Where is the development of future telecommunications networks heading towards?

This short story, hopefully, illuminates some of the future trends in telecommunications technology covering communications from access to core networks as seen via the eyes of Open Computing Project, Telecom Infra Project, and some other initiatives globally.

Scenario for a Nearby Future

Beyond 2020, there will be 10000 times more traffic, 10-100 times more networked devices, need for less than 1 ms latency, need to have 10 times longer battery life, and need for low-cost machine-to-machine connection – both in commercial and in military networks. What kind of telecommunications technology will address these requirements?

Terminal device

Let’s start with the terminal device. A low cost, extended battery, wide band, expendable – this means that the terminal device shall be a lot simpler and smaller than current mobile phones or combat net radios. As human being becomes a minority in networked society, the communications terminal can be built less expensive. Storage goes to cloud and screen is embedded in sights, goggles, watch, or A5 slide of the paper-like sheet. The communications require cognitive connectivity with other devices nearby. A Wi-Fi-like flat protocol to create access link and IP to create connectivity. Cognitive networking and end to end encryption are enabled by something like defining Facebook friends and other acquaintances.  

Access network

Then the access network. Forget the base stations or control stations. Every structure can include an “intelligent access node” . It can be provided by a building, a vehicle, a road, a ship, or a drone flying above you. Everything is connected, so are the structures that provide the access for human or machine terminals. 

Core network

All fixed trunk connections need to be provided over an optical cable. Otherwise, the > 10 GE bandwidth cannot be provided cost-efficiently. Thus, the current switching is too expensive, and teleoperator constrained. Solution may be found from Open Packet DWDM network by Telecom Infra Project . Goodbye to your Metro Ethernets, MPLS’s and SDH’s. Simple is the key.

How is the connectivity then created between the endpoints? Open Computing Project  is separating network hardware from networking software. Software Defined Network  is enabling each session to request needed connectivity services from the network layer residing right on the optical layer.

Defence Network

What keeps the Defence Forces from building an extensive network covering the area of operations for National Defence and provide a national grid for all moving structures thus connectivity to all humans and devices in the battlefield? This can be done as part of building roads, bridges, railroads, electricity lines, sewer pipes, or any building. The commercial sector will provide the simplified technology. The only thing needed is military specific protocols for routing, connection, and encryption.

This story is based on information retrieved from U.S. Patent Office, Telecommunications Infra Project, Open Compute Project and Open Networking Foundation.