Tag: 5G

2025 in Review: From Complexity to Cognitive Operations | Charting Our Course for 2026 

Posted on by Mira Abdulrahman

Reflections in 2025: Progress and Transformation at Digis Squared 

As we approach the end of the year, it is worth pausing to reflect on the significant technological shifts that have characterized 2025. At Digis Squared, our focus has been not only on innovation, but also on achieving measurable progress in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and the telecommunications sector. This year has marked a turning point, where the concept of intelligent networks has begun to materialise in practical operations. This transformation has been fuelled by the urgent need to manage increasingly complex systems, respond to mounting cost pressures, and navigate a rapidly changing threat environment. 

Operational Consolidation and Application 

In my role as Chief Technology Officer, I have witnessed 2025 becoming the year of consolidation and practical application. Our collective efforts have moved beyond the initial excitement surrounding emerging technologies such as generative AI. Instead, we have dedicated ourselves to the tangible development of networks that are capable of self-awareness and self-optimisation. The momentum established through the deployment of our solutions and the insights gained from real-world implementations now positions us strongly for an even more dynamic year ahead in 2026. 

Looking Back and Ahead: Addressing Core Challenges and Future Trends 

This review aims to summarize the fundamental challenges currently facing the telecoms industry, to highlight the ways in which our technologies are directly tackling these issues, and to share my perspective on the trends that are likely to shape the future of our sector. 

The Complexity Crisis in Modern Telecom Networks 

The modern telecommunications network presents a formidable challenge for operators due to its intricate composition. These networks are built from a vast array of equipment sourced from multiple vendors, layered with technologies that span generations—from 2G through to 5G—and encompass a diverse range of domains such as Radio Access Networks (RAN), Core networks, Transport, Business Support Systems (BSS), and IP Multimedia Subsystems (IMS). 

This inherent complexity has evolved into a significant crisis for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The interplay of different vendors and technologies, combined with the multifaceted nature of network operations, has resulted in a landscape where operational efficiency is frequently compromised. Critical challenges have emerged; each demanding the implementation of cognitive solutions to restore control, streamline processes, and ensure the ongoing viability and security of telecom operations. 

Challenge Area Description Impact  
Operational Inefficiency Sheer volume of alarms and data makes root cause analysis slow and manual. Long Mean Time To Resolution (MTTR) and high operational expenditure (OPEX)1. 
Budget Constraints Pressure to reduce OPEX while simultaneously investing in 5G, 6G R&D, and network modernization. Need for highly efficient, automated tools that minimize human intervention. 
Cybersecurity Exposure The vast attack surface of IoT devices and distributed networks, coupled with sophisticated AI-driven threats. Non-negotiable security requirements, demanding proactive, predictive defense and Zero Trust adoption3. 
Vendor Lock-in & Silos Disparate vendor systems create data silos, hindering end-to-end visibility. Costly, inflexible contracts and inability to optimize across the entire network4. 
Sustainability Mandate Massive energy consumption from 5G and data centers drives the need for a rapid transformation toward Net Zero. Economic and regulatory pressure to integrate energy efficiency into network design. 

Reflections on 2025: From Potential to Practice 

As I reflect on the entirety of 2025, it becomes evident that the year was marked not by a wave of groundbreaking inventions, but rather by the steady advancement and practical implementation of robust, established technologies. Over the past twelve months, the narrative shifted decisively from the anticipation of future possibilities to the tangible realisation of enterprise-ready solutions. 

Across several critical sectors, we observed a transition: technologies that once held only theoretical promise are now being deployed at scale and integrated into real-world business operations. This maturation has underscored the value of reliable, effective tools, demonstrating how innovation is as much about refinement and application as it is about invention. 

  1. Generative AI Democratizes Network Operations 

If previous years were about the novelty of Generative AI, 2025 was about its utility. We moved beyond simple automation to true cognitive operations by integrating GenAI directly into the operational workflow. 

  1. The Strategic Importance of Digital Twin Technology 

The concept of a Digital Twin—a virtual replica of a physical system—is not new, but its application in telecom reached a critical maturity point in 2025. This technology allows MNOs to simulate complex changes, test new configurations, and predict the impact of traffic surges before they occur on the live network. 

  1. Private 5G Powering Industry 4.0 

The private network market accelerated rapidly, with projections showing a 65.4% CAGR in private 5G connections through 2030. Industries moved beyond proof-of-concept to live deployment, particularly in logistics and manufacturing. 

  1. Cybersecurity as a Core Business Function 

The increasing complexity of our networks and the rise of sophisticated AI-driven threats made cybersecurity a top priority in 2025. The focus shifted from reactive defense to proactive, predictive security postures. We saw greater adoption of Zero Trust architectures and AI-powered threat detection systems. For telecom operators, securing the vast attack surface of IoT devices and distributed networks became a non-negotiable aspect of service delivery. 

  1. 5G Expansion and the Dawn of 6G Research 

Throughout 2025, 5G continued its global expansion, particularly in emerging markets where its impact on enterprise connectivity is most profound. 6G research also increased exponentially in 2025 targeting specific applications like CF-MIMO , RIS and ISAC .  

  1. Field Testing Takes to the Skies (Green Operations) 

2025 marked a turning point for field testing sustainability. Traditional drive testing, with its high fuel consumption and limited access to difficult terrains, began to give way to drone-based solutions. 

  1. AI-Automated Planning & The 15-Minute Optimization 

The era of manual network planning effectively ended in 2025. The complexity of multi-layer networks made manual parameter tuning obsolete, we also perceived massive increase in the demand for SMART CAPEX and OPEX solutions. 

  1. Active Probing & Service Assurance 

As networks became more complex, “passive” monitoring was no longer enough. 2025 saw a rise in Active Service Assurance. 

  1. Quantum Computing’s Cautious Breakthroughs 

While still in its early stages, quantum computing made tangible progress in 2025. We saw advancements in qubit stability and error correction, moving quantum systems closer to solving real-world optimization problems that are intractable for classical computers. For telecom, this holds immense promise for complex tasks like network routing optimization and spectrum management. Though widespread application remains on the horizon, the progress this year has solidified its potential as a game-changing technology. 

2026 Technological Outlook and Predictions 

As the telecommunications industry builds upon the momentum generated in 2025, the year ahead is set to deliver significant advances in network intelligence and integration. The following are detailed forecasts for the principal trends that are expected to shape 2026: 

  1. AI-Native Networks Become the Industry Standard 

The application of artificial intelligence will evolve beyond mere overlays. In 2026, the emergence of AI-native networks will see machine learning deeply embedded within the air interface and protocol stack. Key network elements, such as Radio Units and Distributed Units, will develop “Sense-Think-Act” capabilities, empowering them to make micro-adjustments in beamforming and spectrum allocation within milliseconds. 

  1. The Dark NOC as a Strategic Priority 

In response to ongoing budgetary pressures, the Dark NOC—where up to 80% of operational tasks are autonomously managed—will become a primary strategic objective for mobile network operators (MNOs). This shift will redefine the role of human engineers, transitioning their focus from routine monitoring and repairs to governance and design. The reliance on vendor-agnostic platforms will increase, aiding in the unification of data across fragmented ecosystems. 

  1. Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) 

The migration towards Post-Quantum Cryptography will progress from the planning stages to phased execution. Telecom operators are anticipated to begin upgrading encryption keys and hardware security modules, aiming to counteract the risk posed by potential adversaries who may harvest encrypted data now, with the intention of decrypting it in the future as quantum computing matures. 

