Telecommunications Network Operators Research Articles

The greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of ICT: A critical review of telecommunication companies’ GHG enablement assessments

AbstractFor about a decade, telecommunication network operators (TNOs) have explored the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions their customers can achieve by using TNO services (e.g., by substituting physical travel with video conferencing), the so‐called GHG enablement. Some TNOs also calculate a GHG enablement factor, which is the ratio between the GHG enablement and their own GHG footprint. Since GHG enablements usually exceed the footprint, they create the narrative that TNOs contribute to GHG reductions across society. In this paper, we systematically analyze TNO GHG enablement claims and the underlying methodological approaches. We find several methodological shortcomings and inconsistencies, such as different sets of TNO services considered, inconsistent system boundaries, potential double counting of GHG reductions, and a disregard for rebound effects. Most importantly, TNO assessments focus exclusively on those services likely to yield GHG reductions, neglecting possible GHG‐increasing services. We conclude that current GHG enablement (factors) do not accurately and comprehensively represent TNOs’ overall GHG impacts and create a flawed picture. To provide a reliable decision basis to stakeholders such as TNOs themselves, customers, investors, and policymakers, we provide eight recommendations on how to substantially improve the methodological basis.

ОГЛЯД МЕХАНІЗМІВ ROOT CAUSE АНАЛІЗУ ТЕЛЕКОМУНІКАЦІЙНИХ МЕРЕЖ

Telecommunication networks are an integral part of modern information society, providing data transmission and communication among millions of users worldwide. The complexity and scale of these networks are constantly growing, which increases the demands on their reliability and stability. One of the key tasks in ensuring the efficient operation of telecommunication networks is the identification and elimination of the root causes of failures and anomalies that can significantly affect the quality of service for end users. Root cause analysis (RCA) is a powerful tool for identifying the primary causes of problems, preventing their recurrence, and enhancing the overall reliability of networks. The article provides a detailed review of contemporary methods and tools of RCA used in telecommunication networks. In particular, methods such as fishbone diagram analysis, the «five whys» method, fault tree analysis, and the application of machine learning for big data analysis are considered. Each of these approaches has its advantages and disadvantages, and their comprehensive use allows for higher accuracy and efficiency in identifying the root causes of problems. Practical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of applying various RCA methods to solve specific problems in telecommunication networks. For instance, the use of fishbone diagram analysis and the «five whys» method allows for the identification of the primary causes of network delays and equipment issues at base stations. The implementation of failure prediction systems based on machine learning significantly enhances network reliability by allowing for the early detection of potential problems and the necessary technical measures. The prospects for the development of RCA in telecommunication networks are outlined. The primary focus is on the development of adaptive and self-learning systems capable of dynamically responding to changing network conditions. The use of more complex artificial intelligence algorithms and tools for predicting potential problems will significantly improve the effectiveness of RCA and ensure high-quality telecommunication services.

Implementation Licencing Regulations Telecommunications Network in The Omnibus Law

The form manifestation of the omnibus law form is Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Copyright. The law on telecommunications relating to Main Licensing and Technical Licensing has undergone significant changes. Implementing the licensing process requires changes and a common perspective in understanding the articles associated with the licensing process, especially in telecommunications. The problem experienced is that several articles in the omnibus law regarding licensing for the operation of telecommunications networks still need to be clarified, which can potentially cause different perceptions among stakeholders. This study uses a normative juridical analysis method using primary law to analyze the problems that are the focus of the research. The conclusion drawn from this research is the need to clarify the articles in Law 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation and its derivative regulations regarding procedures for telecommunications operations other than those that already exist, which a Ministerial Decree can stipulate. There needs to be clarity in the rules regarding risk-based business licensing regarding how long the essential and technical licensing process takes and the need to attach a licensing SOP flowchart so that licensing stakeholders have the same perception of the licensing process.

Policy Mechanism for Security of National Vital Objects in the Telecommunications Sector in Indonesia

Telecommunication infrastructure is part of critical infrastructure because it has a vital role in the community and affects the country's economy. Therefore, telecommunications infrastructure can be classified as a vital national object, requiring a particular security mechanism in its deployment. However, telecommunication infrastructure has different characteristics than other sectors, where the operation is fixed and mobile. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, data is obtained from benchmarks and interviews with resource persons from various fields through several Forum Group Discussion activities. Each telecommunications network operator can apply for National Vital Objects in the Telecommunications Sector based on the mechanism under the guidelines for determining the national vital object in the telecommunications sector stipulated through a Ministerial Regulation. The regulation covers various aspects, including the mechanism for determining, evaluating, fostering, and responsibilities of National Vital Objects in the Telecommunications Sector. In its implementation, the National Vital Objects in the Telecommunications Sector manager coordinates with various security parties, such as the Indonesian National Police. With the policy of the National Vital Objects in the Telecommunications Sector implementation mechanism, it is hoped that the telecommunications infrastructure can be well protected so that the business climate of telecommunications operations remains conducive and telecommunications services can always support the development and strengthening of the national economy.

MetaVRadar: Measuring Metaverse Virtual Reality Network Activity

The "metaverse", wherein users can enter virtual worlds to work, study, play, shop, socialize, and entertain, is fast becoming a reality, attracting billions of dollars in investment from companies such as Meta, Microsoft, and Clipo Labs. Further, virtual reality (VR) headsets from entities like Oculus, HTC, and Microsoft are rapidly maturing to provide fully immersive experiences to metaverse users. However, little is known about the network dynamics of metaverse VR applications in terms of service domains, flow counts, traffic rates and volumes, content location and latency, etc., which are needed to make telecommunications network infrastructure "metaverse ready" to support superlative user experience in the coming future. This paper is an empirical measurement study of metaverse VR network behavior aimed at helping telecommunications network operators better provision and manage the network to ensure good user experience. Using illustrative hour-long network traces of metaverse sessions on the Oculus VR headset, we first develop a categorization of user activity into distinct states ranging from login home to streetwalking and event attendance to asset trading, and undertake a detailed analysis of network traffic per state, identifying unique service domains, protocols, flow profiles, and volumetric patterns, thereby highlighting the vastly more complex nature of a metaverse session compared to streaming video or gaming. Armed with the network behavioral profiles, our second contribution develops a real-time methodMetaVRadar to detect metaverse session and classify the user activity state leveraging formalized flow signatures and volumetric attributes. Our third contribution practically implementsMetaVRadar, evaluates its accuracy in our lab environment, and demonstrates its usability in a large university network so operators can better monitor and plan resources to support requisite metaverse user experience.

Feasibility Analysis of GSM-R System for Railways in Indonesia: Case Study of Jakarta Bandung High Speed Train

High-speed railway technology development necessitates the development of a communication system that supports various components of train operation facilities, such as train control, safety communication, and others. The construction of fhigh-speed railway in Indonesia in the Jakarta-Bandung area uses the Chinese Train Control System (CTCS) Level 3 signaling system, which makes the Global System for Mobile Communication-Railway (GSM-R) a wireless signaling network system. Because there are already existing GSM-based public telecommunications services, known as public GSM, on the same frequency used by a number of cellular operators in Indonesia, the use of GSM-R poses implementation challenges. This will result in reduced service quality and revenue for protected cellular network operators due to the use of these frequency bands to support the operation of high-speed railway services in Indonesia. In this study, an evaluation was carried out to look for other potentials from using the GSM 900 MHz frequency band, which can be used as an option to be implemented on high-speed trains in Indonesia. The research begins with calculating the estimated potential loss of revenue from using telecommunications network operators. This data will be analyzed in terms of the economic feasibility of several other frequency band choices for implementing the GSM 900 MHz frequency band on high-speed trains in Indonesia, so that it is hoped that this will become a new consideration that can become a solution and recommendation in the application and use of GSM-R technology in Indonesia.

