The workshop focused on the disruptive changes that cloud-based networks are bringing to the telecoms industry. For decades, we have known telecommunications networks that were built by design to enable voice and data communications, but were often limited in terms of capacity, security and protection of personal data. However, things have changed significantly in the last decade.
The workshop brought together a number of experts who presented various aspects of cloud-based networks. Marko Štefančič opened the workshop with a presentation of current trends for communication service providers. Urban Sedlar explained modern cloud infrastructures and stressed the importance of taking care of the physical and virtual layer of cloud networks. Jelena Burnik highlighted the topic of privacy in the cloud and the importance of defining the data controller. Robert Korošec, Aljaž Oman and Aleš Gros made similar points about the complexity and governance of cloud infrastructures.
Representatives from three of the largest global ICT infrastructure providers (Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia) presented the use of cloud infrastructure in data storage, computing power and the composition of core and access parts of networks.
Tamas Boday from Huawei Technologies presented "How can network operators leverage cloud services to enable a new service architecture?" He stressed that cloud-based infrastructure is fundamental to the digital transformation of enterprises, which leverage digital capabilities to improve operations and increase efficiency in changing circumstances. Huawei Cloud Pangu was introduced as a pioneering platform for the development of AI on an industrial scale.
Csaba Novak from Ericsson spoke about the Ericsson Cloud Radio Access Network (Ericsson Cloud RAN), presenting the separation of the software and hardware of the RAN baseband and highlighting the benefits of this approach. Cloud RAN allows running applications on different hardware using tools and processes from the cloud to manage both software and hardware.
Andrea Del Core from Nokia presented on "Industrial 5G and edge computing in the cloud: the basis of the industrial digital transition". He highlighted the importance of industrial 5G private campus and cloud edge computing platforms for innovative industrial automation and digitisation processes. These platforms need to ensure operational reliability, cybersecurity, mobility and scalability, and take into account the limitations of the technologies.
The second part of the workshop focused on the user, ethics and security aspects of cloud-based networks. Presentations by David Jelenc, Uroš Majcen and Boris Škrelj touched upon the security risks associated with cloud networks and the safe transition to cloud-based container networks. Matjaž Beričič presented best practices in managing cloud-based public 5G networks, while Urban Zaletel and his co-authors discussed cloud-based private 5G networks. Jure Jerman presented the challenges faced by meteorological services in implementing cloud technologies in their processes. Andrej Črepinšek, Izidor Žontar and Miran Ficko described cloud-based business processes in a manufacturing company and infrastructure management in an insurance company. Igor Bohinc focused on cloud services in public administration, while Peter Geršič highlighted the lack of strategic development of cloud infrastructure at local level.
The workshop provided a comprehensive insight into the advantages and disadvantages of cloud-based networks and highlighted the importance of the user and ethical considerations in the development and implementation of technologies. Participants agreed that it is crucial to ensure that technology serves humanity and contributes to the advancement of society.
The event was a successful platform for exchanging ideas, learning about new trends and networking between telecoms professionals and companies. All presentations contributed to a rich and informative event that will undoubtedly influence the further development of the telecommunications industry.
