NTT DoCoMo pilots quantum network optimization

By Kelly Hill August 20, 2024

Collected at: https://www.rcrwireless.com/20240820/test-and-measurement/ntt-docomo-pilots-quantum-network-optimization

DoCoMo reported being able to reduce paging signal congestion by 15% at peak calling times

Japanese mobile network operator NTT DoCoMo has tested a hybrid quantum-computing-based network optimization approach from D-Wave Quantum, and plans to deploy the solution at its branch offices over the coming months.

DoCoMo was able to use the hybrid quantum solution to achieve “demonstrable mobile network performance improvements,” according to a joint press statement from the two companies. Specifically, DoCoMo use the quantum optimization to ease congestion at mobile base stations during peak calling times by reducing paging signals by 15%, through prediction of mobile device movement patterns and subsequent optimization of which base station devices would connect to.

The pilot testing was conducted in parts of Japan’s Tokai, Chugoku and Kyushu regions and compared to typical methods of approaching the same problem.

As D-Wave explained it, its hybrid-quantum technology was used to “optimize base station tracking areas — which are small geographical regions — that collectively send paging signals and process extensive historical data on device movements between stations.” That helped NTT DoCoMo to predict future device movement patterns and “determine the best combination of base stations to re-establish connections as devices move between tracking areas,” the companies said.

“The data volume transmitted through paging signals has been increasing, and if there is no response from the terminal, data must be resent over a wider area. In addition, the recent proliferation of smartwatches and IoT devices has resulted in an increased volume of paging signals, which has put a burden on base station facilities, generating an issue,” DoCoMo said in a June 2024 paper describing the scope and result of the quantum trial. DoCoMo said that this was the first demonstration of development of an algorithm that reduces paging signaling using a quantum computer.

“While a general-purpose solver took 27 hours, D-Wave’s hybrid solver completed the same task in just 40 seconds,” according to D-Wave and DoCoMo. “The test results showed that quantum optimization led to a 15% reduction in paging signals, allowing approximately 1.2 times more terminals to be connected during periods of high call volume.”

“We anticipate that our quantum optimization strategy will further refine network efficiency, allowing us to maintain high-quality service without additional infrastructure investments as network traffic increases,” said Takatoshi Okagawa, director of research and development strategy at NTT DoCoMo. “With D-Wave’s hybrid quantum technology, we aim to set a new standard in the telecommunications industry for operational performance.”

With proof of the quantum solution’s applicability to improving network performance, DoCoMo says it is also looking at applying quantum optimization across its other business units, including including finance, retail, traffic and logistics, among others.

“Telcos are faced with a slew of increasing operational complexities — from 5G implementation to ever-shifting consumer demands — and need novel solutions to maintain a competitive edge,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “DoCoMo’s successful pilot sends a clear signal — that today’s quantum technologies are capable of solving telcos’ complex optimization problems, with the potential to elevate customer satisfaction, maintain network performance and mitigate rising infrastructure costs.”