Energy-Efficient Massive MIMO Network

Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (Massive MIMO) is widely regarded as a highly promising technology for the forthcoming generation of wireless systems. The massive MIMO implementation involves the integration of a substantial number of antenna elements into base stations (BSs) to enhance spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE). The energy efficiency (EE) of base stations (BSs) has become an increasingly important issue for telecommunications network operators due to the need to take care of profitability while simultaneously minimizing their detrimental effects on the environment and addressing economic challenges faced by wireless communication operators. In this paper, the EE of massive MIMO networks and the relationship between EE, SE, and other parameters like bandwidth (B), number of antennas (M), circuit power, and number of users’ equipment (K) are discussed and investigated. For a fixed circuit power (PFIX), simulation results showed that the EE could be increased by about 1.12 as the number of antennas was doubled. The findings in this work also indicated an almost linear relationship between maximum EE and optimal SE, with a massive increase in the number of antennas when the power consumed by each antenna (PBS) was included in circuit power. In addition, when considering the power consumed per user’s equipment (PUE) impact, the SE increased with the ratio (M/K), in which SE showed a cubic relationship against M/K. On the other hand, the EE increased with M/K ratio until M/K reached a specific value. The maximum EE (and hence optimum SE) was achieved by massive MIMO, where the number of antennas was three times the number of users. However, EE started degrading after this value, as the number of antennas was considered larger than the users’ and consumed more energy, resulting in EE degradation.

Feasibility Analysis Of Gsm-R System For Railways In Indonesia: Case Study Of Jakarta Bandung High Speed Train

High-speed railway technology development necessitates the development of a communication system that supports various components of train operation facilities, such as train control, safety communication, and others. The construction of fhigh-speed railway in Indonesia in the Jakarta-Bandung area uses the Chinese Train Control System (CTCS) Level 3 signaling system, which makes the Global System for Mobile Communication-Railway (GSM-R) a wireless signaling network system. Because there are already existing GSM-based public telecommunications services, known as public GSM, on the same frequency used by a number of cellular operators in Indonesia, the use of GSM-R poses implementation challenges. This will result in reduced service quality and revenue for protected cellular network operators due to the use of these frequency bands to support the operation of high-speed railway services in Indonesia. In this study, an evaluation was carried out to look for other potentials from using the GSM 900 MHz frequency band, which can be used as an option to be implemented on high-speed trains in Indonesia. The research begins with calculating the estimated potential loss of revenue from using telecommunications network operators. This data will be analyzed in terms of the economic feasibility of several other frequency band choices for implementing the GSM 900 MHz frequency band on high-speed trains in Indonesia, so that it is hoped that this will become a new consideration that can become a solution and recommendation in the application and use of GSM-R technology in Indonesia.

Performance evaluation of opportunistic schedulers based on fairness and throughput in new-generation mobile networks

This paper discusses radio resource management in the telecommunications industry that utilizes opportunistic scheduling approaches and methods. It proposes a new scheduler called IFMR (Improved Fairness of MaxRate) to extend the opportunistic approach with the proposition of a new scheduling solution that enables to significantly maximize the system throughput. Our goal is to ensure better results that maximize system throughput, ensure perfect fairness at three levels and maximize the number of satisfied users who have achieved their desired throughput. Similarly, the performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated and compared with reference algorithms: round robin, MaxSNR and proportional fair (PF). The focus of this study is to evaluate and analyze the quality of service guaranteed to each network subscriber, considering the heterogeneous data traffic based on simulations. The algorithms presented in this paper are programmed and simulated using the MATLAB simulation software. The study aims to effectively analyze the impact of radio resource management algorithms and schedulers, including the round robin algorithm, MaxSNR and PF, among others, with the main objective of evaluating the performance of the schedulers used by telecommunication and cellphone network operators. The scheduling phase, which precedes resource allocation and assignment, is a critical aspect of the study. The impact of these schedulers on throughput and fairness will also be evaluated and analyzed based on specific criteria.

