  • What are the services currently available or planned for non-terrestrial networks such as direct-to-consumer, broadband, IoT, emergency communications, and others?
  • What are the current and future 3GPP standard developments for non-terrestrial networks in terms of radio access, core network, security, and management aspects?


Recommended Reading:

 Host:

  • Henry Chalian, T-Mobile

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Suja John, AVP New Tech Product Development Engineering
  • Cisco: Santhosh Hosdurg, Director, Software Engineering
  • Ericsson: Thedy Wana, Private Networks Solution Director
  • T-Mobile: Karri Kuoppamaki, SVP, Network Technology Development and Strategy

Edge/Cloud

MEC enhancements. Secure edge. Hyperscaler opportunities and partnerships. Apps and use cases. Cloud native

Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) is taking an increasingly visible role in the evolution of 5G architecture, as distributed compute and intelligence move processing and storage closer to the edge, where data is managed by terminal devices. Edge Computing helps unleash 5G’s ultra-reliable low latency connectivity (URLLC) and plays a central role in future networks and IoT management.

This round table will cover detailed emerging use cases and stringent requirements needed to facilitate advanced mobility, compute, and storage capabilities for 5G wireless networks.

Topics:

  • What enhancements to Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) are envisioned in the latest 3GPP specifications?
  • What is the role of distributed compute and intelligence on wireless cellular networks?
  • Which industries and use cases are seeing early applications for mobile edge compute?
  • What does the future evolution and timeline for MEC look like?
  • How are 5G network operators addressing Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?
  • What technical requirements need to be met for different MEC scenarios?
  • What does the MEC device ecosystem look like and where is it headed?
  • How is MEC being addressed in private wireless networks?
  • How is MEC handled from siting and co-location standpoints?


Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host:

  • TBD, T-Mobile

Speakers: 

  • Ciena: Kevin Wade, Sr Director, Portfolio Marketing
  • Crown Castle: Murat Erkam, Director Technology Strategy 
  • Ericsson: Brenda Connor, Principal Solutions Consultant
  • Vmware: TBD
  • T-Mobile: Mark McDiarmid, SVP Radio Network Engineering and Development

SESSION 2

Host:

  • Karen Buitrago, Nokia

Speakers: 

  • Cisco: Ravi Guntupalli, Director, SW Engineering
  • Mavenir: Bejoy Pankajakshan, EVP, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer
  • Nokia: Melody Fallah-Khair, Chief Architect, Cloud and Network Services
  • Qualcomm: Gavin Horn, Sr Director, Engineering

The cloud holds great promise for new 5G use cases, as wireless cellular networks move towards cloud-native architectures and processes. Cloud-Native concepts offer several key advantages that can accelerate the development and enhancement of wireless network features and capabilities. These include many modern techniques used by Cloud Computing, including Containerization, Micro–Services, Control-User Plane Separation, Service Mesh, Continuous Integration and Delivery, and DevOps or application development-operations.

This roundtable will focus on the cloud computing technologies and network function virtualization, as wireless cellular networks increasingly adopt cloud-native processes.

Topics:

  • How are cloud architectures impacting 5G networks?
  • What are the impacts of private, public and hybrid cloud deployments on 5G networks?
  • How do network function virtualization, containerization, microservices work in modern 5G networks?
  • What are the opportunities and challenges towards becoming cloud native for MNOs?
  • What are some of the applications that cloud computing and 5G can unleash?


Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host: 

  • Karen Buitrago, Nokia

Speakers: 

  • Ericsson: Haseeb Akhtar, Head of RAN – Advanced Architecture
  • Nokia: Mark Bunn, VP, SaaS Business Operations
  • Vmware: TBD

SESSION 2

Host: 

  • Josephine Fernandez de Ruidiaz, Qualcomm

Speakers: 

  • Cisco: Bob Everson, Director, Engineering
  • Qualcomm: Hemanth Sampath, VP, Engineering

5G, Advanced & Beyond​

Commercial tech roadmap. Standards timeline. Feature priorities. Standards leadership. New use cases.​

5G technology has been evolving rapidly since its initial deployment, with new features and enhancements being introduced by 3GPP standards. The next major milestone for 5G is 5G-Advanced, which will bring a new level of performance, functionality and intelligence to the wireless network.

This roundtable will discuss the commercial roadmap of 5G technology, from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to 5G Standalone (SA) and beyond, and the 3GPP standards timeline for 5G-Advanced. It will also explore the key technologies and features that will enable 5G-Advanced, such as Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), Network Slicing, Massive MIMO, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML).