  1. Intensification of 6G Standards Prototyping 

The development of 6G standards will move from theoretical discussions to tackling targeted engineering challenges. One of the central focuses will be Semantic Communications, which shifts the paradigm from transmitting raw bits to communicating actual meaning. By leveraging AI to filter out irrelevant data at the source, 6G networks are expected to realise substantial efficiency gains. 

  1. Agentic AI and the Advancement of Cybersecurity Autonomy 

2026 is poised to be recognised as the “Year of the Defender” due to the emergence of Agentic AI—autonomous systems capable of independent decision-making. These intelligent agents will prove indispensable in defending against AI-driven identity attacks. Unlike conventional static playbooks, Agentic AI can reason, adapt, and autonomously develop defence strategies to address vulnerabilities in real-time. 

  1. Private Networks Will Drive Enterprise Digitalization 

The demand for private networks will accelerate in 2026 as more enterprises recognize their value in achieving secure and reliable connectivity for mission-critical operations. 

2025: A Year of Achievement 

Throughout 2025, we played a pivotal role in driving technological advancements for our clients and customers. Acting as a cornerstone of progress, our team delivered a series of significant accomplishments that underscored our commitment to innovation and excellence. The following is a sample of the achievements realised during the year, reflecting our ongoing dedication to supporting our clients’ evolving needs and enabling their success in an increasingly complex technological landscape. 

  • Our KATANA platform proved essential here, offering a vendor-agnostic “Single Pane of Glass.” By integrating data from Huawei, Nokia, Ericsson, and new Open RAN vendors into one topology view, we solved the fragmentation issue. This enabled Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) via our iMaster module, allowing devices to be automatically configured and integrated upon connection, regardless of the hardware vendor. 

  • We introduced ConnectSphere, an extension of our testing capabilities that deploys static probes in VIP areas and strategic locations. Unlike traditional drive tests that are periodic, these probes run 24/7 service testing to assure quality in real-time. This allows for proactive fault detection in both the Core and Radio domains, ensuring that high-value enterprise clients receive the Quality of Service (QoS) they demand 

  • We doubled down on OctoMind, our AI-based planning platform. By leveraging modules like X-Planner (for PCI/RSI planning) and ACP (Automatic Cell Planning), we moved from manual processes that took days to AI-driven optimization that takes just 15 minutes. This automation improved network performance metrics from 68% to 94% while eliminating human error in parameter configuration. 

  • We saw a surge in specialized use cases where Wi-Fi was insufficient. For instance, in pharmaceutical warehouses, we deployed Private 5G to support mission-critical forklift automation, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), and collision avoidance systems that require ultra-low latency. By implementing Managed Services that include L1 maintenance and radio optimization, we ensured these networks met stringent SLAs for reliability and security, keeping data strictly on-premises 

  • Through our INOS Air solution (in collaboration with DJI Enterprise), we enabled operators to conduct 5G, 4G, and 3G testing at specific altitudes (5m to 20m). This allows for testing in recreational areas, dense industrial compounds, and over water (marinas and ports) where cars simply cannot go. This shift not only expanded accessibility but also slashed OPEX and carbon footprints, aligning perfectly with the industry’s Net Zero goals by utilizing electric drones instead of fuel-heavy vehicles. 

  • We introduced GenAI Chatbots within our KATANA platform to democratize data access. Engineers no longer need complex SQL skills; they can simply ask natural language questions like “Which sites have hardware faults right now?” or “Why is the throughput low in site X?” to get instant, actionable insights. This capability allows non-technical staff to create business intelligence reports and resolve performance issues faster, significantly reducing the barrier to entry for advanced network analysis.  

  • We are actively leveraging and integrating Digital Twin technology into our cognitive solutions. By integrating the Digital Twin with the Network Data, we provide MNOs with a powerful tool for predictive Coverage and Capacity. This capability is a game-changer for planning and optimization, allowing MNOs to move from simply reacting to network events to proactively optimizing their infrastructure, ensuring network slicing integrity, and managing resources with unprecedented foresight. 

Digis Squared Focus in the Next Chapter 

Our strategic focus for the coming year is clear: to leverage our cognitive solutions to solve the industry’s most pressing challenges. 

Private 5G: Cognitive Operations at the Edge 

The successful deployment of Private 5G will hinge on the ability to deliver cognitive operations at the edge. Our focus will be on ensuring the success of these mission-critical networks by providing the necessary tools to manage unique demands. Tools like KATANA and ConnectSphere will be vital for ensuring real-time fault isolation, predictive capacity planning, and dynamic resource allocation for industrial automation. 

Net Zero: Energy Efficiency as a Strategic Priority 

The transformation toward Net Zero is a strategic priority. We will continue to refine our AI and cognitive tools to optimize network elements, dynamically power down resources based on predictive traffic patterns, and ensure that energy efficiency is a core design principle. 

  • Example: Our cognitive engine can predict low-traffic periods 72 hours in advance to automatically place specific 5G-enabled sites into an ultra-low power state, maximizing OPEX savings. 

Expanding the Cognitive Toolkit 

We will continue to expand the capabilities of our core platforms, further integrating the predictive power of the Digital Twin with the real-time insights of KATANA and the customer-centric metrics of INOS. Our goal is to provide a unified, vendor-agnostic platform that allows MNOs to achieve true operational autonomy and move confidently toward the Dark NOC. 

Closure  

The path forward is clear: the only way to manage the complexity, cost, and security demands of modern telecom networks is through intelligence. For telecom operators in emerging markets, these advancements offer a chance to leapfrog legacy systems and build agile, efficient, and intelligent networks. 

At Digis Squared, we are committed to turning these technological possibilities into operational realities for our partners. By focusing on cognitive operations powered by KATANA, INOS, OctoMind, and Digital Twin technology, we are not just optimizing networks; we are building the future of telecommunications—a future that is more efficient, more secure, and more sustainable. 

Author: Abdelrahman Fady | CTO | Digis Squared

The Road to 6G: Engineering Breakthroughs in the Terahertz Spectrum

Posted on by Mira Abdulrahman

While the theoretical possibilities are exciting, I’ve learned throughout my career that theory represents only one side of the equation. On the other side lies reality: signal loss, energy constraints, component limitations, and the unforgiving properties of our atmosphere. Today, I want to examine the engineering challenges that 6G must overcome to transform its spectral ambitions into practical, deployable technology.

Perhaps the most fundamental challenge we face is propagation loss. As frequencies increase, free-space path loss grows exponentially, a physical reality that cannot be engineered away. At 100 GHz, signal attenuation is already substantially higher than in traditional 5G bands. By the time we reach 1 THz, even a few meters of distance can drastically degrade signal strength. This isn’t merely an inconvenience; it fundamentally reshapes how we must approach network architecture. 6G will require advanced beamforming techniques, ultra-short-range cells, or reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) just to maintain basic communication links at these frequencies.

Atmospheric absorption presents another significant hurdle. In sub-THz and THz ranges, atmospheric gases—particularly water vapor and oxygen absorb electromagnetic waves in ways that create distinct challenges for wireless communication. Absorption peaks occur at specific frequencies: 183 GHz for water vapor and 325 GHz for oxygen, effectively creating “spectral dead zones” where long-range communication becomes impractical. Our strategy must therefore focus on identifying and utilizing transparency windows (such as 140 GHz) for viable communication links, while allocating other frequency bands for indoor or ultra-dense deployment scenarios where atmospheric effects are minimized.

