Showing papers by "Deutsche Telekom published in 2021"

Edge Computing in 5G for Drone Navigation: What to Offload?

Abstract: Small drones that navigate using cameras may be limited in their speed and agility by low onboard computing power. We evaluate the role of edge computing in 5G for such autonomous navigation. The offloading of image processing tasks to an edge server is studied with a vision-based navigation algorithm. Three computation modes are compared: onboard, fully offloaded to the edge, and partially offloaded. Partial offloading is expected to pose lower demands on the communication network in terms of transfer rate than full offloading but requires some onboard processing. Our results on the computation time help select the most suitable mode for image processing, i.e., whether and what to offload, based on the network conditions.

Quantum Technologies in the Telecommunications Industry

Abstract: Quantum based technologies have been fundamental in our world. After producing the laser and the transistor, the devices that have shaped our modern information society, the possibilities enabled by the ability to create and manipulate individual quantum states opens the door to a second quantum revolution. In this paper we explore the possibilities that these new technologies bring to the Telecommu-nications industry

OpenBNG: Central office network functions on programmable data plane hardware

Abstract: Telecommunication providers continuously evolve their network infrastructure by increasing performance, lowering time to market, providing new services, and reducing the cost of the infrastructure and its operation. Network function virtualization (NFV) on commodity hardware offers an attractive, low-cost platform to establish innovations much faster than with purpose-built hardware products. Unfortunately, implementing NFV on commodity processors does not match the performance requirements of the high-throughput data plane components in large carrier access networks. Therefore, programmable hardware architectures like field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), network processors, and switch silicon supporting the flexibility of the P4 language offer a promising way to account for both performance requirements and the demand to quickly introduce innovations into networks. In this article, we propose a way to offer residential network access with programmable packet processing architectures. On the basis of the highly flexible P4 programming language, we present a design and open source implementation of a broadband network gateway (BNG) data plane that meets the challenging demands of BNGs in carrier-grade environments. In addition, we introduce a concept of hybrid openBNG design, realizing the required hierarchical quality of service (HQoS) functionality in a subsequent FPGA. The proposed evaluation results show the desired performance characteristics, and our proposed design together with upcoming P4 hardware can offer a giant leap towards highest performance NFV network access.

Failure Resiliency With Only a Few Tunnels – Enabling Segment Routing for Traffic Engineering

Abstract: Traffic engineering is an important concept that allows Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to utilize their existing routing hardware more efficiently. One technology that can be used is Segment Routing (SR). In this paper, we address the use of SR to increase the resilience against failure scenarios. In addition, we develop solutions that are manageable and, thus, deployable in a tier 1 ISP network. We propose a post-convergence aware SR based optimization model. With it, we can proactively find a single SR configuration that is beneficial in all predefined failure scenarios, including single link failures, shared risk link group failures, and node failures. In addition to this use-case, we also extend the optimization model to include other important practical requirements such as keeping the number of SR tunnels to a minimum, avoiding arbitrary traffic splitting, or meeting latency bounds. We evaluate our approaches with recently measured data from a tier 1 ISP and show that we can improve over state of the art routing approaches.

DeFi-ning DeFi: Challenges & Pathway

Abstract: The decentralized and trustless nature of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology leads to a shift in the digital world. The possibility to execute small programs, called smart contracts, on cryptocurrencies like Ethereum opened doors to countless new applications. One particular exciting use case is decentralized finance (DeFi), which aims to revolutionize traditional financial services by founding them on a decentralized infrastructure. We show the potential of DeFi by analyzing its advantages compared to traditional finance. Additionally, we survey the state-of-the-art of DeFi products and categorize existing services. Since DeFi is still in its infancy, there are countless hurdles for mass adoption. We discuss the most prominent challenges and point out possible solutions. Finally, we analyze the economics behind DeFi products. By carefully analyzing the state-of-the-art and discussing current challenges, we give a perspective on how the DeFi space might develop in the near future.