Furthermore, it will examine the industry technology and feature priorities for 5G-Advanced, and how different verticals and use cases can benefit from its capabilities. Finally, it will address the challenges and opportunities for standards leadership and technology commercialization in the 5G-Advanced era.

While 5G is still early in its lifecycle, it continues to be enhanced through continuous updates via Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) releases. These enhancements to networks, architecture, technologies, and standards will continue through 3GPP Release 17 and beyond. Release 18 is expected in 2024, forming the first set of specifications for 5G-Advanced.

This roundtable is intended to look at near to mid-term implications of 5G and 5G-Advanced wireless specifications and enhancements.

  • The benefits and challenges of 5G for consumers in terms of speed, latency, bandwidth, and reliability
  • The potential applications and services that 5G can enable or enhance for consumers, such as immersive VR/AR, cloud gaming, smart home, and e-health
  • The role of network slicing and edge computing in delivering customized and differentiated 5G experiences for consumers
  • The security and privacy issues and solutions for consumer data and devices in 5G networks
  • The business models and strategies for monetizing 5G for consumers and creating value for stakeholders
  • The market opportunities and challenges for 5G FWA, including the customer segments, use cases, business models, and regulatory frameworks that can enable or hinder its adoption and growth.
  • The technical requirements and solutions for 5G FWA, including the spectrum bands, network architectures, radio access technologies, and customer premises equipment that can deliver high-performance and cost-effective FWA services.
  • The best practices and lessons learned from 5G FWA deployments around the world, including the strategies, partnerships, and innovations that have been successful or unsuccessful in different regions and scenarios.

Topics:

  • What is the commercial roadmap of 5G and 5G-Advanced technologies?
  • What enhancements and new capabilities will be introduced in 3GPP Release 18 and beyond?
  • What are some near-to-mid-term implications for the continued deployment and evolution of 5G through 2027?
  • What industry verticals are likely to see impacts from 5G-Advanced improvements?
  • How are mmWave spectrum, standalone 5G deployments, and network slicing coming along?
  • How will changing leadership in global standards organizations impact development of emerging wireless technologies?


Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host: 

  • Henry Chalian, T-Mobile

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Brian Daly, AVP, Member Tech Staff, RAN Technology
  • Ericsson: Mike Murphy, Chief Technology Officer
  • Samsung: Charlie Zhang, SVP, Samsung Research America

SESSION 2

Host:

  • Karen Buitrago, Nokia

Speakers: 

  • Cisco: Ravi Guntapalli, Director SW Engineering
  • Nokia: Amitava Ghosh, Nokia Fellow
  • Qualcomm: Danny Tseng, Director, Technology Marketing
  • T-Mobile: Karri Kuoppamaki, SVP, Network Technology Development and Strategy

Beyond 5G/6G

National & regional initiatives. Technology building blocks for 6G. Timelines. Spectrum availability.

The race towards 6G is on, as various initiatives around the world are working to define and develop the next generation of wireless communications.

This roundtable will discuss the progress of these initiatives, the areas where focus and effort is needed, and the new spectrum bands and technologies that will enable 6G. The roundtable will also cover the 3GPP, ITU and industry timeline for 6G standardization, the technology roadmap for 6G research and development, and the use cases and spectrum requirements for 6G applications.

Finally, the roundtable will address the challenges and opportunities that 6G poses for the wireless industry and society at large, and the standards processes that will ensure a smooth transition from 5G to 6G.

Topics:

  • What is the industry timeline for the evolution of 5G towards 6G (or generations beyond 5G)?
  • What are some of the future use cases we might see in the 2030 time frame?
  • What spectrum availability challenges await in the next decade for wireless cellular use?
  • What are some of the challenges and opportunities for wireless networks as we get towards the next generation?
  • What emerging technologies are likely to play a role in 6G networks?


Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host: 

  • Conor Campbell, Qualcomm

Speakers: 

  • Cisco: Santhosh Hosdurg, Director, Software Engineering
  • Ericsson: Ali Khayrallah, Sr Scientist Radio Networks
  • Qualcomm: Danny Tseng, Director, Technology Marketing

SESSION 2

Host: 

  • Renee Domanic, Nokia

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Brian Daly, AVP, Member Tech Staff, RAN Technology
  • Nokia: Amitava Ghosh, Nokia Fellow
  • Vmware: Mariam Sorond, Chief Technology Officer, Service Provider and Edge Business Unit

Radio Technologies

MIMO enhancements. Beamforming. Miniaturization. Spectral and energy efficiency. Optimization. Different form factors.