The hardware requirements for THz communication represent perhaps the most immediate practical challenge. Today’s RF integrated circuits and front-end modules simply weren’t designed for terahertz operation. Silicon CMOS technology, the workhorse of modern wireless systems, begins to hit fundamental performance limits beyond 200 GHz. Alternative semiconductor technologies like Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and Indium Phosphide (InP) show promise but remain expensive and less amenable to mass production. Beyond the semiconductors themselves, waveguide components, antennas, and packaging become highly lossy and mechanically delicate at these frequencies. Innovation pathways include hybrid integration approaches, nanophotonic technologies, plasmonic antennas, and metamaterials, all of which require substantial research investment before commercial viability.

Power efficiency emerges as another critical bottleneck. Power amplifiers operating at THz frequencies currently suffer from poor efficiency, generating excessive heat while delivering limited output power. In battery-constrained mobile devices, this inefficiency could render many theoretical applications impractical. Addressing this challenge will require multifaceted approaches: AI-driven energy management systems, novel energy harvesting techniques, and beam-aware hardware designs that minimize power consumption when full-power transmission isn’t necessary.

Precision timing and synchronization take on new importance at these frequencies. With the ultra-short wavelength characteristic of THz signals, even nanosecond-level timing errors can destroy link integrity. This impacts not just data transmission reliability but also the accuracy of sensing and positioning applications that 6G promises to enable. Meeting these requirements will demand high-stability clock sources, potentially including quantum timing references, and integrated sensing-transmission designs that maintain phase coherence across multiple functions.

The testing and simulation infrastructure for THz systems remains underdeveloped. Existing RF testbeds rarely extend beyond 100 GHz, creating a gap between theoretical models and practical verification. Simulation models for THz propagation are still evolving, and standards for THz-specific channel models are under development but not yet finalized. Without robust tools for repeatability and comprehensive test systems, mass deployment of THz technology remains speculative at best.

Finally, ecosystem fragmentation presents a strategic challenge. Unlike 5G, which benefited from relatively rapid ecosystem convergence around specific bands and technologies, 6G’s spectral frontiers are being explored in different frequency ranges across various countries and research institutions. Technical definitions and key performance indicators lack harmonization, and mainstream OEM and chipset vendor roadmaps have yet to fully incorporate these advanced frequency bands. This fragmentation could slow development and increase costs unless addressed through coordinated international efforts.

Despite these formidable challenges, I see tremendous beauty in the struggle to overcome them. These obstacles aren’t roadblocks; they’re invitations to innovate in ways that will transform not just telecommunications but multiple scientific and engineering disciplines.

The development of 6G will require an unprecedented fusion of telecommunications engineering, quantum physics, and materials science. Those who successfully bridge these domains will lead the industry forward not just in products and services, but in establishing entirely new paradigms for how we understand and utilize the electromagnetic spectrum.

As we navigate these challenges, I believe we’ll discover that the limitations imposed by physics aren’t constraints but catalysts forcing us to think more creatively, collaborate more effectively, and ultimately develop solutions that extend far beyond telecommunications into healthcare, environmental monitoring, security, and countless other domains that will benefit from mastery of the terahertz frontier.

This blog post was written by Head of Products, Mohamed Sayyed, at Digis Squared.

Semantic Communications: Use Cases, Challenges, and the Path Forward

Posted on by Mira Abdulrahman

Today, I want to delve deeper into the practical applications of semantic communications, examine the challenges we face in implementation, and outline what I believe is the most effective path forward.

Let’s begin by exploring the transformative potential of semantic communication across various domains.

In the realm of 6G and beyond, semantic communication will enable significantly leaner, context-aware data exchange for ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). This isn’t merely an incremental improvement; it represents a fundamental shift in how we approach network efficiency and reliability.

For Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and IoT applications, the implications are particularly profound. Devices will be able to understand intent without requiring verbose data transmission, resulting in substantial savings in both spectrum usage and energy consumption. In a world moving toward billions of connected devices, this efficiency gain becomes not just beneficial but necessary.

Autonomous systems present another compelling use case. When vehicles and robots can communicate purpose rather than raw data, we see marked improvements in decision-making speed and safety. This shift from data-centric to meaning-centric communication could be the difference between an autonomous vehicle stopping in time or not.

The future of immersive experiences, including extended reality, holographic communication, and digital humans, will increasingly rely on shared context and compressed meaning. These applications demand not just bandwidth but intelligent use of that bandwidth, making semantic communication an ideal approach.

Finally, Digital Twins and Cognitive Networks will benefit tremendously from real-time mirroring and network self-awareness based on semantics rather than full datasets. This allows for more sophisticated modelling and prediction with less overhead.

Despite these promising applications, several significant challenges stand in our way.

Perhaps the most fundamental is what I call “semantic noise” errors in understanding, not just in transmission. This represents an entirely new category of “noise” in the communication channel that our traditional models aren’t equipped to address.

Context synchronization presents another hurdle. How do we ensure that sender and receiver share enough background knowledge to interpret messages correctly? Without this shared foundation, semantic communication breaks down.

From a theoretical perspective, modelling meaning mathematically remains a complex challenge. We need to move beyond bits to quantify and encode “meaning” in ways that are both efficient and reliable.

The dependence on advanced AI also presents practical challenges. Semantic communication requires deep integration with natural language processing, reasoning models, and adaptive learning technologies that are still evolving rapidly.

Finally, standardization poses a significant obstacle. Our current network protocols simply weren’t built for semantic intent exchange, requiring substantial rethinking of our fundamental approaches.

In the first phase, Awareness & Modelling, we need to define semantic entropy, capacity, and metrics while developing proof-of-concept systems in research settings. This foundational work should include embedding semantic layers into AI-enhanced protocols, establishing the technical groundwork for what follows.

The second phase, Prototyping in 6G Environments, involves integrating semantic communication with URLLC and mMTC (massive Machine Type Communications). We should test these integrations with Digital Twin networks and edge AI, while simultaneously establishing pre-standardization working groups to ensure alignment across the industry.

The final phase, Ecosystem Integration & Commercialization, will require embedding semantic modules into chipsets and network functions, deploying them in smart cities, Industry 4.0 environments, and immersive media applications. Standardization through bodies like 3GPP and ITU will be crucial during this phase to ensure global interoperability.

This journey toward semantic communication isn’t just a technical evolution; it’s a reimagining of how networks understand and transmit meaning. The challenges are substantial, but the potential rewards in efficiency, intelligence, and new capabilities make this one of the most exciting frontiers in telecommunications.

This blog post was written by Amr Ashraf, Product Architect and Support Director at Digis Squared.

NWDAF: How 5G is AI Native by Essence

Posted on by Mira Abdulrahman

The evolution of telecommunications networks has always been characterized by increasing complexity and intelligence. As we’ve moved through successive generations of wireless technology, I’ve observed a consistent trend toward more adaptive, responsive systems. With 5G, this evolution has reached a critical inflection point by introducing the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) a component that fundamentally transforms how networks operate and adapt.

NWDAF, introduced in the 5G Core architecture starting from Release 15 and continuing to evolve toward 6G, represents a pivotal element in the Service-Based Architecture (SBA). More than just another network component, it embodies a philosophical shift toward data-driven, intelligent network operations that anticipate the needs of both users and applications.

At its core, NWDAF serves as a standardized network function that provides analytics services to other network functions, applications, and external consumers. Its functionality spans the entire analytics lifecycle: collecting data from various network functions (including AMF, SMF, PCF, and NEF), processing and analyzing that data, generating actionable insights and predictions, and feeding decisions back into the network for optimization and policy enforcement.

