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Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Visualization (NFV) for 5G

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By Andrew Aroh

5G will lead to a paradigm shift towards a landscape dominated by wireless connectivity. Major architectural changes are already taking place to accompany this shift:

  • Network Function Virtualization (NFV) will be pivotal
  • Software Defined Networking (SDN) both at the core and edge of the network will be deployed.
  • The architectural changes will provide:
  • Increased computing power
  • Scalability
  • Reduced operational costs
  • Creative business models to enable differentiation
  • 3GPP has defined a service-based architecture where flexibility and dynamic adjustments are the key drivers to meet performance and cost requirements. This architecture defines network functions which can be triggered by other services leveraging Virtualization and Network Slicing.
  • As a reference, Newtec, early in 2019, announced that it would be collaborating with Wind River to utilize its Titanium cloud Virtualization Platform to develop a Newtec Dialog.
  • Wind River’s complete Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) Software Platform Infrastructure will help Newtec leapfrog these 5G requirements.
  • The Titanium Cloud Platform delivers the features needed to successfully build and deploys a virtualized network running multiple Virtual Machines. It also promises lower-cost, highly flexible, and scalable infrastructure and will provide customers with the ability to get better service access anywhere in the world.
  • With SND and NFV Customers and service providers will be able to scale their services to quickly address changing requirements.
  • Introduction To SND:
  • SDN is a Radio Access Network for 5G wireless standards
  • Software Defined Networking is based on Software Radio (also called Software Defined Radio – SDR)
  • SDR is a device in which the supported air interface can be changed through a software only upgrade.
  • SRD techniques has been used in a variety of military and high-end commercial radio devices to date, especially in spectrum monitoring.
  • A conventional SDR design exploits specialized processors such as digital signal processors (DSPs) or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) on a specialized hardware board with embedded codes specific to the application. This technology might be termed “FIRMWARE RADIO” to reflect its lack of portability and dependence on specific hardware devices.
  • In contrast, a general standard SDR design is implemented as portable software (high-lever codes) running on industry- standard equipment. This is termed “SOFTWARE RADIO”.
  • Typically, all of the software is written in C and C++ running on the Linux operating system.
  • The entire system, including the signal processing for the air-interface, is simply a collection of software applications that can run on any general purpose processor (e.g Pentium, Xeon, PowerPc, ARM).
  • The software is designed to allow multiple processors to run on same CPU or board, enabling a single server or blade to support multiple different air-interfaces at the same time, with capacity dynamically shared among all operating air-interfaces.
  • The applied station subsystem brings together a suite of technologies that together provide flexibility, scalability and cost-effectiveness to network operators.
  • The core Software Radio technology enables true multi-standard operation and takes advantage of industry-standard COTs servers, reducing both CAPEX and OPEX and significantly reducing requirements for on-site maintenance
  • The use of advanced multi-carrier RF heads supports multi-standard operation and dynamic capacity reallocation.
  • A switched-fabric standard networking protocol in the front haul makes distributed antenna system (DAS) solutions economical
  • IP everywhere in the backhaul and switch connection enables the use of commodity equipment and multiplex network links.
  • These benefits are the direct consequences of software-centric approach to the radio access network (RAN).
  • The multi-standard software can turn on any of a wide range of server platforms and exploit any of a range of backhaul, fronthaul and RF head equipment, all based around industry-standard, commercially available platforms and networking protocols.
  • The applied subsystem enables carriers to allocate valuable spectrum and backhaul resources to broadband data capacity only in those cells where the customers using the broadband service are active at any given time.
  • Consequently, with the subsystems, network operators can focus infrastructure investments on system configurations that not only meet their specific requirements for features and scalability at minimal cost, but also significantly enhance business model flexibility through enabling software-only upgrades and on-demand spectrum and capacity allocation.
  • In fact the SDR applied subsystem networks in both microcell and innovative vehicle picocell, enterprise in-building, and home deployments can enjoy significant cost and flexibility advantages over conventional alternatives.

