Net5.5G: Unlocking the Power of Intelligent Networks

Details: Didem Karabatur; Category: Optical & Fixed Networks; 18 November 2024; 94280 views

As industries worldwide accelerate digital transformation in an AI-driven era, resilient, high-speed networks have become essential.

At the recent Net5.5G Intelligent IP Network Summit during the 2024 Ultra-Broadband Forum (UBBF) in Istanbul, industry leaders discussed the future of IP networks in the AI age. Insights from industry organizations and leading carriers highlighted the roadmap for Net5.5G, emphasizing commercial and technical advancements needed to achieve it. Initiatives like the Net5.5G Pioneer Program reflect the industry’s commitment to developing adaptive, high-performance networks that meet the demands of intelligent connectivity.

Laying the Foundation for an AI-Driven Future

Huawei set the tone with a forward-looking vision for carrier networks in the AI era. Leon Wang, President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, emphasized the transformative potential of Net5.5G to drive digital and economic growth. “Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly maturing, with industries worldwide adopting AI. By 2030, AI is projected to add over $15 trillion to the global economy,” Wang noted, underscoring the need for advanced IP networks to support these developments. This growth opens new business opportunities for carriers, driven by innovations like Net5.5G.

Leon Wang, President of Data Communication Product Line, Huawei

Wang also highlighted the success of Huawei’s earlier Net Falcon 5G network, launched at UBBF the previous year, now supporting 14 carriers across 20 countries, driving revenue and operational efficiency. He explained how these deployments have boosted revenue by expanding service options and reducing costs. “Leading carriers are now exploring elastic network structures, private LANs, and intelligent services to create new growth opportunities,” he added, urging attendees to view Net5.5G as a catalyst for digital transformation.

Navigating Network Challenges in the AI Age

Global leaders expanded on this vision, sharing insights into network demands shaped by AI. Martin Creaner, Director General of the World Broadband Association (WBBA), highlighted that applications like the metaverse, AI-generated content (AIGC), and autonomous vehicles dramatically increase bandwidth demands, outpacing traditional networks. “Differentiated experiences on networks are essential as these services become more central to daily life,” Creaner remarked, stressing that AI-ready networks need both high speed and robust security.

Martin Creaner, Director General of the World Broadband Association (WBBA)

Reflecting this necessity, WBBA’s launch of the Net5.5G Pioneer Program offers carriers a roadmap to embrace end-to-end infrastructure for future needs. “Building a global Net5.5G network is essential to support innovations that require real-time responsiveness and strong security,” Creaner emphasized.

Building Blocks of Net5.5G: Speed, Flexibility, and Intelligence

Xu Huan, Huawei’s Vice President of Router Domain, elaborated on the unique demands AI applications place on network infrastructure. He illustrated how emerging technologies, such as AI glasses and autonomous taxis, generate enormous data loads, requiring ultra-reliable, high-speed connections. “Imagine AI glasses analyzing and displaying cooking recipes based on the contents of a fridge. Each interaction could generate up to 1GB of data per millisecond,” Xu explained, underscoring the bandwidth-intensive nature of these applications. Autonomous taxis, he noted, require near-zero latency—down to 13 milliseconds—for safe remote intervention, generating up to 50GB of data daily per vehicle.

Xu Huan, Vice President of Router Domain in the Data Communication Product Line, Huawei

Addressing these challenges, Xu presented Huawei’s vision for Net5.5G which rests on three core technical pillars: ultra-broadband capabilities, Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) based network slicing, and advanced automation with intelligent management.

“With SRv6, we’re enabling networks to adapt in real-time, delivering stable, low-latency connections essential for AI applications in both consumer and enterprise sectors,” Xu stated.

Xu also highlighted Huawei’s “Network as a Service” approach, which provides ubiquitous ultra-broadband access, and autonomous vehicles, 400GE/800GE transport, and AI-oriented unified data storage. “Our vision for SRv6 goes beyond connectivity—it’s about enabling monetization, optimizing user experience, and opening doors to new business opportunities,” he added.

