The advent of 5G, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning means wireless networks will become more complex and faster, experts said at an FCC forum on the subjects, Friday.
With the commercial rollout of 5G beginning next year, using higher frequency bands and more small cells, means “the network will become larger than anticipated. How do you deal with all this data? That’s where AI comes in,” said Qualcomm Senior DOE Yongbin Wei. “We envision certain parts of the intelligence stay on the edge. AI can improve network optimization and efficiency.”
Networks will be “more virtualized,” with the need to make changes dynamically, said Wei. Nokia Lab Leader Chris White, agreed, saying networks will become so complex they require automation. “Reliability requires a network that’s self-healing,” and “constantly looking for failures in data traffic,” he said.
Consumer Technology Association lobbyist Michael Hayes noted the U.S. has always had a leadership role in technology, with light-touch regulation. As policymakers ponder the ramifications of AI, it’s important to think about how the U.S. maintains that role, “because it’s good for people. We have control about how products get used,” he said. “We’re in a global race, as Europe and Asia are vying for a leadership role in AI,” Hayes emphasized.
White said: “We need to think about the human element, otherwise we’re developing technology for technology’s sake. Think about the mundane things you do, like driving. AI makes the complexity of a problem smaller,” he said.
Matthew Ruttley, head of data for Frame.io, debunks “the ‘doom and gloom’ we hear about AI taking over jobs. All we’re saying is it has the potential for lots of things. We’re using AI now, like categorizing pictures on your phone.” Comments? Email us.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
December 3, 2018