 Reducing the cost and complexity of managing wireless-based networks for 5G

  • This involves :
  • Remotely access, monitor and control hybrid networks of terrestrial and satellite broadband network equipment including:
  • Routers
  • Switches
  • Servers
  • Hubs/ Gateways
  • Fire walls
  • Wireless Access Points
  • VSAT MODEMS
  • Antenna Controllers
  • RF Amplifiers
  • GPS devices
  • Power Controllers
  • Reduce the time and resources spent on wireless network maintenance, support and recovery using SDR
  • Increase business availability by providing always-up network monitoring and management.
  • Enforce management security and enable compliance even during outages
  • Centralize and standardize control of core and remote network infrastructure.
  • SATCOM NFV:
  • Satellite Network Function Visualization tool is a three-dimensional analysis and visualization environment that displays all scenario information from the software suite.
  • The Visualization Provides an intuitive view of complex mission and orbit geometries by displaying realistic 3-D views of land, sea, air and space assets, sensor projections; Orbit trajectories and assorted visual cues and analysis aids.
  • The tool takes advantage of today’s readily available Windows and Unix workstations to provide state-of-the-art interactive graphics performance. Its graphics are driven by precise, validated and verified numerical data drived from experts.
  • How can NFV tool benefit your SATCOM NETWORK needs?
  • One software tool for 3D-Visualization of integrated Land, Sea, Air and Space Assets.
  • Ideal situational awareness tool for all phase of complex SATCOM NETWORK FUNCTIONS, and intelligent programs with real-time data interfacing
  • 3-D Visualization with heads-up data display to support operations
  • Professional-quality images, animations, and videos for executive briefings and presentations
  • High-Fidelity (HiFi) Visualization of specialized design, analyses, and operations pertaining to collision avoidance, network coverage assessment and planning, Orbit determination, real-time Visualization, communication, Link analysis, and interference masking systems.
  • Rapid anomaly resolution of satellite operations
  • 3-D Visualization of Sophisticate Networks Integrations
  • Visual design tools for specialized system engineering tasks
  • Advanced Visualization Options provides advanced visualization and output Optimization such as terrain Visualization; a “Flying-camera” capability for sophisticated animation and video production, High-fidelity scence Modeling, Visual design tools for solar-array sizing and sensor Obscuration analysis, and highly realistic scence creation with day-light modeling and anti-aliasing.

Andrew Aroh is President of SSPI Nigeria

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MENXTT TECH NG Offers Affordable Dell Laptops with Flexible Payment Plans

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MENXTT TECH NG, a Lagos-based technology company, has launched an initiative to make quality Dell laptops more affordable for Nigerians through flexible payment plans and extended warranty support.

MENXTT TECH NG Offers Affordable Dell Laptops with Flexible Payment Plans

The company said the initiative was aimed at helping students, entrepreneurs, professionals and small businesses acquire reliable computing devices despite rising technology costs.

According to the company, customers can now purchase premium pre-owned Dell Latitude, Dell Precision and Dell Inspiron laptops at competitive prices, with selected models available under staggered payment arrangements.

The laptops, it said, are designed to meet the needs of users ranging from students and office workers to architects, engineers, software developers, graphic designers and video editors.

Speaking on the initiative, the Co-Founder of MENXTT TECH NG, Mr Anthony Emeka Nwosu, said access to quality technology should not be limited by financial constraints.

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“A laptop is no longer a luxury; it is an essential tool for education, business and career development.

“Unfortunately, many people are forced to settle for unreliable devices because of the high cost of new laptops.

“At MENXTT TECH NG, we want to bridge that gap by providing durable Dell business laptops at affordable prices, backed by a full one-year warranty and flexible payment plans.

“We want every student, entrepreneur, freelancer and business owner to have access to technology that helps them succeed,” he said.

Nwosu explained that every laptop undergoes comprehensive testing before delivery and comes with a one-year warranty, an original charger, a complimentary laptop bag, Windows 11 operating system and Microsoft Office Suite pre-installed.

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He added that the company, an authorised Bitdefender Antivirus reseller in Nigeria, also installs genuine Bitdefender security software on every system to protect customers against cyber threats.

According to him, customers requiring additional productivity tools can also have licensed Foxit PDF software installed on their devices.

Nwosu said the flexible payment option was introduced in response to prevailing economic realities, enabling customers to spread payments over an agreed period.

He noted that the arrangement would make it easier for students, startups and growing businesses to acquire quality computers without placing excessive pressure on their finances.

Beyond laptop sales, the company provides information technology consultancy, computer repairs, software licensing, cybersecurity solutions and digital transformation services to organisations across Nigeria.

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He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy by making dependable computing devices and enterprise technology solutions more accessible to individuals and businesses.

According to him, the initiative reflects MENXTT TECH NG’s vision of combining affordability, quality products and professional after-sales support to help more Nigerians participate in the country’s expanding digital ecosystem. (NAN)

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NITDA Calls for Collaboration to Harness Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth

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National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia and technology professionals to accelerate digital innovation and drive inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.

NITDA Calls for Collaboration to Harness Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth

Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director, Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, representing the Director General of NITDA, delivers a goodwill message at the 20th International Conference on Technology and Computing (RISE 2026) in Jos, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to fostering digital innovation, strategic collaboration, and a technology-driven future for Nigeria.

The agency made the call at the 20th Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference 2026, held in Jos, Plateau State, where stakeholders examined strategies for leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen national development.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, the agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, said Nigeria’s digital transformation would depend on sustained investment in innovation, digital skills, research and strategic partnerships.

According to him, collaboration across the public and private sectors is essential to translate emerging technologies into practical solutions capable of improving governance, creating jobs and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

Onumo said NITDA remained committed to implementing its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan through initiatives that promote digital literacy, research and development, innovation ecosystems, cyber sovereignty and emerging technologies.

He added that the agency was expanding opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs and startups through platforms designed to encourage collaboration, investment and technology-driven enterprise.

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“We are transforming Digital Nigeria into the nation’s foremost innovation platform where policymakers, investors, startups, researchers and technology companies can collaborate to accelerate economic growth and digital transformation,” he said.

He urged innovators, startup founders and technology professionals to participate actively in the forthcoming Builders Summit by showcasing indigenous solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.

Declaring the conference open, the Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, described digital technology as a critical driver of governance and economic development.

Mutfwang said his administration had adopted digital solutions to improve public service delivery, modernise government operations and enhance internally generated revenue.

He also identified technology as a key enabler for agricultural transformation, increased productivity and improved food security, urging participants to ensure that deliberations at the conference translate into practical outcomes for national development.

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Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Muhammad Sirajo, said the conference was organised to strengthen collaboration among policymakers, researchers, regulators, technology professionals and industry leaders.

Sirajo said the conference, with the theme “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance (RISE 2026),” focused on exploring how innovation could accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

He identified artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity and robotics as among the technologies shaping the future of economies across the world.

According to him, Nigeria’s youthful population and expanding digital ecosystem provide a strong foundation for building a globally competitive economy through sustained investment in digital infrastructure, innovation and skills development.

The conference attracted government officials, regulators, academics, development partners, technology professionals and private-sector stakeholders to deliberate on policies and innovations aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation and inclusive economic renaissance.

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Hon. Minister Dr. Kingsley T. Udeh and ASUS To Unveil First of a Kind Flagship Store in West Africa

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In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s technology retail sector, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh SAN, will on Monday, August 3rd, commission a landmark ASUS Flagship Store in partnership with Nigeria’s leading e-commerce group Konga. The state-of-the-art facility is widely regarded as the first initiative of its kind in West Africa.

Hon. Minister Dr. Kingsley T. Udeh and ASUS To Unveil First of a Kind Flagship Store in West Africa

The commissioning will witness the visit of senior executives from the world-renowned technology brand to Nigeria, including EMEA General Manager, Mr. Aaron Tsai, alongside other. One of the purposes of their visit is to reinforce the strategic partnership with Konga and solidify the collaboration between both organisations, further demonstrating ASUS’ commitment to the Nigerian market.

The event is expected to also bring together key stakeholders from government, the technology industry, business community, and the media for what promises to be a defining moment in the evolution of technology retail in the region.

The development comes as Konga continues to accelerate its strategic partnerships with some of the world’s leading technology brands.

For years, Nigerian consumers have demanded more than just access to genuine technology products. They have increasingly sought immersive experiences, expert guidance, after-sales support, and greater confidence when making technology investments. The next chapter in this journey appears to address many of these expectations in a bold and innovative way.

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The forthcoming announcement is expected to bring together global innovation in a manner that reflects the changing realities of today’s technology consumer. It also reinforces the growing confidence that leading international technology companies continue to place in Nigeria as one of Africa’s most strategic digital markets.

Industry analysts note that partnerships of this nature are becoming increasingly important as consumers place greater emphasis on authenticity, hands-on product experiences, technical support, and trusted purchase channels. Beyond selling devices, the future of technology retail lies in building complete customer experiences.

As anticipation builds for Monday, one thing is certain: the ASUS-Konga partnership promises to set new standards for tech retail in West Africa, elevating customer experience and reinforcing Nigeria’s digital transformation narrative.

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