Modular Framework and Instances of Pixel-Based Video Quality Models for UHD-1/4K

Abstract: The popularity of video on-demand streaming services increased tremendously over the last years. Most services use http-based adaptive video streaming methods. Today’s movies and TV shows are typically recorded in UHD-1/4K and streamed using settings attuned to the end-device and current network conditions. Video quality prediction models can be used to perform an extensive analysis of video codec settings to ensure high quality. Hence, we present a framework for the development of pixel-based video quality models. We instantiate four different model variants ( hyfr , hyfu , fume and nofu ) for short-term video quality estimation targeting various use cases. Our models range from a no-reference video quality model to a full-reference model including hybrid model extensions that incorporate client accessible meta-data. All models share a similar architecture and the same core features, depending on their mode of operation. Besides traditional mean opinion score prediction, we tackle quality estimation as a classification and multi-output regression problem. Our performance evaluation is based on the publicly available AVT-VQDB-UHD-1 dataset. We further evaluate the introduced center-cropping approach to speed up calculations. Our analysis shows that our hybrid full-reference model ( hyfr ) performs best, e.g. 0.92 PCC for MOS prediction, followed by the hybrid no-reference model ( hyfu ), full-reference model ( fume ) and no-reference model ( nofu ). We further show that our models outperform popular state-of-the-art models. The introduced features and machine-learning pipeline are publicly available for use by the community for further research and extension.

5G Vehicle-to-Everything Services in Cross-Border Environments: Standardization and Challenges

Abstract: Vehicles will be wirelessly connected in the future, and they will be able to exchange information with other vehicles and their surroundings for safer and more efficient driving. 5G communication systems have introduced advanced functionalities and radio solutions to support connected, cooperative, and automated mobility (CCAM) services with demanding quality of service requirements. However, interoperability among involved stakeholders, seamless connectivity, and the uninterrupted delivery of real-time services across borders are issues that should be carefully analyzed for the realization of cross-border CCAM services. This article provides an overview of key standardization bodies by analyzing recent work on key technologies to provide cross-border connectivity services for CCAM. Standardization gaps and regulatory barriers that may affect fast and efficient adoption of 5G-enabled CCAM services are also discussed.

Effect of Spatial, Temporal and Network Features on Uplink and Downlink Throughput Prediction

Abstract: Recently, there have been many attempts to apply Machine Learning (ML)-based prediction mechanisms In wireless networks. One open question is how reliable such predictions can be, and how well ML models can learn from the radio environment. In this paper, we present initial results on Quality of Service (QoS) prediction using the example of throughput prediction. We focus on suggesting new sets of features that can improve the prediction performance for different prediction horizons. Thereby, we identify important features that have a large impact when using radio environment data as input for ML models. To this end, we consider information from space, time, and network domains. In particular, we show that features, such as cell throughput and previous users’ data can significantly improve the ML model performance. Besides the importance of input features, we also investigate how the prediction performance deteriorates for different prediction horizons.

5G for the Support of Public Safety Services

Abstract: Next-generation mobile technologies are the enablers for meeting the variable specific requirements of the public safety (PS) community. In particular, due to the development of commercially deployed 5G networks, PS providers look for ways to implement related solutions upon such infrastructures, potentially in a shared use with existing commercial networks. In particular, LTE and 5G NR networks are rapidly gaining recognition as an all-inclusive critical communications platform for the delivery of both mission and business critical applications. Within this scope, we take into account the innovative architectural approach that has been proposed by the 5G ESSENCE project, addressing the paradigms of edge computing and small cell as-a-service that has been realised via a cloud-enabled small cell infrastructure leveraging multi-access technologies in 5G, where we propose a dedicated PS use case, able to offer a mission critical push-to-talk service as well as a Chat and Localisation service. Each one of these services is associated to a dedicated network slice within the scope of the corresponding fundamental 5G ESSENCE architecture and both services are provided via suitable VNFs, thus offering great flexibility to serve PS needs together. We further discuss the overall scenario deployment with the related technical enablers and the proposed functionalities, per case. The corresponding end-to-end slicing makes possible to allocate both radio and cloud resources to the involved critical actors, in an automated and elastic way.

Frontiers of Transdisciplinary Research in Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop

Abstract: Recent technological advances in developing intelligent telecommunication networks, ultra-compact bendable wireless transceiver chips, adaptive wearable sensors and actuators, and secure computing infrastructures along with the progress made in psychology and neuroscience for understanding neu-rocognitive and computational principles of human behavior combined have paved the way for a new field of research: Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (TaHiL). This emerging field of transdisciplinary research aims to promote next generation digitalized human-machine interactions in perceived real time. To achieve this goal, mechanisms and principles of human goal-directed multisensory perception and action need to be integrated into technological designs for breakthrough innovations in mobile telecommunication, electronics and materials engineering, as well as computing. This overview highlights key challenges and the frontiers of research in the new field of TaHiL. Revolutionizing the current Internet as a digital infrastructure for sharing visual and auditory information globally, the TaHiL research will enable humans to share tactile and haptic information and thus veridically immerse themselves into virtual, remote, or inaccessible real environments to exchange skills and expertise with other humans or machines for applications in medicine, industry, and the Internet of Skills.

Blockchain Based RAN Data Sharing

Abstract: Providing seamless connectivity and services across national borders are intricate challenges with multifarious underlying aspects, ranging from the network management to business and political considerations. Since the cross-border inter-Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network handover is currently not available in European cellular networks, we present a complementary approach, diminishing the connectivity gap to a minimum. By leveraging Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), we establish a dynamic, secure data exchange and management solution between several Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) of different countries. Systematically integrating foreign cell and base station parameter (i.e., Radio Access Network (RAN) data) of border regions into the internal network management systems permits their usage in standardized Mobility Management procedures. We demonstrate that this type of collaboration on the inter-MNO network governance considerably improves the network quality and customer experience when crossing national borders. Since foreign RAN data is also required for the inter-PLMN network handover (and can serve many additional purposes) and provided that our solution is not relying on any specific mobile network technology generation (e.g., 4G or 5G), we conclude that it is a fundamental step towards an inter-MNO ecosystem beyond 5G.

5G connected and automated driving: use cases, technologies and trials in cross-border environments

Abstract: Cooperative, connected and automated mobility (CCAM) across Europe requires harmonized solutions to support cross-border seamless operation. The possibility of providing CCAM services across European countries has an enormous innovative business potential. However, the seamless provision of connectivity and the uninterrupted delivery of real-time services pose technical challenges which 5G technologies aim to solve. The situation is particularly challenging given the multi-country, multi-operator, multi-telco-vendor, multi-car-manufacturer and cross-network-generation scenario of any cross-border scenario. Motivated by this, the 5GCroCo project, with a total budget of 17 million Euro and partially funded by the European Commission, aims at validating 5G technologies in the Metz-Merzig-Luxembourg cross-border 5G corridor considering the borders between France, Germany and Luxembourg. The activities of 5GCroCo are organized around three use cases: (1) Tele-operated Driving, (2) high-definition map generation and distribution for automated vehicles and (3) Anticipated Cooperative Collision Avoidance (ACCA). The results of the project help contribute to a true European transnational CCAM. This paper describes the overall objectives of the project, motivated by the discussed challenges of cross-border operation, the use cases along with their requirements, the technical 5G features that will be validated and provides a description of the planned trials within 5GCroCo together with some initial results.

A Latency-Aware Real-Time Video Surveillance Demo: Network Slicing for Improving Public Safety

Abstract: We report the automated deployment of 5G services across a latency-aware, semi-disaggregated, and virtualized metro network. We summarize the key findings in a detailed analysis of end-to-end latency, service setup time, and soft-failure detection time.

All-Indoor Optical Customer Premises Equipment for Fixed Wireless Access

Abstract: We demonstrate an LED-based optical wireless link for fixed wireless access applications, at data rates of 1.5 Gbit/s over 50 m. Transmission between indoor equipment and outdoor access point is possible through metal-coated insulation glass.