Artificial Intelligence Driven 5G and Beyond Networks

5G networks and beyond are expected to meet numerous service requirements in various aspects of our daily lives. At the same time, the functional complexity of 5G telecommunication networks increases by an order of magnitude compared to existing networks. 5G data rates are dramatically faster, connection density is higher, and latency is much lower, among other improvements. An efficient 5G network cannot be complete without incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. All this requires the use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to ensure the stable operation of telecommunication networks, methodology, system analysis, and key results. Scientific tasks for 5G communication networks are identified where the use of artificial intelligence, including machine and deep learning, seems appropriate. Practical Relevance. The results of the work may be useful in training in networks and telecommunication systems and in defining new scientific tasks for PhD students.

5G mobile networks: reviewing security control correctness for mischievous activity

A mobile telecommunications network has arguably become a vital part of today’s critical communications infrastructure underpinning society’s interconnectedness. A mobile telecommunications network can be considered a critical communications infrastructure that has been built upon a complex set of network technologies. However, the migration in recent years from pre-5G to 5G network technologies has presented the mobile telecommunications network operators with not only several security-related challenges but also potential unfortunate risk exposure. A new approach called Control-Risk-Correctness (CRC) addresses the need for evaluating a complex mix of network technology and the associated trade-offs between security and risk. CRC simplifies the analysis by examining the mobile telecommunications network from the perspective of security control effectiveness and risk treatments. This article outlines the application of CRC when assessing a mobile telecommunication network and highlights direct risk mitigation treatments in an aim to increase security control effectiveness and decrease risk exposure. CRC usefulness will assist in the evaluation of existing networks and safeguarding new networks over the coming years.

Интеграция телекоммуникационных сетей в системе мониторинга с использованием доменных онтологий

This paper discusses the problems of designing cloud-based telecommunication network monitoring systems based on the construction and application of models of such networks in the form of knowledge graphs. The proposed monitor-ing systems combine the functions of systems used by various telecommunications network operators. The considered design approach involves the use of a number of common ontologies and domain-level ontologies, such as the tele-communications services domain ontology (TSDO) and the hybrid telecommunications network (ToCo) ontology. To take into account the specifics of networks and operators in the developed monitoring system, an extension of the do-main ontology is provided. The article considers the case of combining telecommunication networks built on the basis of different domain-level ontologies or without using an ontological model, by adding new ontologies, within the framework of one monitoring system. To automate the design process, an algorithm for comparing classes of domain ontologies with components of telecommunication network models is proposed. The application of the proposed ap-proach is shown on the example of the problem of adding a new network segment to the monitoring system of a cable television operator.

Risk assessment of rehabilitation strategies for steel lattice telecommunication towers of Greece under extreme wind hazard

The risk and losses associated with the wind-induced failure of existing steel lattice telecommunication towers are assessed for a number of upgrade/replace/redesign schemes. Specifically, a performance-based wind engineering framework is employed for assessing a typical tower topology used by EU telecommunication network operators over four different cases: a conventional design, its corroded version after 60 years, a strengthened version of the corroded tower by applying fibre-reinforced polymer plates, and a redesign with high-strength steel. Multiple potential sites of installation were considered throughout coastal and mainland Greece, comprising two different groups of design wind speed. Mischaracterization of the site-specific wind distribution is by far the most important risk factor, with corrosion coming right behind. Still, selecting a rehabilitation approach does not depend only on site and tower characteristics, but also on the projected direct and indirect losses. By considering service to different populations, even after 60 years of corrosion, the “Do Nothing” approach may still be competitive when serving few residents and for short projected lifetime, while an upgrade is considered optimal for larger towns, or wherever higher revenue is on the line.

