SoftBank has announced the completion of a field trial utilizing a common API designed to use the capabilities of 5G.
The trial, conducted in February 2024, aimed to advance optimal communication control in a 5G environment, with SoftBank developing a common API based on the open-source project “CAMARA.” The trial took place within the private 5G environment of Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
The constructed field trial environment validated the feasibility of communication quality control based on the common API defined by CAMARA. Participants of the Digital Twin Campus Consortium, operated by Keio University SFC Research Institute, can utilize the common API developed in this field trial environment.
One notable use case developed by SoftBank during the trial involved a system for controlling image quality and communication quality of cameras for remote monitoring purposes. The system optimized image and communication quality based on person detection, showcasing successful remote control operations.
SoftBank’s participation in the “GSMA Open Gateway” initiative, an effort to establish a common API led by the GSMA industry association for telecommunications operators, underscores its commitment to industry collaboration.
Through field trial, SoftBank aims to drive the growth of the telecommunications industry by enabling diverse business models and facilitating the rapid deployment of mobile services in the 5G era through partnerships between operators and application service providers.
Overview of the Field Trial: SoftBank utilized the infrastructure at SFC to develop functions capable of controlling and acquiring information from 5G SA core equipment. This led to the creation of a system called Network API Enabler, which opens these functions through APIs. Additionally, a field trial platform was established to verify various use cases by collecting and coordinating sensor information and experimental terminal information installed in SFC on the digital twin platform.
A key use case tested during the trial involved a solution for optimizing communication quality based on person detection. By utilizing the Quality on Demand (QoD) API, unnecessary communication data could be eliminated, leading to cost reductions in operations. SoftBank confirmed the effectiveness of this solution, showcasing the ability to conduct monitoring using minimum image quality during normal operation and high-quality images only when necessary triggered by person detection.
Future Developments: As SoftBank advances considerations for the commercial introduction of this technology, it aims to address various social issues through new use cases involving network customization. Alongside providing a common API, SoftBank plans to foster innovative business ventures in the 5G era by collaborating with various partners and promoting the development of new mobile services.
