With 5G networks, a self-learning AI-based tool’s ability to manage operations and optimize performance offers clear benefits for mobile operators. That said, we believe that complementing such tools with human creativity and decision-making will help bring the technology’s enormous potential to reality. With this in mind, Samsung has developed an AI tool known as CognitiV Analytics, which can collaborate with human counterparts to help mobile operators resolve various issues related to managing 5G networks.

I’d like to share how Samsung’s latest human-AI collaborative tool helps mobile operators optimize services and manage 5G networks more effectively.

Quality and Collaboration Are Key

CognitiV Analytics represents a big step forward for 5G network management. The solution’s ability to swiftly identify technical issues and accurately analyze network quality stems from two key features. The first is its ability to analyze the performance and quality of services across entire networks, while the second is the collaboration it fosters with its human counterparts.

In order to properly analyze network performance, it requires the collection and evaluation of entire service flows for each and every user. For example, in order to determine the service quality that a subscriber is experiencing when streaming videos, mobile operators need to know how various elements of their 5G networks, including RAN and Core, are operating together, and whether any issues have arisen. This is no small task. Because the sheer amount of raw data from each element is so massive, analyzing that data requires an extremely powerful AI tool.

To aid this process, Samsung and Zhilabs, a Samsung Company, created CognitiV Analytics. This powerful solution collects data from various sources from networks and uses that data to create a big-picture snapshot of the network’s status.

The solution offers comprehensive analysis, making it easier for mobile operators to evaluate and view network performance, services and other valuable information, eliminating the need to utilize multiple analytics solutions to obtain the same information. CognitiV Analytics tool offers the ability to offer fast analysis and also minimizes human error that can come with moving complex data across multiple tools.

By working closely with human counterparts and providing them with detailed explanations of its actions, our CognitiV Analytics solution offers greater transparency on how AI addresses particular problems. Over time, these interactions will help increase the tool’s accuracy and efficiency while enabling mobile operators to become more familiar with and trusting of AI.

The Importance of Strengthening AI Tools

CognitiV Analytics not only showcases what our AI technology is capable of, but it also demonstrates how AI can be used to solve important issues, and proves just how easily it can be incorporated into commercial networks. Included among the solution’s key features are its abilities; to learn using diverse data sets; to apply rule-based analysis; and to implement automation.

CognitiV Analytics’ AI has proven capable of quickly ascertaining important information about mobile operators’ networks even at the initial stage of its implementation, when only small data sets have been available. In order for AI to learn, it must be able to work with both labeled and unlabeled data. A typical data label might indicate whether a photo contains a horse or a cow, or what type of action is being performed in a video. Labeled network data, however, is expensive to obtain, since a few highly trained engineers can perform sophisticated labeling process. Therefore, in order for AI analytics tool to offer meaningful insights even at the initial stage, its AI must be capable of learning from unlabeled data. Our AI has the capability to learn from both labeled and unlabeled data, being able to support mobile operators from day one.

While most 5G network data sets can be analyzed with AI, some data features distinct characteristics that make it unsuitable for AI-based analysis. Such cases require users to apply their own rules, based on their experience and expertise, to assess their data. This is called rule-based analysis. CognitiV Analytics incorporates this analysis by enabling users to mix and match AI-based and rule-based analysis. This streamlines connections by offering mobile operators more accurate evaluations of network performance.

When we talk about automation in 5G networks, we’re talking about a process that typically features four phases: (1) discover the problem, (2) identify the root cause, (3) find the solution, and (4) apply the solution to the network. Some mobile operators tend to prefer to take some time to understand how AI-based analytics tools manage issues in each phase. Those of us in the industry believe this boils down to the familiarity and reliability of AI. Our CognitiV Analytics solution is designed to address the issue by applying each phase in steps, so mobile operators can take time to understand the AI in managing their 5G networks.

Samsung’s CognitiV Analytics is already being utilized in commercial networks that enable connections for hundreds of millions of mobile users. What is notable about this is the fact that our solution supports closed-loop automation, automatically offering recommended configurations for each element of a particular network. It features automatic KPI monitoring and fallback functions to guard against KPI degradation, which helps keep service levels constant across entire networks. In addition, based on its analysis of real-time data, CognitiV Analytics automatically adjusts network configurations to better manage fluctuations in traffic patterns and environmental changes.

Harnessing AI for Future Networks

For today’s mobile operators, proper network management is a complicated and essential part of keeping the world connected. It’s also an aspect of their operations that features no room for error. As the number of connected devices increases and more immersive use cases are introduced, mobile operators require simple tools that aid managing commercial networks and allow them to quickly respond to pressing issues. Powerful, AI-based management tools working closely with human counterparts make this possible.

We look forward to creating a future in which fully automated mobile networks behave like living organisms, promptly identifying issues and resolving them like our body would heal a wound. This means that if, for example, we found ourselves unable to stream a movie on our smartphone, the network’s AI-based management tool would fix the issue on its own. When AI expects an increase in traffic, it would expand network capacity by automatically adding network resources. While it will take some time to make these experiences a reality, we can make them possible by continuing to advance AI the right way.

CognitiV Analytics is a reflection of Samsung’s ongoing commitment to harnessing AI, which will bring incredible opportunities to enrich our everyday lives. Combining the power of AI and human creativity can provide mobile operators with the solutions they need to simplify operations and better manage network resources.

by Chansoo Hwang

Vice President and Head of Network Analytics Group, Networks Business, Samsung Electronics

Joan Raventós, CEO of Zhilabs (Left), and Claudia Park, Vice President and Head of Marketing Group, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics

With many countries prompted to mandate lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders, the concept of ‘business as usual’ has changed and we have adapted to a new norm. This has required employees to work from home and students to take classes online for their safety, transforming daily lives into something we have never experienced before. With consumers across all segments spending more time at home, a reliable network has become increasingly important, serving a critical function in assisting those working remotely, communicating with families and friends or obtaining health-related information online.

We will explore how network traffic patterns in some countries have changed since social distancing and stay-at-home orders were implemented, and how communication service providers (CSPs) can respond.

So, what changes did the lockdown bring to our communication networks?

Traffic Changes¹

Samsung and Zhilabs, a Samsung subsidiary specializing in networks analytics, analyzed data traffic changes using CustomAIr, Zhilabs’ network management solution. The results identified several variations in network data traffic before and after the lockdown in some countries.

Our network sampling revealed that data traffic on both fixed broadband networks and mobile networks increased by 48% and 24% respectively since the lockdown.

Using Zhilabs CustomAIr solution, we also took a closer look into consumer app usage. The traffic of virtual business meeting apps increased by 218%, likely due to work-at-home policies at many companies. Also, with students, the traffic of online class apps rose by 437%. These figures are average numbers taken from the apps monitored. Based on our monitoring tool, certain apps even showed a sharp upsurge in data traffic up to 1,917%, which is an extreme amount of growth in this segment.

Shelter-in-place orders have also caused a significant impact on how we spend time daily. More people accessed online networks in order to stay connected with others and to socialize while staying home. This has led to a traffic increase of 38% in social networking apps and 60% in video call apps.

Moreover, restrictions on outdoor activities have resulted in increased demand for leisure activities that can be enjoyed in the comfort of the living room. The traffic for video streaming apps has increased by 32%, and some gaming apps have recorded an explosive growth of up to 2,065%.

Online supermarket apps for grocery purchases and other necessities have experienced a 35% traffic increase, while healthcare apps that allow users to make doctor’s appointments and to get various medical and pharmaceutical information have also experienced a growth of 234%.

Since the onset of ‘the new normal’, we have been faced with an entirely different network consumption pattern. A large increase in network demand has led to a rise in traffic while users still expect the same network quality as before.

Samsung’s Recommendations for Service Providers

At a time when connectivity has become a lifeline for many, maintaining a reliable network is crucial. As shown in the analysis, the upsurge in data traffic may be a burden on the existing network, since it is difficult to foresee sudden changes and immediately address the increased demands. One of the best ways for CSPs to respond is to analyze data traffic patterns and make improvements in specific areas of the network as necessary. Solutions that generate real-time, end-to-end visibility of their network services at the subscriber level can enable more dynamic service level adjustments and enhance user experience. With these kinds of approaches, CSPs can accurately assess subscribers’ data usage patterns and identify the specific areas where optimization or capacity reinforcement is required.

It is difficult to predict how long current uncertainties will last, but one thing is clear—maintaining connectivity is vital for society. CSPs should have the ability to accurately monitor data traffic usage and manage their networks accordingly.

[by Joan Raventós (CEO of Zhilabs) and Claudia Park (Vice President and Head of Marketing Group, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics]

¹ According to European and Southeast Asian web traffic numbers taken from the same period (Mar 8 ~ Apr 6) in 2019 and 2020 respectively

MWC19 is officially underway and attendees have been flocking to see the very latest offerings Samsung Electronics has on show. This year’s iteration of the world’s largest mobile industry exhibition is themed ‘Intelligent Connectivity’, and in the exhibition’s 4-day span, over 100,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Right at the center of Barcelona’s cutting-edge Fira Gran Via exhibition center, Samsung has installed two dynamic booths showcasing the company’s latest innovations in mobile technology. This year, visitors have been amazed not only by the chance to get a first, hands-on look at the newest mobile devices such as Galaxy S10 5G and Galaxy Fold, but also by Samsung’s groundbreaking advancements in 5G connectivity, which the company has been working on bringing to life over the past decade.

If you’re not able to stop by the Fira Gran Via to learn more about ‘Everything 5G’ this year, here is a rundown of the five biggest topics underlying Samsung’s presence at MWC this year.

Samsung Electronics’ MWC19 booth is packed with attendees eager to take a closer look at the company’s latest innovations.

#1 Introducing Samsung’s First 5G Smartphone, Galaxy S10 5G

At Samsung’s MWC Mobile booth, visitors have been able to get up close and experience the full range of Samsung’s latest mobile innovations. The company’s interactive Mobile booth features the latest additions to flagship range, the Galaxy S10 series, with its latest innovations in display, camera and performance. At the center of Samsung’s MWC Mobile Booth is the Galaxy S10 5G, the company’s first 5G smartphone.

The booth showcased Samsung’s latest mobile offerings – the release of which marks a decade of Galaxy innovation – as well as network solutions that draw from the company’s decades-long expertise in this area.

The Galaxy S10 5G delivers the power of 5G straight to consumers, providing increased network speeds around 20 times faster than 4G and super-low 1ms latency. Users can, with the Galaxy S10 5G, harness the power of 5G to download their favorite HD TV shows and load apps in the blink of an eye, stream their favorite content interruption-free, and break through high-traffic networks at crowded events thanks to its bandwidth capabilities. Visitors to the Samsung booth are also learning how the Galaxy S10 5G allows high-quality, real-time video calling, dynamic maps and AR experiences.

Visitors to the booth enjoy an up-close look at the new Galaxy S10 5G.

Other devices on display for attendees include the Galaxy Fold, Samsung’s first foldable smartphone, Galaxy A30 and Galaxy A50, the upgraded Galaxy A Series starting from the mid-tier portfolio, the new Galaxy Tab S5e, the first tablet to feature Bixby 2.0, the latest additions to Samsung’s wearable mobile ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Buds.

The new Galaxy Fold was on display for the first time to the public at MWC19.

#2 The 5G Era Is Here – And With It Are Brand-New, Super-Fast Experiences

At MWC 2019, Samsung is not only continuing to establish its leadership in 5G connectivity, but also showcasing real-world usage experiences through innovative live demonstrations. Along with providing visitors with a hands-on experience with the Galaxy S10 5G at its MWC Mobile Booth, Samsung has a dedicated Network booth at which visitors are learning about the breadth of the company’s 5G developments firsthand.

Samsung showcased a variety of real-world 5G usage experiences at the event. Here we see side-by-side comparisons – spanning various sectors – of 8K video streaming on 5G and 4G networks.

Global development of 5G networks has seen countries develop 5G solution for frequency spectrums both below 6GHz or above 6GHz, and at the Networks booth, visitors are witnessing how Samsung is paving the way as one of few companies to have commercialized network solutions suitable for both these spectrums including 3.5GHz and 28GHz. Attendees have also been stopping by to see Samsung demonstrate live data communications between its 5G smartphones and 5G radio base stations, with interoperability demonstrations showcasing super-fast speeds of over 1 Gbps.

Furthermore, to the booth are also learning more about Samsung’s pioneering developments in the field of connected products, 5G Vertical – from public safety and Vehicles-to-Everything (V2X) to Smart Factories.

Situated around the Fira Gran Via venue as well as throughout select hotels around Barcelona, Samsung is demonstrating its 5G network solutions by live broadcasting the official media channel of MWC19, ‘Mobile World Live TV’.

Samsung utilized its 5G network solutions to live broadcast MWC19’s official media channel, ‘Mobile World Live TV,’ on screens throughout the venue, and at select hotels across Barcelona.

#3 Industry Transformation: Blending AI and 5G

At this year’s event, Samsung is demonstrating not only the latest in connected living with its 5G solutions, but also in intelligent lifestyle. At the Samsung Mobile booth, a dedicated exhibit is showcasing the latest in the Galaxy Smart Home ecosystem featuring Bixby – connectivity powered by intelligence.

Nearby the Fira Gran Via, Samsung is hosting a Bixby Experience Studio until March 3, where visitors are being provided with an experiential look at Samsung’s seamlessly connected home ecosystem powered by the intelligent Bixby feature inside an interactive smart home environment.

Visitors to Samsung’s booth observe a demonstration of Bixby’s AI-based intelligent home solutions.

Following a full acquisition of Zhilabs in October 2018, Samsung has been developing its artificial intelligence (AI)-based 5G network management solutions; attendees are seeing how, through AI-based deep learning, this system helps to intuitively monitor and analyze 5G network performance.

The adoption of 5G is set to usher in the next wave of technological innovation by accelerating new breakthroughs. MWC attendees can see for themselves brand new use cases of this at partner exhibitor Orange’s booth, which features drones and industrial robot powered by Samsung’s 5G solutions.

A representative demonstrates how, through AI-based deep learning, Zhilabs’ solution helps monitor and analyze 5G network performance.

#4 5G Industry Leadership

Samsung’s end-to-end 5G solutions have taken center stage at this year’s MWC.

Also the attendees are learning about how Samsung’s 5G R&D breakthroughs have been driving wider 5G commercial services around the world. This 5G network leadership has been the key driving forces behind early 5G commercial services in the U.S and Korea since 2018.

Samsung’s latest end-to-end 5G network solutions were on full display at MWC19.

On February 25, the U.S. partner Sprint announced that the company is using Samsung’s 5G New Radio (NR) solutions to prepare the launch of its 5G services, saying in a statement that they were looking forward to giving Sprint customers even greater experiences with 5G. Samsung’s 5G NR solution will be in the commercial network for one of Sprint’s first 5G cities, Chicago, IL.

In addition, Samsung showcased its new next generation 5G Radio Frequency (RF) chipsets, supporting 28GHz and 39GHz. With new RF chipsets, Samsung 5G base stations will be approximately 25 percent smaller, lighter and less power consuming compared to previous iterations. Furthermore, as of February 2019, Samsung has shipped over 36,000 base stations to mobile carriers worldwide.

#5 5G Partnership, on a Global Scale

Taking center stage not only at Samsung’s own Mobile booth, the Galaxy S10 5G is also a feature of various leading partner booths. Visitors to the booths of Vodafone, Orange, Telefonica, Deutsche Telekom and KT among others are able to experience the future of mobile content streaming, gaming and video calling on the brand-new Galaxy S10 5G.

The Galaxy S10 5G is also being showcased at American partner Qualcomm’s booth. On February 25, the Qualcomm 5G Press Conference saw Samsung Electronics Senior Vice President June Hee Lee present Samsung’s future 5G mission and the importance of a connected global ecosystem of partnerships with those who share the 5G vision.

The Galaxy S10 5G was also showcased at Qualcomm’s MWC19 booth.

On day two of MWC, at the GTI Summit 2019, DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, announced Samsung’s 5G strategy in the Chinese market in collaboration with China Mobile, which looks to bring the 5G era to China by launching field trials with the Galaxy S10 5G with an end to providing full commercial 5G availability.

Samsung has also unveiled several exciting new carrier partnerships. Having begun early February and running for a five-month period, Samsung and Fastweb announced that they are conducting Italy’s first 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) trial on a commercial spectrum in Milan. This month also saw Telefonica Deutschland and Samsung conclude a successful fixed wireless access pilot with 5G in Hamburg, Germany. Both are a testament to Samsung’s dedication to collaborating with partners who share the Samsung vision of technology that puts people first.