I often describe NWDAF as the “central intelligence of the network”—a system that transforms raw operational data into practical insights that drive network behavior. This transformation is not merely incremental; it represents a fundamental reimagining of how networks function.

The necessity for NWDAF becomes apparent when we consider the demands placed on modern networks. Autonomous networks require closed-loop automation for self-healing and self-optimization—capabilities that depend on the analytical insights NWDAF provides. Quality of Service assurance increasingly relies on the ability to predict congestion, session drops, or mobility issues before they impact user experience. Network slicing, a cornerstone of 5G architecture, depends on real-time monitoring and optimization of slice performance. Security analytics benefit from NWDAF’s ability to detect anomalies or attacks through traffic behavior pattern analysis. Furthermore, NWDAF’s flexible deployment model allows it to operate in either central cloud environments or Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) nodes, enabling localized decision-making where appropriate.

The integration of NWDAF with other network functions occurs through well-defined interfaces. The Np interface facilitates data collection from various network functions. The Na interface enables NWDAF to provide analytics to consumers. The Nnef interface supports interaction with the Network Exposure Function, while the Naf interface enables communication with Application Functions. This comprehensive integration ensures that NWDAF can both gather the data it needs and distribute its insights effectively throughout the network.

The analytical capabilities of NWDAF span multiple dimensions. Descriptive analytics provide visibility into current network conditions, including load metrics, session statistics, and mobility patterns. Predictive analytics enable the network to anticipate issues before they occur, such as congestion prediction, user experience degradation forecasts, and mobility failure prediction. Looking forward, prescriptive analytics will eventually allow NWDAF to suggest automated actions, such as traffic rerouting or slice reconfiguration, further enhancing network autonomy.

As we look toward 6G, NWDAF is poised to evolve into an even more sophisticated component of network architecture. I anticipate the development of an AI/ML-native architecture where NWDAF evolves into a Distributed Intelligence Function. Federated learning approaches will enable cross-domain learning without requiring central data sharing, addressing privacy and efficiency concerns. Integration with digital twin technology will allow simulated networks to feed NWDAF with predictive insights, enhancing planning and optimization. Perhaps most significantly, NWDAF will increasingly support intent-based networking, where user intentions are translated directly into network behavior without requiring detailed technical specifications.

The journey toward truly intelligent networks is just beginning, and NWDAF represents a crucial step in that evolution. By embedding analytics and intelligence directly into the network architecture, 5G has laid the groundwork for networks that don’t just connect—they understand, anticipate, and adapt. This foundation will prove essential as we continue to build toward the even more demanding requirements of 6G and beyond.

Prepared By: Amr Ashraf | Head of Solution Architect and R&D | Digis Squared

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Mobile Private Network

Posted on by Mira Abdulrahman

Private networks are dedicated communication networks built for a specific organization or use case

Benefits

  • Enhanced security and data privacy
  • Improved network performance and reliability
  • Customized coverage and capacity
  • Integration with existing systems and infrastructure

A private (mobile) network is where network infrastructure is used exclusively by devices authorized by the end-user organization.

Typically, this infrastructure is deployed in one or more specific locations which are owned or occupied by the end-user organization.

Devices that are registered on public mobile networks will not work on the private network except where specifically authorized.

Formally these are known as ‘non-public networks’ however the term private network is more commonly used across vertical industries.

Drivers of having a 5G Private network

Network Performance: with eMBB, URLLC and MMTC, 5G is very capable in terms of network performance

5G Security: The fifth generation of networks is more secure than the 4G LTE network because it has identity management, privacy, and security assurance

New Spectrum in 5G: availability of shared and dedicated 5G spectrum in several bands

Network Coverage: With 5G network, you control where to deploy your gNB

Private Networks Deployment Models

SNPN, Standalone Non-Public Network

NPN is deployed as an independent, standalone network

Private company has exclusive responsibility for operating the NPN and for all service attributes

The only communication path between the NPN and the public network can be done optionally via a firewall

standalone network. Under this deployment model, all network functions are located within the facility where the network operates, including the radio access network (RAN) and control plane elements. Standalone, isolated private networks would typically use dedicated spectrum (licensed or unlicensed) purchased through a mobile network operator (MNO) or, in some cases, directly from government agencies.

PNI-NPN: Public Network Integrated – Non Public Network

  • NPN deployed with MNO support: hosted completely or partially on public network infrastructure
  • e.g. using Network Slicing
  • PNI-NPN has different variants we are going to explain some of them in the coming section

PNI-NPN: Deployment with shared RAN

Shared RAN with dedicated Core

NPN and the public network share part of the radio access network, while other network functions remain separated.

This scenario involves an NPN sharing a radio-access network (RAN) with the service provider. Under this scenario, control plane elements and other network functions physically reside at the NPN site.

This type of deployment enables local routing of network traffic within the NPN’s physical premises, while data bound for outside premises is routed to the service provider’s network. 3GPP has specifications that cover network sharing. (A variation of this deployment scenario involves the NPN sharing both the RAN and control plane functions, but with the NPN traffic remaining on the site where the NPN is located and not flowing out to the public network.)

PNI-NPN: Deployment with shared RAN and Control Plane

Shared RAN and core control Plane.

Both RAN and Core Sharing from control side, with the RAN and Core elements managed by the Public 5G network.

NPN only handles user plane connectivity.

This scenario involves an NPN sharing a radio-access network (RAN) with the service provider. Under this scenario, control plane elements and other network functions physically reside at the NPN site”

PNI-NPN: NPN Deployment in public network

5G Public-Private Network Slice

NPN hosted by the public network

Complete outsourcing of the network, where devices on the private network utilize the Public 5G network RAN.

This scenario can be implemented by means of network slicing

The third primary type of NPN deployment is where the NPN is hosted directly on a public network. In this type of deployment, both the public network and private network traffic are located off-site.”

Through virtualization of network functions and in a technique known as network slicing, the public-network operator of the private network partitions between the public network and the NPN, keeping them completely separate.

Challenges of Private Network

Spectrum and Regulations

Limited Spectrum Options: Securing suitable spectrum can be challenging, especially in densely populated or highly regulated regions where spectrum allocation is scarce.

Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating complex regulatory environments to acquire spectrum licenses can be time-consuming and costly, often requiring compliance with specific national or regional regulations.

High Initial Cost

Infrastructure Investment: Setting up a private network requires substantial upfront investment in infrastructure such as base stations, antennas, and network equipment.

Operational Expenses: Beyond initial setup, ongoing operational costs include maintenance, upgrades, and personnel training, contributing to the overall cost burden.

Knowledge acquisition or outsourcing

Technical Expertise: Establishing and maintaining a private network demands specialized knowledge in network design, integration, security, and optimization.

Outsourcing Challenges: Depending on internal resources versus outsourcing, finding capable vendors or partners with expertise in private network implementation can be challenging, affecting project timelines and quality.

Availability and Scope

Geographical Coverage: Ensuring adequate coverage across the desired operational area without compromising signal strength or reliability can be complex, particularly in challenging terrains or remote locations.

Scalability: Designing networks that can scale effectively as operational needs grow, without sacrificing performance or security, requires careful planning and sometimes iterative adjustments.

Integration with Existing IT/OT Systems

Legacy Systems: Many enterprises operate legacy operational technology (OT) systems that aren’t designed to interface with IP-based private networks.

Interoperability Issues: Ensuring seamless integration between IT/OT systems, existing network infrastructure, and the new private network requires careful system design and often bespoke solutions.

