NTT DOCOMO, INC. has successfully demonstrated the operation of artificial intelligence applications on the general-purpose CPU resources of its virtualized radio access network (vRAN), marking a significant step in network architecture design. This development aims to address the rapid traffic growth fueled by expanding AI services while optimizing operational costs.
As AI-powered services like generative AI and robot control gain traction, network traffic is expected to surge. In response, DOCOMO is exploring a next-generation network architecture called 'In-Network Computing,' where AI processing is executed within the network itself. This approach seeks to continuously analyze various data types available within the network using AI, creating new value while achieving energy efficiency and sustainable operations.
DOCOMO's study of next-generation network architectures focuses on improving user experience, optimizing network traffic, and effectively utilizing computing resources, including various types of xPUs. By leveraging the characteristics of these resources, DOCOMO aims to enhance performance and efficiency from both networking and AI perspectives. This involves deploying high-performance GPUs for advanced AI workloads and CPUs for wide-area deployment and low-power operation at suitable network nodes.
The integration of a platform enabling vRAN functions and AI service applications to run simultaneously on general-purpose servers marks a significant achievement. The demonstration confirmed that a certain level of AI processing can be executed in parallel with communication network processing, even using CPUs. This flexibility allows for network and AI applications to operate without relying on dedicated high-performance accelerators, expanding options for efficient network deployment.
Looking forward, DOCOMO plans to continue studying the optimal placement of computing resources, including CPUs and GPUs, while considering actual traffic characteristics and the requirements of various AI applications. The demonstration utilized a vRAN configuration with commercially deployed products from NEC Corporation, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and HPE.
NTT DOCOMO will further advance the integration and verification of platforms for network infrastructure and AI services, working toward the realization of 'In-Network Computing.' The company aims to collaborate with business partners to design optimal network architectures for the 6G and AI era. This initiative will be showcased at the NTT Group's booth during Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026.