Mehmet Durmus, Associate Director of IP/MPLS Core and Data Center Networks at Turkcell

Mehmet Durmus, Associate Director of IP/MPLS Core and Data Center Networks at Turkcell, discussed Turkcell's focus on building a resilient, scalable IP backbone. He emphasized Turkcell's use of 400GE technologies and exploration of 800GE, aiming not only to increase network capacity but also to improve efficiency. Durmus explained that Turkcell’s roadmap includes SRv6 to enhance network automation, reduce latency, and ensure reliability for AI-driven applications aligning with Huawei’s NaaS model. “With automation, we’re building a network that doesn’t just react—it anticipates needs, ensuring minimal disruptions and peak efficiency,” he noted.

Industry Leaders on Adopting Net5.5G Innovations

At the summit, several carriers presented their Net5.5G deployment strategies, sharing how they leverage Net5.5G’s capabilities to improve performance, create new revenue streams, and adapt to the rising demands of intelligent applications.

Durmus elaborated on Turkcell’s adoption of 400GE, SRv6, and Network Digital Map, noting, “The demand for ultra-broadband and low-latency connections is at the heart of our strategy. With Huawei’s support, we’re building a network that’s capable of handling high-quality AI-powered applications at scale, enhancing digital experiences for our users across Türkiye.”

Mehmet Durmus, Associate Director of IP / MPLS Core and Data Center Networks at Turkcell

Ibrahim Senyonga, General Manager for MTN’s Enterprise Business, introduced MTN’s partnership with Huawei for Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions. “As we enter the AI era, the need for secure, resilient connections is more crucial than ever,” he said. “Our partnership with Huawei enables us to lead in providing network solutions that meet these new demands in sectors from finance to healthcare.”

Ibrahim Senyonga, General Manager of Enterprise Business, MTN

Driving Digital Transformation Across Regions

The summit also emphasized the role of Net5.5G in digital transformation across regions like the Middle East and Africa. Mohamed Ben Amor, Director General of the Arab ICT Organization (AICTO), discussed AICTO’s efforts to advance Net5.5G through the Arab IPv6 Council. “Our mission is to build an interconnected digital infrastructure that supports economic growth and social equity,” Ben Amor stated.

Mohamed Ben Amor, Director General Manager, the Arab ICT Organization (AICTO)

This council is part of the Arab Horizon 2030 vision, aiming to bridge digital divides across the Arab world. “Working with Huawei and other partners allows us to accelerate Net5.5G deployment and make AI applications accessible to businesses and communities alike,” Ben Amor said.

Accelerating Adoption with the Net5.5G Pioneer Program

The summit’s closing session featured the launch of the Net5.5G Pioneer Program, a global initiative by WBBA to accelerate Net5.5G’s commercial rollout. The program promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing to advance digital infrastructure. Huawei and WBBA emphasized the program as a way for operators to explore Net5.5G’s potential while developing the infrastructure required for AI-driven applications.

net 5p5g pioneers2 600

To honor early adopters, Huawei hosted an award ceremony recognizing over ten carriers for pioneering Net5.5G deployment. This event underscored the commitment of industry leaders to transform network standards, making intelligent, adaptable IP networks that meet the needs of modern digital economies.

Conclusion: Envisioning the Next Era of Intelligent Connectivity

The Net5.5G Intelligent IP Network Summit reinforced a core message: the future of connectivity requires networks that are not only high-performing but also intelligent and adaptive. Huawei’s Net5.5G framework, with SRv6, ultra-broadband transport, and automation, offers a clear pathway for carriers to remain competitive. As networks evolve, they will be poised to anticipate user needs, empowering a future of seamless, intelligent connectivity.

With initiatives like the Net5.5G Pioneer Program and continued collaboration among industry leaders, the telecommunications industry is setting the stage for a world where networks support the demands of intelligent, data-intensive applications. The summit marks a pivotal step in realizing a future where connectivity empowers every facet of digital life, meeting the demands of AI-driven transformation with resilience, adaptability, and performance.