Network & Communication
Connect all sort of things to deliver Reality and Real-time
Next-Generation Cellular Communication System
While 5G cellular communication continues to be commercialized around the globe, R&D efforts addressing the next-generation cellular system are ongoing with a goal of seeing their commercial introduction up to 10 years from now. Communication systems beyond 5G/6G are expected not only to further advance the existing performance axes such as (1) eMBB: enhanced Mobile Broadband, (2) URLLC: Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communication, and (3) mMTC: Massive Machine Type Communication, but also to achieve the simultaneous realization of these elements, the realization of ultra-wide coverage through satellite communication, and value-added networks. Through collaboration with overseas organizations, Sony is engaged in theoretical studies, simulator development, and technical proposals for international standardization such as in 3GPP. In addition, we are exploring innovative technologies such as dynamic spectrum sharing to better utilize frequency resources, while considering commercialization through test-bed development and demonstration experiments.
IoT-Ultra Low Power Wireless System
We are striving to build new infrastructure and services based on the Sony original world standard LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) Wireless system that enables us to collect any information from any place and location. By restricting its application to small volumes of sensor data, the system allows extremely long range data transmission over 100km and low-power operation capable of 10-year maintenance-free service with one coin cell battery. Our R&D aim is to provide wireless technologies that offer stable, high-performance even in environments where other wireless systems are jumbled together, while also complying with global frequency spectrum regulations.
Next-Generation Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is one of the most popular types of wireless communication because of its convenience and the fact that anyone can use it easily. Sony aims to further improve the Wi-Fi experience by conducting R&D into next-generation Wi-Fi and proposing technologies to the international standardization bodies. Not only video streaming and gaming, but 3R (reality, real time, remote) cases like VR/AR and remote working require higher capacity, lower latency, and better coverage than ever before. Sony is conducting R&D into access-point coordination technology as well as low-latency and high-reliability communications technology to realize these scenarios.
Next Gen. Content Distribution Technology
Recently, in the flat-rate content distribution service that major content providers are mainly providing, it is popular to use streaming technology which is adaptive to the network band. Data volumes are also increasing rapidly in VR content distribution services in order to achieve higher levels of immersion. This requires new streaming technology that adaptively streams ranges for viewing. Together with our Entertainment Division, we are developing and standardizing VR distribution technology.
Ultra-High-Speed Optical Communications
To achieve a ultimate sense of realism, Sony is developing leading-edge communications technologies for ultra-high-speed data transmission between devices. Future VR and holograms will require higher data transmission speeds than ever before, and this will be an area that cannot be realized by either wireless technologies or electrical cables, both of which incur speed limits. Rather, ultra-high-speed optical transmission using optical fibers is required. Sony will take on the challenge of developing leading-edge optical communications technology and support the further evolution of entertainment in the future.
Sensing IoT Platform for Sustainability
To realize a sustainable society, it is more important to constantly watch over things on Earth, detect signs of abnormal changes, and prevent them before they occur, rather than to deal with environmental problems after they occur. To achieve this, we need devices and networks that can function in mountainous and coastal areas that are not serviced by conventional communications and power-supply infrastructures. We need to be able to collect sensed data in the cloud, analyze the signs, and then feed them back to the population. To this end, Sony will comprehensively develop ultra-low-power edge AI processors, system software, edge AI development tools, ultra-wide-area sensing networks, and predictive analytics in the cloud. We will then configure a platform that we will provide at low cost. This will contribute to the prevention of environmental destruction, the detection of signs of disasters being caused by climate change, and the improvement of productivity in the agriculture and livestock industries.
