This week, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 RIC Forum. I had the pleasure of witnessing application vendors and universities showcase their RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller) Apps and their real-world applications with live demonstrations.
During the event, Dr. Dan Massey, FutureG's Director of Advanced Component Development & Prototypes, moderated an insightful panel discussion that delved into the realm of military applications for RIC Apps. With esteemed participants including Dr. Carl Kustche from Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Dr. Dinesh Bharadia from UC San Diego, Jeff Davis, a FutureG Program Manager, and Mark Kahn from Lockheed Martin, they explored the importance of proactive development within the DoD.
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the urgent need to address security concerns tailored to DoD requirements. It highlighted the necessity for swift R&D and prototyping to adapt to the ever-evolving dynamics of modern warfare. The panelists emphasized the significance of in-house innovation and collaboration to effectively align with the rapid tempo of military operations.
Additionally, I found the panel discussion on enhancing security within the RIC ecosystem particularly enlightening. It was skillfully moderated by Carl Kutsche of INL, and the insights shared by panelists such as Philip Porras of SRI, Steve Vogelsang of Nokia, Scott Poretsky of Ericsson, and Yongdae Kim of Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) were truly valuable. They touched upon crucial topics like integrating security features into the RIC, enhancing security in OpenRAN, and the ongoing efforts in security validation and verification.
As the Principal Director for the FutureG Office, I am committed to advancing innovation in the telecommunications sector in alignment of DoD requirements, and plan to capitalize on the momentum gained from the 2024 RIC Forum to further propel technological progress.