Data Flow & Security Consistency: Synchronizing real-time data and maintaining consistent security policies across heterogeneous systems can be complex.

Return on Investment (ROI) and Business Justification

Unclear Business Models: Enterprises often struggle to quantify the ROI of private networks, especially when benefits like reliability and security are intangible.

Cost vs. Benefit Uncertainty: Without clear use cases (e.g., predictive maintenance, robotics, digital twin), the business case can remain weak, delaying decision-making.

Our Private Networks SI Capabilities

Digis Squared provides Vendor Management & control, operator mindset, helicopter view, program governance, wide experience, class-efficient network solutions & design

We at Digis Squared provide E2E Private Network SI and managed Services journey that could be described as following  

This blog post was written by Obeidallah Ali, R&D Director at Digis Squared.

Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS)

Posted on by Mira Abdulrahman

Paving the Way for 6G Connectivity. As we are only a few years away from the 6G era, one of the transformative technologies shaping the future of wireless communication is Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS). But what exactly is IRS, and why is it so critical for 6G? Let us dive in.
 
What is IRS?
An Intelligent Reflecting Surface is a planar structure composed of programmable, passive elements (often metasurfaces) that can reflect and manipulate electromagnetic waves. Unlike traditional antennas, IRS is not active device and doesn’t emit or amplify signals. Instead, it reconfigures the wireless environment by dynamically adjusting the phase, amplitude, and polarisation of reflected signals creating an optimized communication pathway between the transmitter(gNB) and receiver
(Handset).
In Real-World Context: Imagine IRS as a “smart mirror” for wireless signals, capable of bending and redirecting communication waves with unprecedented precision.
 
IRS Architecture
IRS typically consists of three key components:
• Metasurface: Comprising numerous sub-wavelength elements, each capable of independently tuning the reflected signal.
• Controller: A central unit that dynamically configures the metasurface based on real-time channel conditions.
• Communication Link: A connection to the base station or network orchestrating the IRS behaviour in response to the environment.
 
Key Advantages Of IRS in 6G:
1- Enhanced Signal Coverage: By intelligently reflecting signals, IRS helps overcome obstacles and dead zones in challenging environments.
2- Noise Mitigation: the reflectors work on noise suppression beside their work on signal amplification
3- Beamforming simplification: with IRS beamforming became much easier than before
4- Throughput improvement: as a direct result of coverage improvement, noise mitigation amd beamforming efficiency improvements the user data rates are significantly better than before.
5- Energy Efficiency: IRS is a passive system, significantly reducing power consumption compared to active communication devices.
6- Improved Spectral Efficiency: By dynamically steering signals, IRS enhances the overall system capacity.
7- Sustainability: Its low power usage aligns with the green communication goals of 6G.
8- CAPEX reduction : boosting the single site coverage will lead to less number of needed sites and consequently this will reduce the overall CAPEX of 6G deployment.

Now let’s see where we can deploy the IRS,
Infrastructure Deployment Locations:
– Buildings and Structures
– High-rise office complexes
– Shopping malls
– Hospitals and healthcare facilities
– Industrial campuses
– Data centers
– Smart city infrastructure

Aerial and Mobile Platforms
– Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
– Autonomous vehicles
– Public transportation systems
– Maritime vessels
– Satellite communication links

Urban and Environmental Contexts
– Streetlamp posts
– Traffic signal infrastructure
– Building facades
– Public transportation hubs
– Underground transit systems
– Bridges and overpasses

Specialized Deployment Zones
– Remote research stations
– Military and defense installations
– Emergency communication networks
– Disaster response infrastructure
– Agricultural monitoring systems
– Renewable energy monitoring sites
 
It is obviously clear that IRS deployment options are diversified and versatile now let’s discuss more the deployment considerations, here you are some Key Factors for IRS Placement:
1- Signal propagation characteristics
2- Environmental obstacles
3- Population density
4-Existing communication infrastructure
5-Cost-effectiveness of implementation
6- Long-term maintenance requirements

Use Cases of IRS
•Urban Connectivity, overcome obstacles in dense urban areas where signal blockage is common.
•Indoor Networks, Boost signal strength in offices, malls, and homes by managing reflections.
•IoT Application, Provide reliable connectivity to low-power IoT devices in complex environments.
•Smart Cities, Enable seamless connectivity for autonomous vehicles, drones, and smart infrastructure.
•Ubiquitous NTN coverage, extension of satellite D2C / D2D coverage and enhance the coverage provided by HAPs
•Terahertz Enablement, by boosting the coverage of extremely high frequency range signals IRS consider as a real enabler for terahertz connectivity.

While promising, IRS technologies are not without challenges:
1- Complex channel modeling requires advanced computational techniques

2- Initial deployment costs can be significant
3- Potential interference issues in dense multi-user environments
4- Ongoing research needed to optimize performance across varied scenarios
5- Mobility managment will be one of the big challenges of IRS deployment
6- Meticulous design and where exactly to deploy the IRS avoiding EHS issues
 
As we embrace 6G, IRS offers an exciting opportunity to reimagine wireless networks. By transforming passive environments into active contributors to communication, IRS isn’t just an enhancement—it’s a revolution.

A 2023 study by Nokia Bell Labs demonstrated IRS can improve network coverage by up to 40% in urban environments, showcasing its transformative potential.

RIS (reconfigurable intelligent surfaces) is an advanced modern form of IRS where in RIS we have the capability to dynamically change the phase and current of the propagated wave in sub-millisecond period

MIT Media Lab Research (2023) developed dynamic metasurface with sub-millisecond reconfiguration, created IRS capable of adapting to changing wireless environments in real-time, reduced energy consumption by up to 60% compared to traditional signal amplification methods.

Prepared By: Abdelrahman Fady | CTO | Digis Squared

The Case for Open RAN and Open Networks

Posted on by Mira Abdulrahman

Advocates of Open RAN (Radio Access Networks) and open networks champion their potential to revolutionize the telecommunications industry by promoting flexibility, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.

Open RAN refers to a disaggregated approach to building wireless networks, using open and interoperable interfaces. This model allows operators to mix and match components from different vendors rather than being locked into a single supplier, fostering a competitive ecosystem.

Proponents argue that this could lead to significant cost reductions, especially in deploying 5G networks, as it drives down hardware costs and encourages innovation through increased competition. Additionally, open networks enable greater adaptability, allowing network operators to quickly implement new technologies and services, which is crucial in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Moreover, open networks are seen as a critical step toward enhancing network security and resilience. By diversifying the supplier base, operators can reduce dependency on any single vendor, mitigating risks associated with vendor-specific vulnerabilities and supply chain disruptions. The interoperability inherent in open RAN can also facilitate more robust security practices, as operators can integrate best-of-breed security solutions from various vendors.

This flexibility is particularly important given the rising concerns over cyber threats and the geopolitical complexities affecting the telecom supply chain. Consequently, many industry experts and regulators view open RAN and open networks as a pathway to not only technological advancement but also national security and economic resilience.

**The Legacy of Proprietary Telecom Networks**

On the other hand, supporters of legacy proprietary telecom networks argue that these systems offer unmatched reliability, performance, and security that have been refined over decades. Traditional telecom networks, built on established partnerships with trusted vendors, provide end-to-end solutions with tightly integrated hardware and software, ensuring optimal performance and stability. This integration is particularly vital for critical communications infrastructure, where any downtime or performance issues can have significant repercussions. Legacy systems also benefit from rigorous testing and certification processes, which help to maintain high standards of quality and reliability that are crucial for maintaining consumer trust and ensuring uninterrupted service.