Security Threat Analysis of the 5G ESSENCE Platform

Abstract: The present paper discusses several security requirements coming from assessment of the use cases developed within the context of the original 5G-PPP “5G ESSENCE” project. Following to a concrete introduction to the project’s main innovative features and the description of all selected use cases coming directly from the vertical markets, we have separately assessed each one among them towards identifying security threats affecting the development of associated virtualised services within the broader 5G scope. Once our analysis has been performed, we propose options for potential service implementation, to ensure specific security requests.

CCID5: an implementation of the BBR congestion control algorithm for DCCP and its impact over multi-path scenarios

Abstract: Providing multi-connectivity services is an important goal for next generation wireless networks, where multiple access networks are available and need to be integrated into a coherent solution that efficiently supports both reliable and non reliable traffic. Based on virtual network interfaces and per path congestion controlled tunnels, the MP-DCCP based multiaccess aggregation framework presents a novel solution that flexibly supports different path schedulers and congestion control algorithms as well as reordering modules. The framework has been implemented within the Linux kernel space and has been tested over different prototypes. Experimental results have shown that the overall performance strongly depends upon the congestion control algorithm used on the individual DCCP tunnels, denoted as CCID. In this paper, we present an implementation of the BBR (Bottleneck Bandwidth Round Trip propagation time) congestion control algorithm for DCCP in the Linux kernel. We show how BBR is integrated into the MP-DCCP multi-access framework and evaluate its performance over both single and multi-path environments. Our evaluation results show that BBR improves the performance compared to CCID2 (TCPlike Congestion Control) for multi-path scenarios due to the faster response to changes in the available bandwidth, which reduces latency and increases performance, especially for unreliable traffic. The MP-DCCP framework code, including the new CCID5 is available as OpenSource1.

Security and user acceptance of an intelligent home emergency call system for older people living at home with limited daily living skills and receiving home care

Abstract: Background Technically based support measures are becoming increasingly more important in an aging society. Such support measures can provide a self-determined life in familiar surroundings despite the need for care. An example for such a support measure is an intelligent home emergency call system (iHNR system), which automatically detects critical situations (e.g. falling down), transmits this information to an emergency call center and therefore initiates assistance faster. Objective The aim of this uncontrolled, two center observational study was to evaluate the security and acceptance of an iHNR system used by older people receiving home care. Material and methods The study was carried out based on 51 subjects with at least a 6-month observation period using the iHNR system. The iHNR system was installed in all homes of the participants. Interviews about acceptance, perceived and objective security, impact on independence and usability of the new iHNR system were conducted. Analysis was performed with particular respect to depression, quality of life, frailty and self-estimated need for assistance. Results A total of 39 complete records were collected and evaluated. The participants represented a vulnerable group of people with rather depressive moods, negative quality of life and a high level of frailty without significant changes over the observation period. Positive results were found regarding subjective and objective security and acceptance as well as ease of operation of the iHNR system. The fear of falling was only marginally influenced. Conclusion Acceptance regarding the new iHNR system was high. The system provoked a stronger sense of security while at the same time leading to a reduced sense of control. The system seems to be able to detect critical events and can automatically and quickly alert the necessary help services. Therefore, people in need of care can remain longer in their own homes.

Testing TIP Open Source Solutions in Deployed Optical Networks

Abstract: Standardization in optical networking enables operators to benefit from using open source components. We investigate quality of transmission of open source hard- and software in the Deutsche Telekom R&D SASER network and optimize the working point.