The Role of Competitive Advantage on Value Creation: A Study of Mobile Telecommunication Network Operations in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined the role of competitive advantage (differentiation strategy) on value creation. The population of the research is made up of 7(seven) operational mobile telecommunications network operators in Rivers State, Nigeria. The research adopted the quantitative research process with the use of a questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire were analyzed using tables, percentages and the spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between the research variables. From the analysis it was shown that 78.8% of network managers accepted that differentiation strategy influences the value creation of telecommunications network operators in Rivers State, Nigeria with a coefficient correlation (r) of 0.9995 indicating that a strong relationship exists between differentiation strategy and value creation. The study recommends that the executive management of these firms should put additional emphasis and pay more attention to differentiation strategy, as it is an important instrument for achieving competitive advantage which could lead to greater organizational performance and value creation in their organizations. Keywords: Competitive Advantage, Differentiation Strategy and Value Creation. DOI: 10.7176/NCS/13-03 Publication date: May 31 st 2022

Electricity Consumption and Operational Carbon Emissions of European Telecom Network Operators

This study presents operational electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for named European telecom network operators during 2015–2018. These results are also compared to data for 2010–2015. The study provides an extensive primary data set, collected from European Telecommunication Network Operators (ETNO) members, covering operations in Europe and beyond, providing data with higher granularity than publicly available sources. The collected data set corresponds to roughly 36 percent of European subscriptions and 8 percent of global subscriptions. This data set was used to calculate the aggregated annual electricity consumption for the assessed operators, as well as associated subscription intensities, in total, for Europe and per network type. Moreover, aggregated electricity-related carbon emissions and emissions from other sources were calculated. Finally, estimates were made for the overall network operation in Europe for 2018 and 2020. The study concludes that the electricity consumption and number of subscriptions for the reporting telecom network operators remained nearly constant (+1 percent and −3 percent, respectively) between 2015 and 2018, while data traffic increased by a factor of three. For the extended period of 2010–2018, the electricity consumption per subscription remained quite stable, slightly below 30 kWh/subscription despite substantial data traffic growth (by a factor of 12).

OPTIMUM DIMENSIONING OF INTERCONNECTIONS BETWEEN SOME GSM OPERATORS IN NIGERIA USING ERLANG B MODEL

In the research, development, design and operation of telecommunication and computer networks, the important problems are determining the optimum configuration and dimensions of the system’s capacity for providing a given performance or Grade of Service (GoS). It would be uneconomical if exclusive resources such as switching and transmission facilities were dedicated to each customer. Therefore a pool of facilities is provided in common for a number of customers, and thus situations can arise in which a customer has to wait for connection, due to shortage of resources. Hence, it is required to evaluate such GoS quantitatively, and clarify relations between the GoS and the amount as well as configuration of the telecommunications facilities. In this paper, the Erlang B model coupled with Siemens Normal and High Load formulae are used to determine the optimum network capacity based on detailed user behavior and demanded quality of service parameters in an overall telecommunication system. As a benchmark, 18 months teletraffic data for interconnections between Networks A to F in Nigeria was utilized and Microsoft Excel was used for the analysis of the data. The performance level of the system has been calculated according to the International Telecommunications Union Standards (ITU-T) criteria. The results showed a Call Completion Rate (CCR) of 63% and the Answer Seizure Ratio (ASR) of 23% which were below the then standard values of 75% and 55% respectively. The result shows that the interconnections were not optimum. Some were over dimensioned and some were under dimensioned. Comparing with the

Digital transformation of the operator’s activity telecommunications based on operational and business support systems

The main factors increasing the income of telecom operators — the development of new services, improving the quality of services. Revenues of telecommunications network operators also depend on timely response to changes in demand and network efficiency. Therefore, the system of support of operational and business activities of the operator is important, thanks to which it is possible to achieve greater efficiency in the implementation of new services. These systems optimize the operation of telecommunications networks, helping to minimize costs and increase profits. There are currently several trends in the telecommunications market that encourage operators to implement operating systems and business support systems. First, the market for traditional operators is already saturated, so corporate profits are not growing as fast. That is why the issue of improving efficiency is much more important. Second, operators are moving from TDM networks to next-generation networks based on NGN technology. And because NGN technologies are more complex in the operation and delivery of services, the question arises about the importance of implementing operating systems and business support systems at the planning stage of the network concept using NGN. Today, operators also often prefer to outsource network management services, as it is unprofitable for each individual operator to purchase the same solutions from the same providers. Implementation of operational and business support systems is aimed at streamlining the management processes of operators, namely the processes of operation and maintenance, optimization of processes according to criteria selected in accordance with the objectives of the customer. Therefore, failure to establish criteria for management and operation can lead to the failure of a component and significantly affect the speed, quality or reliability of the service.