Furthermore, critics of open RAN and open networks caution against the potential downsides of moving away from established proprietary systems. The complexity of managing and integrating multiple vendors’ components could lead to interoperability challenges and increased operational overhead. There is also the risk that the rapid pace of innovation in an open ecosystem could outstrip the ability of operators to thoroughly vet and secure new technologies, potentially introducing vulnerabilities. Additionally, the transition to open RAN may require substantial upfront investments in new infrastructure and training, posing significant barriers for smaller operators and developing regions. As such, proponents of legacy networks argue that the proven track record of proprietary systems offers a safer and more reliable path forward, particularly in contexts where stability and security are paramount.

NFV deployment validation using INOS

Posted on by Gwen Edwards

Network Function Virtualization (NFV), is becoming increasingly important as mobile networks are being asked to handle an ever-growing number of connected devices and new use cases. In this article, Amr Ashraf, RAN and Software Solution Architect and Trainer, describes the benefits of NFV, capabilities and deployment considerations. Plus, we take a quick look at how Digis Squared’s powerful AI-tool, INOS, can help in the deployment validation of NFV.

Network Function Virtualization

Mobile virtualization – also known as network function virtualization (NFV) – is a powerful technology that has the capability to transform the way mobile networks are designed, deployed, and operated.

  • NFV enables the creation of virtualized mobile networks, and the isolation of different types of traffic on the same physical network infrastructure.
  • The creation of different virtual networks for different types of services or different user groups.
  • Multiple independent network operators to share a common infrastructure,
  • And improves the security of the network.

In this article, Amr Ashraf describes the benefits of NFV, capabilities and deployment considerations. Plus, we take a quick look at how Digis Squared’s powerful AI-tool, INOS, can help in the deployment validation of NFV.

The future of mobile network functions is virtual

Mobile virtualization is becoming increasingly important as mobile networks are being asked to handle an ever-growing number of connected devices and new use cases.

NFV & Infrastructure Sharing. One of the main benefits of mobile virtualization is that it allows for multiple independent network operators to share a common infrastructure. This can help to reduce the costs and complexity of building and maintaining mobile networks, and can also help to improve coverage and capacity in areas where it would otherwise be difficult or expensive to deploy new infrastructure.

NFV & Security. Mobile virtualization also helps to improve the security of the network by isolating different functions and providing a secure environment for each virtual network. This makes it an ideal solution for enterprise customers who need to maintain high levels of security for their sensitive data.

Deployment flexibility. Mobile virtualization is supported by software-based virtualized network functions (VNFs), which can be run on standard servers and storage systems, rather than specialized hardware. This makes it easy to scale and adapt the network to changing requirements. Additionally, it also makes it possible to deploy mobile virtualization solutions in a variety of different environments, including on-premises, in the cloud, or at the edge of the network.

NFV & 5G customisations. It’s worth noting that mobile virtualization is a key technology in building the 5G network. 5G network standards are designed to support network slicing, which can create multiple isolated virtual networks on top of a common physical infrastructure. This makes it possible to create customized solutions for different types of users and use cases, such as providing high-bandwidth services for multimedia applications, or low-latency services for industrial automation and control.

NFV is the future, and the future is now. Mobile virtualization is a rapidly evolving technology with considerable potential to transform the way mobile networks are designed, deployed, and operated. In the coming years, we expect to see more and more operators turning to mobile virtualization to meet the growing demands on their networks and stay competitive in the fast-changing mobile landscape.

Orchestration

Implementing mobile virtualization can present a number of technical challenges, including the management and orchestration of virtualized network functions (VNFs) and ensuring network security. Managing and orchestration of VNFs is a complex task, which involves provisioning and configuring VNFs, as well as ensuring their availability and performance. This is complicated by the fact that VNFs are software-based and can be deployed on a variety of hardware and virtualization platforms.

Security

As VNFs are software-based, they can be targeted by cyber-attacks just like any other type of software. Therefore, ensuring network security is vital when implementing mobile virtualization.

Additionally, virtualized networks may be vulnerable to new types of attacks that exploit the virtualization itself.

NFVO. One of the key solutions to these challenges is the use of network function management and orchestration (NFVO) systems. NFVOs automate the provisioning, configuration, and management of VNFs, and they help to ensure that the VNFs are highly available and perform well. They also play an important role in the orchestration of VNFs, which involves coordinating the actions of multiple VNFs to achieve a desired outcome.

Strong defences. Another key solution is the use of security solutions such as firewall, intrusion detection and prevention systems, secure VPN, and secure containers to protect the virtualized network, secure communication between virtualized functions, and protect virtualized infrastructure from unauthorized access.

Anomaly detection. Solutions based on artificial intelligence and machine learning can also be used to monitor and detect anomalies in the network, identify potential security threats, and take appropriate action to mitigate them.

Digis Squared recommend involving INOS Probe to undertake anomaly detection 24/7, and send these alerts to the CSP. Read more – Anomaly detection: using AI to identify, prioritise and resolve network issues.

Security strategy. In addition to these technical solutions, it’s also important to have a comprehensive security strategy in place to address any potential vulnerabilities and threats that may arise when implementing mobile virtualization. This can include implementing best practices for network design, conducting regular security assessments, and keeping systems and software up to date with the latest security patches and updates.

Skills & expertise. An often overlooked, yet important security consideration, is the need for skilled personnel who are well-versed in the technologies and best practices associated with mobile virtualization. As mobile virtualization is a complex technology that requires a deep understanding of network functions, security, and software development, it’s crucial to have a team of experts who can design, deploy, and maintain secure mobile virtualization solutions.

INOS & NFV

Drive testing can be used to validate the performance of virtualized network functions and ensure that they are providing the desired level of service. This can help to identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise, such as poor performance or dropped connections. Drive testing can also be used to compare the performance of virtualized network functions with that of traditional, hardware-based network functions, in order to ensure that the virtualized functions are providing an equivalent or better level of service.

Digis Squared’s AI-solution INOS is an essential tool in the implementation and ongoing optimization of NFV. It helps to validate and troubleshoot virtualized network functions and ensure that they are providing an equivalent or better level of service compared to traditional, hardware-based network functions. Additionally, drive testing provides key information about the environment in which the network is deployed that can be used to optimize the deployment of virtualized network functions.

Conclusion

Mobile virtualization is a powerful technology that has the capability to transform the way mobile networks are designed, deployed, and operated. Key benefits it enables include,

  • The creation of virtualized mobile networks, and the isolation of different types of traffic on the same physical network infrastructure.
  • The creation of different virtual networks for different types of services or different user groups.
  • Multiple independent network operators to share a common infrastructure,
  • And improves the security of the network.

However, implementing mobile virtualization can present a number of technical challenges, including the management and orchestration of virtualized network functions (VNFs) and ensuring network security.

The use of network function management and orchestration (NFVO) systems, security solutions, AI/ML-based monitoring and anomaly-detection systems, and a comprehensive security strategy can help to mitigate these challenges.

Finally, NFV is a powerful, yet complex technology – it’s essential to work with an experienced team with deep expertise who can design, deploy, and maintain mobile virtualization solutions.

In conversation with Amr Ashraf, Digis Squared’s RAN and Software Solution Architect and Trainer.