The fifth generation (5G) of radio technologies promises to deliver unprecedented performance in terms of data rates, latency, reliability, and connectivity. However, achieving these goals requires overcoming several technical challenges in the design and implementation of 5G radio systems.

In this roundtable, we will discuss some of the recent advances and open issues in 5G radio technologies, focusing on the following topics:

  • MIMO enhancements: How to exploit multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques to increase the capacity and diversity of 5G radio links, while coping with the complexity and interference issues.
  • Beam-forming: How to use directional antennas and adaptive beam-forming algorithms to improve the coverage and quality of 5G radio signals, while reducing the interference and power consumption.
  • Miniaturization: How to reduce the size and weight of 5G radio devices and components, while maintaining or improving their performance and functionality.
  • Spectral efficiency: How to optimize the use of the available spectrum resources for 5G radio communications, while complying with the regulatory and coexistence requirements.
  • Form factors: How to design and integrate 5G radio modules and systems into various form factors, such as smartphones, tablets, wearables, vehicles, drones, etc.
  • 5G energy efficiency: How to improve the energy efficiency of 5G radio devices and networks, while meeting the performance and quality of service demands.
  • Optimization: How to apply optimization techniques and tools to enhance the performance and efficiency of 5G radio systems, while considering the trade-offs and constraints involved.
    The roundtable will provide a platform for researchers, engineers, practitioners, and stakeholders to share their insights, experiences, challenges, and solutions related to 5G radio technologies.

Topics:

  • What new enhancements to radio technologies are envisioned in 3GPP Rel 17 and 18?
  • What innovations are network operators and vendors undertaking to improve 5G network energy efficiency?
  • What improvements are expected in radios to allow for shared spectrum use? 5G NR-U (new radio unlicensed)?
  • What kinds of new form factors or miniaturization might be expected for small cells?
  • What types of additional technologies are expected to enhance MIMO, beamforming, etc.?


Recommended Reading:

 

Host:

  • Emma Spiteri, Mavenir


Speakers: 

  • Ericsson: Ranjeet Bhattacharya, Head of RAN Architecture and Solutions
  • Mavenir: Job Benson, SVP & GM Radio Business Unit
  • Qualcomm: Kiran Mukkavilli, Sr Director, Engineering

Green Networks

Sustainability. 3GPP Features. Energy savings. ESG governance. Measurement.

5G networks offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing connectivity, performance, and innovation across various sectors and applications. However, 5G networks also pose significant challenges in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact. Therefore, it is essential to adopt sustainability strategies that can reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the social and governance aspects of 5G networks.

This roundtable will discuss the following topics:

  • Green 5G Networks features in 3GPP: The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is the leading standardization body for 5G networks. It has introduced several features and enhancements in its recent releases (16, 17, and 18) that aim to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of 5G networks. These include advanced antenna systems, dynamic spectrum sharing, integrated access and backhaul, user equipment power saving, non-terrestrial networks, and machine learning techniques.
  • Enhancements on device power savings: One of the key factors that affect the energy consumption and environmental impact of 5G networks is the power consumption of user devices. Therefore, it is important to optimize the device power management and enable features such as discontinuous reception, power headroom reporting, adaptive modulation and coding, and battery-aware scheduling.
  • Key technology and energy saving features: Besides the standardization efforts, there are also various technology innovations and solutions that can enhance the sustainability of 5G networks. These include network slicing, edge computing, cloud-native architectures, artificial intelligence, renewable energy sources, and green network operation and maintenance
  • Expected energy savings and performance: The adoption of sustainability strategies in 5G networks can result in significant energy savings and performance improvements. According to some estimates, 5G networks can achieve up to 90% energy efficiency improvement compared to 4G networks, while delivering up to 100 times higher data rates and 10 times lower latency. Moreover, 5G networks can enable new use cases and applications that can contribute to social and economic development, such as smart cities, e-health, e-education, e-agriculture, and e-mobility.
  • ESG: Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and opportunities related to sustainability issues. ESG has become a key criterion for investors, customers, suppliers, employees, regulators, and society at large to evaluate the performance and impact of an organization. ESG covers aspects such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, human rights and labor standards, diversity and inclusion, corporate ethics and transparency, stakeholder engagement, and social responsibility.
  • Measurement strategies: To implement and monitor sustainability strategies in 5G networks, it is necessary to have reliable and consistent measurement methods and indicators. These include metrics such as energy consumption per bit or per area, carbon dioxide emissions per subscriber or per service, renewable energy share or mix, ESG score or rating, customer satisfaction or loyalty index, among others . Additionally, it is important to have standardized reporting frameworks and disclosure guidelines that can ensure comparability and accountability across different organizations and regions.

