NTT DOCOMO, INC. has efficiently demonstrated the operation of synthetic intelligence functions on the general-purpose CPU assets of its virtualized radio entry community (vRAN), marking a big step in community structure design. This improvement goals to handle the fast visitors development fueled by increasing AI companies whereas optimizing operational prices.
As AI-powered companies like generative AI and robotic management acquire traction, community visitors is anticipated to surge. In response, DOCOMO is exploring a next-generation community structure known as ‘In-Network Computing,’ the place AI processing is executed throughout the community itself. This method seeks to constantly analyze numerous information sorts out there throughout the community utilizing AI, creating new worth whereas reaching power effectivity and sustainable operations.
DOCOMO’s examine of next-generation community architectures focuses on enhancing person expertise, optimizing community visitors, and successfully using computing assets, together with numerous forms of xPUs. By leveraging the traits of those assets, DOCOMO goals to reinforce efficiency and effectivity from each networking and AI views. This entails deploying high-performance GPUs for superior AI workloads and CPUs for wide-area deployment and low-power operation at appropriate community nodes.
The integration of a platform enabling vRAN capabilities and AI service functions to run concurrently on general-purpose servers marks a big achievement. The demonstration confirmed {that a} sure degree of AI processing might be executed in parallel with communication community processing, even utilizing CPUs. This flexibility permits for community and AI functions to function with out counting on devoted high-performance accelerators, increasing choices for environment friendly community deployment.
Looking ahead, DOCOMO plans to proceed learning the optimum placement of computing assets, together with CPUs and GPUs, whereas contemplating precise visitors traits and the necessities of assorted AI functions. The demonstration utilized a vRAN configuration with commercially deployed merchandise from NEC Corporation, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and HPE.
NTT DOCOMO will additional advance the combination and verification of platforms for community infrastructure and AI companies, working towards the belief of ‘In-Network Computing.’ The firm goals to collaborate with enterprise companions to design optimum community architectures for the 6G and AI period. This initiative will probably be showcased on the NTT Group’s sales space throughout Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026.