If you or your team would like to discover more about our capabilities, please get in touch: use this link or email hello@DigisSquared.com

Find out more about INOS

INOS can be implemented as a public or private cloud, or on-premise solution, and is also available as a “Radio Testing as-a-service” model. Its extensive AI analysis and remote OTA capabilities ensure speedy and accurate assessment of all aspects of network testing: SSV, in-building and drive testing, network optimization and competitor benchmarking, across all vendors, network capabilities and technologies, including 5G, private networks and OpenRAN.

INOS is built with compute resources powered by Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors. Digis Squared is a Partner within the Intel Network Builders ecosystem program, and a member of the Intel Partner Alliance.

See INOS in action at LEAP, Riyadh & MWC Barcelona

Digis Squared will be at LEAP in Riyadh at the start of February, as part of the UK Pavilion H4.G30, undertaking cloud-based INOS demos. Plus the team will be at MWC Barcelona at the end of February, with a full suite of all the INOS solutions and form factors on a dedicated exhibition stand Hall 7 B13.

Get in touch to arrange a dedicated time to meet: hello@DigisSquared.com

Discover more

Digis Squared ◦ Enabling smarter networks.

Can you hear me now? AI-centred voice call quality testing

Posted on by admin

Can you hear me now?

In a world where mobile communication is focused on the use of apps and data, does the quality of a voice call still matter? And is it worth communications service providers (CSPs) spending effort on improving it?

In this blog post Amr Ashraf, Digis Squared’s RAN and Software Solution Architect and Trainer argues that “Yes, it absolutely is! Voice quality, and particularly silence within calls – can you still hear me? – is one of the most tangible aspects of network quality for end users.”

Read on for insights into Digis Squared’s AI-centered voice call quality testing capabilities, using INOS.

If it’s important, we call.

Does voice quality still matter? “Yes! As voice technologies continue to evolve, and call costs drop, it continues to be important to ensure that the quality and clarity of voice calls is maintained,” explains Amr Ashraf, RAN and Software Solution Architect and Trainer.

“The phone call, the most basic and original capability of the mobile phone service, is also the most tangible for end users. Despite the huge range of apps we have on our phones, more often than not, it’s a voice call that’s used for communicating the most important, most sensitive and most urgent information.”

If we can’t clearly hear and understand what is being spoken on a call, or in a voice note, whichever app or method is used to connect or send the audio, then the customer’s perception is always that the network coverage or capacity is of low quality.

“If you find yourself saying ‘Can you still hear me? Are you still there?’, or thinking ‘What did they say?’, then the assumption is that the ‘fault’ is a poor quality service from the CSP”, says Amr. “Of all the aspects of a mobile network, voice quality is the strongest and most obvious indicator to an end-user of the quality of the service. Customers’ expectations of voice quality remain high, whichever technology the digitalised sound is transmitted over.”

Voice technologies today

Today, whilst some traditional mobile voice calls are still carried over legacy circuit-switched networks, calls made over 4G and higher, and for all app-based solutions, these digitalised sounds are transmitted as Voice over IP (VoIP), Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi), all of which enable cost-effective ways to transport voice. Having a single solution that can assess voice quality across all technologies, in an automated and efficient way is vital – and in the web of complex multi-system networks, that AI-centred voice call quality testing solution must also work with solutions from all vendors.

INOS

Digis Squared’s INOS AI tool is a vendor agnostic, multi-network-technology solution delivering automated assessment, testing and optimisation of networks, across all technologies.

INOS & voice call quality testing

“If one of our clients – a CSP, MNO, MVNO or regulator – wants to better understand voice call quality on a specific mobile network, then we use our INOS AI tool to analyse the data,” shares Amr.

Image 1: voice codec rate. INOS analysis, for a specific drive test, on one mobile network, in Cairo

Notes on Image 1: For a voice call to be transmitted over the mobile network, it must first be digitized and compressed. Various standardized compression technologies, or codecs, are used to efficiently transmit the data. This image shows data collected during voice calls during a drive test, and the key on the left shows the codec used.

Enhanced Voice Rate (EVS) and Adaptive Multi-Rate (AMR) are audio compression formats used in the transmission of voice calls – EVS is a super-wide coding standard developed for VoLTE, and AMR is the older standard developed for GSM and UMTS (3G), sometimes called HD+.

Image 1 shows the variation in codec and compression rate utilised during test voice calls, made during a drive test. The changes in codec and compression rate are caused by changes in network coverage and capacity during the coverage, and will have resulted in fluctuations in call quality.

“Using INOS, we can simulate a customer call using the voice quality test to produce unbiased, industry-recognized audio quality scores,” explains Amr. “This test can reveal a great deal about your customers’ experience, as well as the quality of service being provided by your carrier. It also takes minimal preparation to undertake.”

Vital to this test is POLQA – Perceptual Objective Listening Quality Analysis – the global standard for benchmarking voice quality of fixed, mobile and IP-based networks. Standardized by the ITU in 2011, it is used for voice quality analysis of VoIP, HD Voice, 3G, 4G/VoLTE and 5G networks.

“So, whilst drive testing with the INOS kit, we set up a voice call and then use our own hardware solution to inject a POLQA reference audio into the voice call from one side of the call, and from the other side, we record the call, and then compare it using the POLQA algorithm.”

“Given that the POLQA reference audio is 6 seconds long, to analyse this data, we must split our call into audio files that are each only 6 seconds long. To ensure very precise splitting of the audio file, we leverage our AI engine to find the beginning of specific words in audio files. This way, we can ensure that we are aligning the analysis with natural speech patterns, and achieve a more realistic analysis of the data.”

Image 2: MOS score with 6 second sampling. INOS analysis, for a specific drive test, on one mobile network, in Cairo.

Notes on image 2: using data from the same drive test shown in image 1, now the data has been analyzed by INOS, and split into 6 second chunks, aligned with the start of specific spoken words in the audio file.

In telecoms, the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) is a numerical measure of the overall ranking of the quality of voice and video sessions. In image 2 above, we can see that on this journey, only a small minority of sections score the minimum 1 MOS (in black), and most of the call is green (MOS 3 and 4).

Image 3: MOS Score per call. INOS data, for a specific drive test, on one mobile network, in Cairo.

Notes on image 3: again using the same data as above, here the data is averaged out for specific calls, rather than 6 seconds chunks of a call shown in image 3.

INOS & silence within a call

“Silence within a call is a major problem with mobile phone conversations, and significantly impacts the customers’ perception of call quality. We’re all familiar with having to say ‘Can you still hear me? Are you there?’ whilst one of the people on the call is travelling in a car or bus,” continues Amr.

“To measure this, the Digis Squared team utilize our in-house AI capability within INOS to detect silence in voice calls, and analyse the percentage of silence.”

Image 4: Silence per call in seconds, INOS data, for a specific drive test, on one mobile network, in Cairo.

Notes on image 4: this analysis identifies areas where silence during the call was detected. Green indicates no silence, and in yellow, red and black are increasing amounts of detected silence.

INOS: automated, actionable voice call quality reports

INOS delivers automated voice quality reports, with customised KPIs, and actionable insights.

Amr concludes, “All our INOS reports can be fully customised, and are generated within 15 minutes of receipt of the data file, sent directly from the test devices in the field, over the air. What our clients find most useful is that not only are the reports conveniently formatted for immediate use, they also, thanks to our AI engine, clearly identify issues and provide actions which can be taken to address those issues. Data is no use without analysis, and the AI capabilities we have developed within INOS ensure that the analysis is fast, efficient and actionable.”