The roundtable will also facilitate an interactive dialogue among the participants to identify the challenges and opportunities for advancing sustainability in 5G networks.

Topics:

  • What are the main features of green 5G networks as defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and how do they contribute to reducing the environmental impact of 5G deployment and operation?
  • How can device power savings be enhanced in 5G networks by using techniques such as discontinuous reception (DRX), power saving mode (PSM), and extended idle mode discontinuous reception (eDRX)?
  • What are the key technology and energy saving features of 5G network architecture, such as network slicing, cloud native design, edge computing, and massive MIMO?
  • What are the expected energy savings and performance benefits of 5G networks compared to previous generations of mobile networks and what are the challenges and trade-offs involved in achieving them?
  • How can 5G networks support the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals of operators, regulators, and customers by enabling new use cases and applications that address social and environmental issues?


Recommended Reading:

SESSION 1

Host:

  • Kyle Loomis, AT&T

Speakers: 

  • AT&T: Todd Zeiler, VP, Access Construction an Engineering
  • Ericsson: Sashieka Seneviratne, Director Sustainability Networks
  • Samsung: Paul Teixeira, Staff Engineer, New Business, Technology Solutions

SESSION 2

Host: 

  • Conor Campbell, Qualcomm

Speakers: 

  • Mavenir: Bejoy Pankajakshan, EVP, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer
  • Qualcomm: Gavin Horn, Sr Director, Engineering

Network Transport & Convergence

Technology advances. Deployment considerations. Standalone architecture splits. vRAN. Convergence.

The fifth generation (5G) of mobile networks promises to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and user experience, enabling a wide range of new applications and services.

However, to realize this vision, 5G networks need to overcome significant technical and operational challenges, especially in the transport domain. Transport networks are the backbone of 5G, connecting the radio access network (RAN) to the core network and the cloud. They need to support diverse and dynamic traffic patterns, high bandwidth and low latency requirements, and heterogeneous access technologies. Moreover, they need to enable network convergence, which is the integration of multiple network domains and functions into a unified and flexible architecture.

This roundtable will discuss the issues and opportunities of transport networks and network convergence in 5G, including:

  • All Things Convergence: How to achieve network convergence at different levels (network, core, access technologies) and what are the benefits and challenges of doing so.
  • Innovations in Transport Technology: What are the emerging transport technologies and solutions that can support 5G requirements and enable network convergence, such as optical transport, microwave links, software-defined networking (SDN), network slicing, etc.
  • Connectivity for Cloud RAN: How to provide efficient and reliable connectivity for cloud RAN architectures, which centralize and virtualize the RAN functions in the cloud, reducing the cost and complexity of deploying 5G base stations.
  • Latency as the new ‘bandwidth’: How to leverage low latency as a key performance indicator and a new marketing strategy for 5G services, especially for immersive interactive applications such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), gaming, etc.
  • Possible impacts of immersive interactive applications: How to anticipate and address the potential impacts of immersive interactive applications on 5G transport networks, such as increased traffic volume and variability, security and privacy issues, quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) management, etc.

The roundtable will provide a platform for stimulating discussions and exchanging insights on the current state-of-the-art and future directions of transport networks and network convergence in 5G.

Topics:

  • How can network convergence enable a more efficient and flexible use of resources across different access technologies, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite?
  • What are the main challenges and opportunities for transport technology innovation in 5G, such as optical, microwave, and millimeter wave solutions?
  • How can connectivity for cloud RAN support the deployment of centralized and distributed architectures for 5G networks, and what are the trade-offs between them?


Recommended Reading:

 

Host:

  • Christine Keck, Ciena


Speakers: 

  • Ciena: Rafael Francis, Sr Director, Solutions PLM
  • Cisco: Humberto LaRoche, Principal Engineer
  • Ericsson: Shane McLelland, VP Strategy & Bus Dev Network Products
  • Qualcomm, Gavin Horn, Sr Director, Engineering