Mobile communication technologies and edge computing
Digital Media & Communications
Mobile communications (5G and the upcoming 6G generation) and edge computing represent a major opportunity for companies across a wide range of sectors. Vicomtech has been committed to these technologies since 2013, anticipating the impact they will have on data generation and the new services they enable.
On 6G and Edge Computing
The convergence of 6G and Edge Computing is redefining next-generation networks. These networks do more than just transmit data; they process it in real time, close to where it is generated.
The cornerstone of this architecture is distributed intelligence: the network's ability to self-manage autonomously. This is made possible by network virtualization and programmability, as well as decentralized edge computing, which provides processing power closer to the data's point of origin.
The improvements offered by these networks go far beyond transmission speed:
- Better performance in high-density environments. At live events, concerts, or stadiums with large numbers of concurrent users, or in Industrial IoT (IIoT) settings, next-generation communications enable the prioritization and management of massive traffic volumes.
- Reliable connections with high mobility. They provide stable links to autonomous systems (AGVs, industrial robots, drones, or UAVs) and to vehicles reaching speeds of 500 km/h.
- Ultra-low latency (~1 ms). Thanks to Edge computing and improvements in radio communications, real-time possibilities emerge—such as computation offloading: shifting processing tasks to the Edge to lighten the load on devices.
- Open standards (O-RAN). They facilitate the deployment of private corporate networks and ensure interoperability between vendors.
- Support for non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Using satellites or drones to extend connectivity in remote environments or areas without coverage.
The transformation of 6G networks relies on the automation of their operational processes. Artificial intelligence, combined with standard, open interfaces (APIs), will equip networks with dynamic programmability capabilities: they will be able to reconfigure themselves and select radio and Edge resources in real time to adapt to changing traffic and the demands of future services.
Vicomtech actively participates in the development of these technologies through various forums and alliances, establishing itself as a key player in the design of 6G and Edge Computing solutions tailored to businesses.
Application sectors
Mobile communications and edge computing technologies open up new business opportunities in sectors such as:
- Industry
- Mobility and transport
- Energy
- Health
- Media and entertainment
Tactical Bubbles
Tactical bubbles are ultra-secure, portable, and fully autonomous private mobile communication networks. They enable the deployment of high-speed, low-latency connectivity in a matter of minutes, even in scenarios where commercial infrastructure is non-existent or has collapsed.
They are ideal for critical scenarios such as emergencies, defense, or connected industry, especially in extraordinary situations—such as fires or natural disasters—that leave an area without coverage.
Vicomtech equips these portable networks with advanced capabilities through three key technological pillars:
- Integrated artificial intelligence. It brings cognitive capabilities to the infrastructure to autonomously optimize traffic and prioritize critical communications through network slicing. The network thus becomes a strategic tool for making immediate operational decisions in the field.
- Edge Computing. It enables the local analysis of massive data streams—such as high-definition video or data from connected sensors—and allows processing to be adapted to network and operational contexts. By processing data at the deployment site itself, reliance on centralized clouds is eliminated and response times are reduced.
- Flexible radio access architecture. It combines various access technologies (5G/6G, Wi-Fi) and seamlessly interconnects with other networks, such as satellite networks or other tactical bubbles. This ensures redundancy against interference or signal loss and guarantees interoperability with equipment already deployed in the field.
This combination makes tactical bubbles a key solution for sectors such as defense, emergency services, energy, and industry, where rapid deployment and network reliability are critical.
- Noteworthy Projects
- Related News
09.05.2024
Vicomtech participates in the seventh edition of the 5G FORUM Conference in Seville presenting the new project 6G DIFERENTE
Together with 11 other Spanish entities, Vicomtech attended the 5G technology meeting from 6 to 10 May presenting 6G Diferente, the new initiative of the Cervera Network, led and coordinated by the centre itself with the participation of Gradiant and i2cat.
28.06.2022
On Wednesday, June 22th, Donostia-San Sebastián hosted the visit of Red.es, an entity of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation
The main aim of the visit was to learn about the use cases that are being developed in the city as part of the 5G Euskadi project, for which Vicomtech, together with CAF, Ikusi and Ceit, is providing a connected car.
30.11.2021
The EU project 5G-IANA kicks off to accelerate the creation and commercialisation of 5G-based Automotive Applications
An Open 5G Intelligent Experimentation Platform will be developed and available for companies in the sector. The disruptive approach of the project intends to exploit obtained results through 7 different use cases. The project gathers 16 partners from 8 European countries
26.07.2021
Vicomtech participates in 5G-IANA, the new European project that accelerates the creation and commercialization of automotive applications based on 5G smart grids
An Open 5G Intelligent Experimentation Platform will be developed and available for companies in the sector. The disruptive approach of the project intends to exploit obtained results through 7 different use cases. The project gathers 16 partners from 8 European countries
Looking for support for your next project? Contact us, we are looking forward to helping you.
