From – Mr. Parag Nike, co-founder and CEO, Saankhya Labs
The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to create chaos in people’s lives as well as in business. To limit the spread of the virus, companies have extended their work from home to keep their employees safe, while the government has also stepped up blockades in various states. In such times, technology is the biggest pillar of support for mitigating interruptions in operations, which has led to a huge acceleration in the adoption of various technologies in the last year.
As technological innovation continues to gain momentum, here are some technologies that will remain crucial and redefine the new normal:
Open RAN based 5G implementations
The 5G economy is forcing network operators to deploy virtualized solutions with different providers that can help increase infrastructure investment. Open RAN is set to determine the future of 5G expansion, making the architecture more dynamic in terms of vendor selection and software upgrades. Many companies around the world are working to develop a cognitively scalable 5G RAN solution based on Open RAN, which includes multi-band remote radios with advanced analytics capabilities and the RAN Intelligent Controller platform. In the long run, Open RAN will enable companies to produce hardware and software from different vendors to develop their networks and will help promote an open market for an interoperable network.
“IT fixation” of telecommunication networks through virtualization and disaggregation
There is a growing drive to move to more open and disaggregated “cloud-based” networks and shared network virtualization or IT. The telecom network the design is at a breaking point from technology as well as from a geopolitical point of view, which has led to this rapid transition. This will drastically change the telecommunications service provider’s network and allow operators to build a new ecosystem of providers that is flexible and responsive. With the application of virtualization, operators can improve the architectural and functional viability of the 5G network, as well as allow reduced capital costs and better flexibility.
Shared and unlicensed use of spectrum for private networks
At the dawn of the 5G era, the cellular communications industry is undergoing an innovative transformation driven by technological innovation, liberalization of regulatory policy and revolutionary business models. One vital aspect of this radical revolution is the growing acceptance of shared and unlicensed spectrum in which the frequencies are not licensed exclusively for one mobile operator. Such initiatives catalyze the proliferation of shared-spectrum LTE and 5G NR networks for a diverse range of uses, ranging from private cellular networks for enterprises and vertical industries to mobile network consolidation and neutral host infrastructure. Mobile operators and other stakeholders in the cellular ecosystem are also seeking to take advantage of the vast areas of globally and regionally harmonized unlicensed bands for the operation of 3GPP technologies.
Convergence of broadband and broadcast networks
There has been a sharp rise in video consumption platforms, which has led to network congestion. To prevent network congestion and improve the user experience, communication platforms must choose 5G broadcasting, an innovative solution based on integrated broadband and broadcast networks. This innovative data transmission solution will provide an enriching experience for users of different devices during streaming, will facilitate the network congestion, provide a smart content data tube, help generate revenue from the broadcast spectrum and offer live streaming without the need for data limiters.
Satellite broadband and IoT networks
Satellite-based IoT solutions are the next game that is changing technological evolution and the low cost, low power, global connectivity offered by satellites is driving the growth of this sector. SDR-based satellite IoT and communication solutions enable secure and reliable satellite connectivity in remote locations. Satellite networks provide global broadband coverage, thus enabling the provision of IoT in remote locations, and terrestrial access cannot be accessed due to cost or terrain constraints, including sea, air or other unconnected locations. In the absence of network connectivity, satellite communication solutions can be implemented to send and receive data from a central control point.