Characterization of Urban Radio Channels and Base Station Antenna Correlation in the 3.75 GHz Band

Abstract: Single side mMIMO channel measurements over 100 MHz bandwidth at 3.75 GHz were performed in two German cities. In dense urban as well as urban/suburban environments, a total track length of about 20km has been measured. Multipath parameters by means of the high-resolution parameter estimator RIMAX are estimated and subsequently used to derive the statistics of large scale parameters and to allow a comparison to the statistics from standard channel model (3GPP, WINNER). While most of the parameters match quite well, for the angular spread at the base station (BS) partly larger deviations are observed. The correlation properties between the 32 dual polarized antenna patches of the BS antenna are investigated with respect to the antenna patch separation as well as to the distance between the BS and user equipment (UE).

Model of Integrated Radio Access and Wireless Backhaul for 5th Generation Network

Abstract: The ongoing 5G network densification with the requirements of sub-millisecond latency leads to the movement from the base station (BS) centric to a device centric network architecture. Paradigm shift in the 5G network for both radio access and transport backhaul architecture reveals the emergence of integrated access and backhaul (IAB) solution. Higher throughput requirements with device densification on the radio access network (RAN) results in the 5G wireless transport backhaul segment requirements growth. Switch to millimeter wave for both RAN and the wireless backhaul makes it possible for the access nodes to apply beamforming for user equipment as well as for wireless transport backhaul access points. Current research presents analysis of the 5G IAB network architecture and specific parameters, which have an impact on IAB channel. The contribution of the current research is optimization model of IAB channel, with demonstration of its application for justification of required IAB channel parameters.

CCID5: An implementation of the BBR Congestion Control algorithm for DCCP and its impact over multi-path scenarios

Abstract: Providing multi-connectivity services is an important goal for next generation wireless networks, where multiple access networks are available and need to be integrated into a coherent solution that efficiently supports both reliable and non reliable traffic. Based on virtual network interfaces and per path congestion controlled tunnels, the MP-DCCP based multiaccess aggregation framework presents as a novel solution that flexibly supports different path schedulers and congestion control algorithms as well as reordering modules. The framework has been implemented within the Linux kernel space and has been tested over different prototypes. Experimental results have shown that the overall performance strongly depends upon the congestion control algorithm used on the individual DCCP tunnels, denoted as CCID. In this paper, we present an implementation of the BBR (Bottleneck Bandwidth Round Trip propagation time) congestion control algorithm for DCCP in the Linux kernel. We show how BBR is integrated into the MP-DCCP multi-access framework and evaluate its performance over both single and multi-path environments. Our evaluation results show that BBR improves the performance compared to CCID2 for multi-path scenarios due to the faster response to changes in the available bandwidth, which reduces latency and increases performance, especially for unreliable traffic. the MP-DCCP framework code, including the new CCID5 is available as OpenSource.

On the Benefits of Loops for Segment Routing Traffic Engineering

Abstract: Over the recent years, Segment Routing (SR)-based Traffic Engineering (TE) received more and more attention in the research community. However, what has been mostly neglected so far is its capability to configure looping forwarding paths that visit nodes or even edges multiple times. In this paper, we show that, against intuition, the configuration of such loops can inherit (in some occasions significant) benefits with regards to common TE objectives if Equal Cost Multipath (ECMP) is used. This is not only illustrated on small theoretical examples but also confirmed for 2SR with real-world data from the backbone network of a Tier-1 Internet Service Provider, as well as other publicly available topologies.

5G Network Quality of Service Supporting Adequate Quality of Experience for Industrial Demands in Process Automation

Abstract: Future converged communication systems have to fulfil challenging tasks, promised to be delivered by the fifth generation (5G) of mobile networks. 5G shall enable services on the move with both well-known and new emerging performance requirements, while preserving high security and privacy levels to the customers’ diverse devices and applications. The applications typically demand a specific quality level end user expectation, measured by Quality of Experience (QoE). To enable QoE, the network has to provide the corresponding end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS), described in terms of technical key performance indicators. The capability to offer different services, covering variable use cases for customer groups in a resource efficient manner, is denoted as network slicing. Addressed services shall cover a broad range of vertical business applications. This contribution will focus on selected solution concepts, rated by potential customers, to enable a set of exemplary industrial applications with demanding requirements in terms of throughput, latency, and device density. Such QoE levels are typically demanded by the automotive industry and car manufacturers to achieve cost-efficient production e.g., by wireless process control. Within the empirical survey of selected use cases of 5G in the automotive industry, the topics Remote Access and Predictive Maintenance, Design and Operation of Mobile Sensor Networks, Wireless Process Monitoring, and Wireless Control and Monitoring of Production Logistics receive the highest approval ratings.

