At Indian Mobile Congress 2024, Electronics Media editor Pratibha Rawat had the opportunity to interview Rajesh Rao, Regional Vice President, Asia Pacific South, Network and Service Enablement, VIAVI Solutions. In this exclusive interview, Rajesh Rao sheds light on VIAVI’s latest technology innovations showcased at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, including their advancements in 5G and Open RAN, non-terrestrial network (NTN) testing, 6G research, AI-driven network management, and fiber sensing solutions. These cutting-edge developments promise to enhance reliability, security, and efficiency across various high-demand applications and mission-critical networks.
What are the key T&M solutions VIAVI is showcasing at IMC this year?
Rajesh Rao: VIAVI is showcasing its groundbreaking solutions in the following areas:
- 5G and Open RAN. Market-leading 5G and Open RAN test and validation solutions for conformance, performance and interoperability of O-RU, O-CU, O-DU, RIC and Core elements – available in the lab, through the cloud or as a service.
- Cell Site Installation and Network Monitoring. VIAVI OneAdvisor 800 equip technicians and contractors to deliver smart, fault-free cell site installation and maintenance. Optical Network Management System (ONMSi) accurately detects and locates fiber degradation, alerting operators with the details of faults. NITRO® Fiber Sensing swiftly identifies and pinpoints threats for critical infrastructure ranging from oil, gas and water pipelines to electrical power transmission, border/perimeter security and data center interconnects.
- Network Security. Open Fronthaul security test, specifications tests (SCAS, 3GPP), 5G Core firewall security, PQC test solutions, part of the NITRO® Wireless Security Suite.
- 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Validation. The comprehensive VIAVI NTN suite overcomes the technical challenges of 5G NTN, providing assurance that new NTN constellations perform reliably while conforming to 3GPP Release 18 and beyond. You can evaluate with a Digital Twin, test with real devices (gNB or UE), and confidently deploy with OTA test (in orbit).
- Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT). The VIAVI PNT-6200 Series, provides maximum resiliency for critical infrastructure dependent on positioning and timing, by supplementing or even replacing GPS signals with connectivity to the broadest range of timing sources in the market.
- 6G Forward. VIAVI is advancing wireless technology with its strides in 6G and AI research, part of the 6G Forward Program. From full AI neural receivers, new waveforms to advanced multiple access techniques, our work promises dynamic adaptability in future network deployments.
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) hold the promise of greater coverage and connectivity. How can operators ensure reliability, stability and performance of NTNs?
Rajesh Rao: 3GPP Release 17 specifications formally introduced support and guidelines for NTNs, with subsequent releases expected to continue to refine the standards. These specifications will help improve the performance of NTNs, allow them to converge with terrestrial telecoms networks and enable support across existing 5G mobile handsets and chipsets. A VIAVI analysis estimated that the growth in satellite communications will result in approximately 30,000 new satellites orbiting the Earth, significantly expanding the potential of NTNs to provide universal coverage.
Satellite communication in 5G brings another level of complexity for testing. NTNs need to be reliable to cope with the distance, speed and mobility of both satellite, High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) and User Equipment (UE), while still delivering on performance. Test solutions are not only required to emulate different UE mobility and fading profiles, but they must also take the large doppler shifts from fast-moving satellites and airborne platforms into consideration.
To validate the base station prior to non-terrestrial deployment, the TM500 can emulate a high volume of devices, new mobility patterns, signal propagation delays, and other conditions unique to NTN while TeraVM emulates the core network. This test scenario is ideal for early functional tests such as 3GPP protocol testing and can be applied to both regenerative and transparent architectures.
The potential impact of 6G is significant. What are the upcoming advances in 6G?
Rajesh Rao: Accelerating research and development of AI driven solutions for future generations of wireless communication, VIAVI is working on several projects driving 6G and advancing wireless technology with its strides in 6G and AI research, through the 6G Forward Program. The 6G Forward Program is accelerating technology evolution through a combination of proprietary research within the VIAVI Marconi Labs (VML), specializing in wireless technology research, innovation, and testing, and support of academic labs around the globe.
VIAVI’s research collaborations with the Institute for Wireless Internet of Things and the Open6G cooperative research center at Northeastern University have resulted in creating a 6G city-scale digital twin. Powered by advanced AI and machine learning (ML) technologies, it plays a crucial role in training components like the 6G AI-Native Air Interface, enhancing our understanding of network dynamics and performance.
VIAVI is involved in various research and development projects which underscores its dedication to 6G advancement and has collaborated with organizations like the O-RAN ALLIANCE, one6G, the 5-6 innovation center, leading educational institutions and the DSIT ONE research project, which received a significant research grant from the UK government, to name a few.
How is AI helping in shaping a more secure, efficient and resilient network? How AI and ML technologies are being integrated into test and measurement processes?
Rajesh Rao: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a significant driver in the future of the networking industry. As data-intensive applications such as AI/ML, high performance computing (HPC) and big data analytics enter the mainstream, the hyperscale and data center ecosystem must meet the insatiable demand for memory, bandwidth, computing power, storage and speed.
AI’s powerful algorithm, intelligence and predictive power serve as the catalyst for tomorrow’s highly automated, zero-touch networks. From AI Optimizing AI to Digital Twins, VIAVI cutting-edge Telco AI solutions ensure a seamless and secure digital experience
The rollout of 5G is placing unprecedented strain on data center infrastructure worldwide, with the introduction of new services, IoT verticals, new ultra-low-latency applications and the intelligent edge that powers them. Overcoming these challenges requires seamless, holistic network management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) provides an end-to-end view of the network and simplifies test, assurance and optimization processes.
There is an increased demand for advanced monitoring and sensing solutions across various industries. How does Fiber sensing help and what are the key drivers?
Rajesh Rao: Fiber optic sensing systems assist critical infrastructure ranging from telecommunication services, oil, gas and water pipelines to mining, marine applications, electrical power transmission and data center interconnects in optimizing efficiency and implementing preventive protection and security. Fiber sensing technology involves the integration of optical fibers within the infrastructure to monitor various physical parameters in real time that can prevent outages, avoid costly repairs to critical infrastructure and help in faster restoration.
NITRO fiber sensing
NITRO fiber sensing is an integrated real-time asset monitoring and analytics solution for critical infrastructure. Comprising Distributed temperature sensing (DTS), Distributed temperature and strain sensing (DTSS) and Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technologies, NITRO fiber sensing provides the critical intelligence needed to swiftly identify and locate threats.
Using remote Fiber test heads (FTH), commonly known as interrogators to monitor fiber optic cables or fiber-enabled infrastructure, NITRO fiber sensing measures temperature and strain along a fiber or detect acoustic vibrations close to a fiber in real time. NITRO fiber sensing offers solutions for industries like:
Power Transmission – real-time thermal rating (RTTR) and cable temperature, cable exposure and depth of burial and third-party interference.
Pipeline Infrastructure – real-time asset monitoring, leak detection and localization, and third-party interference detection.
Telecoms Infrastructure – cable health monitoring, smart cities and environment, plus detection of third-party interference with DCI.
Protection & Security – real-time perimeter monitoring, people and vehicle, tunnelling and excavation detection.
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