This article is part two of a two-part series recapping our panel at Mobile World Congress.
A New Horizon for Connectivity
Andrew Wiedlea of Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) provided a unique perspective from the national science sector, where neutral host networks enable a more efficient use of shared resources, and massive data production meets the expansive capacity of private wireless for environmental sensing and other scientific endeavors.
Wiedlea, who is associated with a national science resource—the high-speed optical network that interlinks Department of Energy labs and facilities—painted a picture of a world where science and connectivity coalesce to drive progress.
The Public Sector Edge
Wiedlea highlighted how neutral host stands to be a game-changer in the public sector, where it serves as the key to unlocking the efficient use of distributed resources. Funded by entities like the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, neutral host creates points of presence that allow for more effective peering and collaboration among various entities. This mechanism is set to dramatically enhance data movement efficiency across networks.
Data, Sensors, and the Evolution of Science
The essence of Wiedlea’s vision lies in the industrialization of science—a shift from traditional methods to massive data production and analysis. He forecasts the migration from optical data transport to wireless sensing, particularly for environmental applications. Currently, many sensors are isolated, but the trend is towards interconnectedness, following the same explosive growth that has been observed in the field of science and technology.
Self-Driving Labs and Environmental Sensing
Imagine labs that move and measure the world autonomously—this is where Wiedlea sees the next leap. Such ‘self-driving’ field labs would leverage the massive array of wireless sensors connected to high-performance computing resources. This integration allows for real-time data analysis and high-fidelity simulations, enhancing the capability to draw actionable insights from environmental data.
Complementary Technologies and the Data Deluge
Complementary technologies, like biodegradable sensors, will proliferate, negating the need for recovery or tracking, while quantum sensing will elevate data transmission rates. The decline in costs for technologies like bio assays and LIDAR means that networks will have to handle an ever-increasing deluge of data.
AI, Compute, and Storage Transformation
On the computational front, Wiedlea anticipates a surge in AI applications tailored for automated data analytics and error reduction. Such AI would be trained across various data domains to make precise inferences. This aligns with the transformation in the nature of networks, where the convergence of compute and storage needs will be essential.
The Essential Role of Private Wireless
Private wireless networks stand at the core of this envisioned future. By facilitating the distribution of data storage and computational tasks, they enable processing at the edge—closest to where data is collected. This not only minimizes latency but also amplifies the efficiency of data-driven decision-making processes.
The Maturing Market and Its Societal Impact
The panelists agreed that neutral host networks and private wireless open up avenues for expanded coverage and educational equity, addressing the digital divide. These networks enable better connectivity for community outreach and bring students into the innovative process.
Iyad outlined the edge applicability of private wireless, which, when AI-enabled, fulfills several roles from interoperability between public and private networks to performance analytics. This technological growth is vital for supporting network management with advanced capabilities.
Jonathan Polly from Cal Poly spoke on enabling emergency services across campus irrespective of the carrier, demonstrating the inclusivity that private wireless offers.
The MWC Barcelona 2024 panel not only emphasized the current significance of private wireless networks but also cast a vision for their future impact. As industries adopt these networks, we can expect a surge in digital inclusivity, industry 4.0 applications, and an acceleration of AI and edge computing solutions.
The conversation is far from over; it’s just the beginning. The continued exploration and investment in private wireless technology herald a new era of connectivity—smarter, faster, and more equitable than ever before.