A Multi-Provider End-to-End Dynamic Orchestration Architecture Approach for 5G and Future Communication Systems

Network segregation is the solution adopted in the IMT-2020 standardization of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), better known as 5G networks (Fifth Generation Mobile Networks), under development to meet the requirements of performance, reliability, energy, and economic efficiency required by applications in the various verticals of current and near-future economic activities. The philosophy adopted for the IMT-2020 standardization relies on the use of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and Software-Defined Radio (SDR), i.e., the softwarization of the network. Softwarization allows network segregation through its slicing, which is discussed herein this work. Network slicing is performed by a novel Orchestrator, as provided in IMT-2020, which maintains the end-to-end network slices independent of each other and performs horizontal handover when the possibility of a loss of Quality of Service (QoS) is predictively detected by monitoring quality parameters during operation. Therefore, the Orchestrator is dynamic, operates in uptime, and allows horizontal handover. Hence, it chooses the most appropriate telecommunication infrastructure provider and network operator to guarantee QoS and Quality of Experience (QoE) to end-users in each network segment. These features make this work modern and keep it aligned with the actions being carried out by ITU. Based on this objective, as the main result of this paper, we propose an effective architecture for implementing the Orchestrator, not only to contribute to the state of the art for 5G and beyond communication systems but also to generate economic, technological, and social impacts.

Method of Calculation the Accessibility of the Information and Telecommunication Networks of the Tactical Link of Management

The article reflects the views of the authors on the method for the operational calculation of the indicator of the functioning of special-purpose information and telecommunication networks of the tactical level of control according to the criterion of "network availability". Improvement of weapons and military equipment, forms and methods of combat, as well as a change in views on command and control, put forward ever more stringent requirements for the information and telecommunication system in general and for its elements in particular. The problems of development, planning of combat use and operation of information and telecommunication networks of the tactical control level are their heterogeneity, since they use heterogeneous transmission systems (radio and wire) together. The characteristic features of the planning, deployment and operation of information and telecommunication networks of the tactical control level are a high degree of uncertainty in the characteristics of their functioning and the lack of initial data in planning, which necessitates the improvement of the methodological basis for conducting operational calculations. Based on the analysis of ITU-T recommendations, scientific publications and the practice of combat use of the defense forces, it becomes clear that the operational calculation of individual criteria and indicators of the functioning of information and telecommunication systems of the tactical control level needs to be improved, since these systems have their own characteristic features. The material presented in the article makes it possible to develop new approaches to solving the problem of a reasonable calculation of the required bandwidth of the access node of the information and telecommunications network of the tactical control link. The significance and value of this study lies in the fact that in the conditions of continuous improvement of the forms and methods of warfare, high dynamism of changes in the states of information and telecommunication systems of the tactical control level, the correct choice of the apparatus for assessing the decisions made should play a decisive role in shortening the deployment planning cycle and sustainable functioning of the system management.

Copyrighted Content Commercialization on OTT Media in Indonesia

Over-the-Top (OTT) can be defined as a service provider delivered through a network and/or infrastructure owned by an operator without directly involving telecommunication operators. OTT as a media can be in a form of video, voice, news, conference, data centre, cloud service, networking service, game, mobile messaging and many others. Initially, OTT was needed as a telecommunications network operator and Internet Service Provider (ISP), hereinafter referred to as an operator. The OTT media was also intended to increase the number of customers and profit earned. Data traffic is predominantly driven by the number of users making cyberspace the main consumption in the form of data, bandwidth and content. OTT has absolutely no accountability to bandwitdh, copyright content and redistribution of content.