Find out more about INOS

INOS can be implemented as a public or private cloud, or on-premise solution, and is also available as a “Radio Testing as-a-service” model. Its extensive AI-analysis and remote OTA capabilities ensure speedy and accurate assessment of all aspects of network testing: SSV, in-building and drive testing, network optimisation and competitor benchmarking, across all vendors, network capabilities and technologies, including 5G, private networks and OpenRAN.

INOS is built with compute resources powered by Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors. Digis Squared is a Partner within the Intel Network Builders ecosystem program, and a member of the Intel Partner Alliance.

In conversation with Amr Ashraf, Digis Squared’s RAN and Software Solution Architect and Trainer.

If you or your team would like to discover more about our capabilities, please get in touch: use this link or email sales@DigisSquared.com

 

Discover more

About Digis Squared

Managed Services, System Integration & Consulting. We transform telecom networks, deploy new technologies, and manage vendors, for network operators, service providers and regulators. Apply our vendor-agnostic expertise, automated AI-led tools and processes to transform your technical and commercial capabilities. We work with agility, deep experience, and our in-house cognitive tools to optimise and manage multi-vendor networks across all technologies. Headquartered in the UK, Digis Squared has offices in Angola, Egypt and UAE.

Digis Squared ◦ Enabling smarter networks.

First ever mobile video call in Yemen, on 5G-ready Y-Tel network

Posted on by admin

In Yemen, even simple person-to-person 2G calls are unreliable – this first ever mobile video call, marks a colossal transformation, only 18 months after Y-Tel initiated this major transformation program with Digis Squared.

Aden, YEMEN – 15 June 2022 – Y-Tel has made the first call on in its new 5G-ready network in Yemen, and the first ever mobile video call in the country. This significant technical milestone marks the start of the leap from legacy 2G to transformed 5G-ready network operations, and heralds a new era of stable calls and mobile data for the first time for the Yemeni people.

After the war, and as part of the re-construction mega-project across the country, the Yemeni Government in Aden assigned 4G telecommunications licenses to Y-Tel. Previously, Y-Tel ran only a legacy 2G network for voice and SMS, which like all Yemeni networks suffered from very patchy coverage, and significant network instability.

Following a rigorous selection process, the entire Y-Tel network major transformation program – covering everything from the entire network planning and design, through to vendor selection, end-to-end Radio on-site rollout, network core infrastructure implementation and integration, through to network go-live, and operations – was assigned in its entirety to Digis Squared, including end-to-end Managed Services and System Integration. Working throughout the pandemic, the highly motivated teams have solved complex technical and logistical issues to transform all aspects of capability, to deliver a world-class 5G-ready network in Aden, Yemen, and in parallel managed the current 2G legacy network, to keep the limited existing capability going, and migrate the subscribers to the new secure network.

“This on schedule first call, plus first 4G data connection and first ever mobile video call in the country are significant and exciting program milestones for our client Y-Tel and the Digis Squared Team,” shared Digis Squared COO Ahmed Zein.

“The impact of this major program on the Yemeni people can not be overstated. This is a country where even person to person calls are very unreliable, where there is incredibly limited coverage and almost no mobile data, making it very difficult to keep in contact with loved ones in the country and internationally,” Zein continued. “Until you have lived and worked here it is hard to imagine or remember life without mobile connectivity. We over use the term ‘digital transformation’ in our industry; I simply cannot express the impact this project will have on the people here in Yemen. The ability to phone a loved one, to place an order with a company, to send a photo to a friend – the connectivity we are delivering will truly transform lives, and improve the functioning of society. The benefit this project will bring to the Yemeni people, starting with Aden, is colossal.”

“Digis Squared have completely replaced and upgraded the legacy infrastructure, entirely transforming the capability, stability and capacity available, and delivered every element of this network for Y-Tel”, explained Zein. “Starting from a blank piece of paper, we have handled everything from network design and architecture, vendor and equipment selection, contract management, logistics and warehousing, physical network rollout and optimization, back and front office implementation, network commissioning and dimensioning, everything through to network operations – every element from the ground up. The old legacy systems have been dramatically upgraded to best-in-class cloud-based solutions. We have worked closely with the Y-Tel team, the telecom sector in Yemen, and the Ministry of Telecommunication.”

The transformed Y-Tel network will launch initially in Aden, before a phased national deployment. These “first calls” mark the start of network operations and pave the way for a phased roll-out of infrastructure and portfolio of customer services.

Looking across the bay towards the Presidential Palace, Aden, Yemen, June 2022 [credit: Ahmed Zein/Digis Squared].

“This program in Yemen is incredible. I am immensely proud of our Digis Squared team in Yemen, and our global team who have worked together to achieve this entirely transformed network infrastructure, and the milestone first calls last week,” stated Digis Squared CEO Ziad Khalil. “This first ever mobile video call in Yemen is testament to the hard work, dedication and skill of our teams. It builds on our significant achievements in launching and operating the Africell Angola network earlier this year. If we can contribute to change people’s lives for the better, and completely transform, launch and operate a 5G-ready network, if we can do this in Yemen, we can do this anywhere.”

“After working closely together with Digis Squared for the last 18 months, it was a real thrill for me to make the first video call together with Zein!,” said Ahmed Gadallah, Vice Chairman of Y-Tel. “This reliable, and fast connectivity will bring such a dramatic improvement in communications to the Yemeni people, we can’t wait to bring our new fast 4G network to the people of Aden and then across Yemen. We have a very exciting time ahead of us!”

Images from Aden, Yemen, June 2022 [credit: Ahmed Zein/Digis Squared]. Left to right: The first Digis Squared 4G mast for Y-Tel ◦ A billboard with part of the Y-Tel pre-launch marketing campaign ◦ A hillside near Aden.

About Digis Squared

Managed Services, System Integration & Consulting. We transform telecom networks, deploy new technologies, and manage vendors, for network operators, service providers and regulators. Apply our vendor-agnostic expertise, automated AI-led tools and processes to transform your technical and commercial capabilities. We work with agility, deep experience, and our in-house cognitive tools to optimise and manage multi-vendor networks across all technologies. Headquartered in the UK, Digis Squared has offices in Angola, Egypt and UAE.

Digis Squared ◦ Enabling smarter networks.

If you or your team would like to discover more about our capabilities, please get in touch: use this link or email sales@DigisSquared.com .

Digis Squared, independent telecoms expertise.

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Further notes

  • The first voice and video calls were made on the new 4G network on the 8th June 2022 in Aden, Yemen between Ahmed Gadallah, Vice Chairman of Y-Tel and Digis Squared COO Ahmed Zein.
  • The transformation project included,
    • Legacy 2G infrastructure transformed to 4G, with 5G-ready capability (5G license not yet available).
    • The Digis Squared team managed all elements of,
      • Network planning, design and architecture
      • Vendor and equipment selection, contract management
      • Logistics and warehousing
      • Physical network rollout and optimization
      • Customer registration (mobile, public internet and new number range)
      • Network security
      • Network core infrastructure implementation and integration
        • Legacy Core and Charging systems modernized to Cloud Core Network, Cloud Charging/BSS and VAS consolidation – this will enable Y-Tel to deliver a comprehensive catalogue of commercial products and services to meet the daily needs of the Yemeni people.
      • Back and front office implementation
      • Network commissioning and dimensioning
      • Managed Services: all elements of live network operations
  • Y-Tel mobile network soft launch of 4G is scheduled for Aden very soon. In parallel, fast-paced work is underway to be ready to launch in Mukalla, Mareb and Sayoun during 2022, with further coverage extension to other provinces in 2023.

Related coverage,