Cost optimized multipath scheduling in 5G for Video-on-Demand traffic

Abstract: This paper evaluates the limitations of existing scheduling algorithms when video-on-demand traffic is transported in multipath scenarios, and proposes a new scheduling algorithm called cost-optimized multipath (COM). The new algorithm is designed to decrease the mobile network operators’ cost of the delivery of bursty video-on-demand traffic over multipath networks access. Local and Internet connected testbeds, as well as trials with real cellular customers have been deployed to analyse the video performance over MPTCP-based multipath. The results clearly demonstrate the impact the bursty nature of video-on-demand traffic has on the scheduling decisions in multipath scenarios, when traditional latency-based or cheapest-path-first schedulers are deployed. Based on the testbed and trial results, this paper presents the design of a new simple and scalable scheduling algorithm. The paper describes the typical use cases and shows preliminary testbed results, clearly demonstrating the cost benefits of the new algorithm, and indicating that the right balance between the user QoE and the operator cost can be achieved for the video traffic.

Improving device to device communication

Abstract: A method for device to device proximity detection and/or device to device communication between a first user equipment and a second user equipment includes: receiving, by the first user equipment, first control data from a base station entity using a first frequency or frequency band, wherein the first control data includes a first discovery resource configuration information and a second discovery resource configuration information, the first discovery resource configuration information indicating first air interface resources usable for discovery purposes involving the user equipment, and the second discovery resource configuration information indicating second air interface resources usable for discovery purposes involving the second user equipment; and using, by the first user equipment, the second discovery resource configuration information for performing a discovery procedure towards the second user equipment by using the second air interface resources.

All-Indoor Optical Customer Premises Equipment for Fixed Wireless Access

Abstract: We demonstrate an LED-based optical wireless link for fixed wireless access applications, at data rates of 1.5 Gbit/s over 50 m. Transmission between indoor equipment and outdoor access point is possible through metal-coated insulation glass.

Übertragung von QKD-Signalen in quantengesicherter Multiknoten-Netztopologie

Abstract: Vorgestellt wird eine Losung zur kosteneffizienten Ubertragung von QKD-Signalen in einer quantengesicherten Netztopologie mit mindestens drei Netzknoten (1, 21, ..., 2i), wobei zur Erzeugung quantensicherer kryptographischer Schlussel von einem Sender mindestens eines ersten Netzknotens (1) einzelne Photonen an jeweils einen Empfanger mindestens zweier anderer (zweiter) Netzknoten (21, ..., 2i) ausgesendet werden. Hierbei werden alle von dem Sender des mindestens einen ersten Netzknotens (1) ausgesendeten Photonen von derselben Photonenquelle (4) des Senders emittiert und mittels mindestens eines, eine QKD-Weiche (31, ..., 3i), ausbildenden Netzelementes auf die Empfanger der zweiten Netzknoten (21, ..., 2i) aufgeteilt. Dies geschieht, indem die mindestes eine QKD-Weiche (31, ..., 3i) die ihr uber eine Lichtleitfaser (5) zugefuhrten Photonen ohne Beeinflussung, das heist insbesondere ohne Messung ihrer fur das verwendete QKD-Protokoll relevanten quantenmechanischen Eigenschaften, aus dieser Lichtleitfaser (5) auskoppelt und sie uber jeweils eine weitere Lichtleitfaser wechselnd verschiedenen Netzelementen, namlich einen Empfanger eines zweiten Netzknotens (21, ..., 2i) oder einer weiteren QKD-Weiche (31, ..., 3i), zuleitet.