Telecom Review was exclusively invited to Nokia’s Networks 4 The Next (N4TN) media session, which featured live demonstrations of cutting-edge innovations in network management, automation, and AI-powered solutions. Nokia’s regional leaders also shared insights on how Nokia is shaping the future of technology in the Middle East and Africa.
To kick off the session, there was a brief roundtable sharing the essence of the N4TN event and insights into this year’s theme, ‘Generation AI: Networks for AI, AI for Networks.’
From Invisible to Indispensable: Networks in Focus
In his opening remarks, Anis Sinno, Head of Network Infrastructure Field Marketing, Nokia MEA, highlighted that the N4TN event in Dubai (the third edition) serves as a platform for Nokia to collaborate with partners and customers and explore emerging technologies.
“We all know [that], today, all eyes are on AI, and the networks that we build at Nokia is at the center of this revolution.” Sinno noted that although networks are around us all the time, there is no real place where you can see the network. “We believe that N4TN is that event; where you can see, touch, feel, and experiment [with] the networks.”
With a 30% increase in attendance from the previous year, the event has grown into an ecosystem whereby 200 companies and 50 countries are represented. “We acknowledge that, for this era, collaboration is key. We cannot go digital without collaborating with our partners,” he said.
Photo Caption: Media Roundtable
Building on the discussion, Stefano Resi, Head of Data Centers, Nokia MEA, emphasized the integral role of AI in modern life. “We are the first generation that is living and breathing with AI.” AI is here to stay but he clarified that “humanity has no real alternative to [AI] and digital, because digital is enhancing our capability to act together.”
Bridging AI and Networks: Nokia’s Role in Digital Transformation
Indicating the transformative power of cloud technology at the core of digitalization, he cited the evolution of data centers into complex, interconnected infrastructures, stressing the importance of ultra-low latency, high capacity, and security. "This is where Nokia plays a key role, ensuring seamless connectivity between these diverse digital infrastructure components."
Nokia's role in providing premium connectivity and its integration with AI services was also underscored. "We believe that connectivity is at the heart of the data center. Today, data center networks are as complex as cities, if not entire countries, interconnecting countless servers and machines.” Resi mentioned that networks and AI are “symbiotic” as they cannot function without the other.
He explained that AI is created by infrastructure providers and adopted by enterprises and the public sector, but ultimately, it must reach the final user. “Without robust connectivity to the end user, all investments lose their value. If latency and security are lacking, even with high bandwidth, the user experience suffers.”
To fully enable AI and digital services, connectivity from inside the data center all the way to the home must be delivered. “This is exactly Nokia’s mandate: offering optical networking, fixed access solutions, IP networking, and platform management to power the future of digital infrastructure."
He also touched on the shift from traditional supplier-customer relationships to a more open, collaborative ecosystem, with “openness” instilled within the company’s DNA. Along with this, Nokia has committed to upholding long-term ethical business practices, as evident in its ranking among the world’s top 100 most ethical companies.
Also Read: Shaping the Future of Mobile Networks: Insights from Nokia MEA
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Photo Caption: Stefano Resi, Head of Data Centers, Nokia MEA
Following the media roundtable, Telecom Review was led to the demo area of the event wherein Nokia’s team of experts and engineers shared information on various use case scenarios in AI deployment.
The first stop? The fiber broadband stand, where the advanced software for the Broadband Easy Build solution was shown in detail. As demonstrated, the cloud-based app, powered by AI, allows technicians to easily check, monitor, and activate fiber installation. By simply taking a photo of the ports, the app can automatically detect faults and make suitable recommendations.
Photo Caption: First demo showcases Nokia Broadband Easy Build solution
Related: Nokia's New Cloud-Based Service Automates Home Fiber Connection Process
The second demo showcased Nokia’s Wi-Fi Sensing application, which is aiding elderly care. Wi-Fi sensing uses Wi-Fi waves to detect motion and presence and then applies machine learning (ML) algorithms to accurately interpret data and send automated responses. If there’s a sudden change in the heartbeat of a person, the emergency contact or medic will immediately be notified.
Photo Caption: Second demo showcases WiFi Sensing proof-of-concept
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AI-driven networks can sense, think, and act, enhancing availability through proactive failure detection. Nokia’s WaveSuite Health & Analytics uses sensors to detect threats like excavation, while receivers track polarization shifts to ensure accurate data transmission. Advanced digital signal processing enables real-time state-of-polarization (SOP) monitoring, preventing fiber cuts.
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Photo Caption: Third demo showcases State-of-Polarization (SOP) use case
Nokia is also targeting the oil and gas sector by facilitating a fully-immersive AI journey that utilizes CCTV cameras, smoke detectors, and other sensors. For instance, if there’s a change in color in the smoke of the pipes or sudden smoke in one of the factories, the information will be directed to the data centers and an automated notification will trigger immediate action.
Photo Caption: Fourth demo showcases oil and gas sector AI use case
Related: Nokia Launches New Industrial Devices to Enhance Worker Safety
Lastly, the efficiency of the Nokia Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform was presented with a video demonstration. Through this LLM-powered platform, data center operators can send a non-technical query using natural language processing (NLP) to check the status of a particular node in the system. In this initial version, multilingual capabilities are available, while future network enhancements are underway.
Photo Caption: Fifth demo showcases Nokia Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform
