In an interview with TimesTech, Kaushik Sinha, Senior R&D Director and Head of Mobile Systems at Fujitsu Research of India, shares insights on the company’s 6G strategy. From securing open RAN architectures to integrating AI/ML for intelligent automation, and adopting ARM-based systems for energy efficiency, Fujitsu is leading innovations to build sustainable, resilient, and ultra-fast networks that will power the next era of digital connectivity.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: As we look ahead to 6G, how is Fujitsu addressing the expanded security threat landscape introduced by virtualized and open RAN (ORAN) architectures? What frameworks or innovations are you developing to proactively safeguard networks?
Kaushik: As we prepare for 6G, Fujitsu is addressing the expanded security challenges of virtualized and open RAN (ORAN) architectures through a multi-layered security framework. This framework integrates zero-trust principles, robust authentication, and strong encryption to safeguard data and network components.
We prioritize continuous monitoring, rapid vulnerability management, and compliance with industry standards to ensure resilience. By leveraging the transparency and collaboration inherent in open RAN, we conduct rigorous code reviews and promote secure interoperability.
To proactively protect networks, we are developing advanced tools for real-time threat detection and automated response, integrated into our service orchestration platforms. Fujitsu’s expertise in end-to-end open RAN solutions ensures that security and openness are seamlessly combined, enabling a trusted and agile 6G network environment.
TimesTech: With AI/ML becoming integral to telecom operations, how is Fujitsu leveraging these technologies specifically in mobility scenarios to drive down operator OPEX while preparing for the intelligent automation demands of future 6G networks?
Kaushik: As mobile networks evolve toward 6G, Fujitsu is leveraging AI/ML to enhance operational efficiency and prepare for intelligent automation. Our approach uses advanced data analytics and automation to manage the increasing complexity and performance demands of modern mobile networks.
Fujitsu’s intelligent network applications transform how operators manage and optimize mobile infrastructure. Using advanced modeling and predictive analytics, our solutions enable real-time anomaly detection, rapid root cause analysis, and proactive traffic management. This allows operators to resolve issues in minutes, reducing manual intervention and operational expenditures (OPEX).
In mobility scenarios, we focus on optimizing resource allocation. Our tools estimate user experience quality in real time, dynamically adjust resources, and intelligently activate or deactivate base stations based on predicted traffic conditions. This ensures a seamless user experience during peak loads or emergencies while reducing energy consumption and costs by minimizing unnecessary resource usage.
Our multi-vendor, multi-domain management capabilities enable operators to integrate these solutions into existing environments without disruptive overhauls. This creates a resilient, adaptive network that scales efficiently to meet future 6G automation demands, allowing operators to prioritize innovation and service delivery over routine troubleshooting.
Fujitsu is committed to providing practical, actionable tools that streamline operations, lower OPEX, and pave the way for intelligent, automated 6G networks.
TimesTech: Fujitsu has made significant strides in power savings through the adoption of ARM architecture. Could you elaborate on how these innovations are contributing to energy efficiency across network infrastructure, and their relevance in shaping sustainable 6G networks?
Kaushik: Fujitsu’s adoption of ARM architecture is a significant step toward enhancing energy efficiency in network infrastructure. By leveraging the ARMv9-A platform, we deliver high-performance computing with substantially reduced power consumption. This approach supports our commitment to sustainable network solutions, enabling efficient data processing and lower emissions for current and next-generation networks.
As we prepare for 6G, these advancements are critical. Our ongoing R&D optimizes network operations and base station power management, embedding sustainability at every network layer. These efforts align with our environmental goals and empower partners to achieve their sustainability objectives during the transition to 6G.
TimesTech: Security within ORAN environments is often underemphasized in mainstream discussions. What are the most critical security vulnerabilities in ORAN that the industry should prioritize—and how is Fujitsu collaborating with ecosystem partners to address them?
Kaushik: Security in ORAN environments is critical due to risks from openness, virtualization, and multi-vendor integration. Key vulnerabilities include exposed management interfaces, malicious or poorly implemented apps, and the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) platform as a high-value target. Attackers could exploit weak authentication, unprotected interfaces, or improper third-party software onboarding, potentially causing service degradation or unauthorized access.
Fujitsu addresses these challenges with a multi-layered approach, collaborating with ecosystem partners to implement robust security protocols, including mutual TLS, strong authentication, and zero-trust principles across all interfaces. We conduct continuous interoperability testing, rigorous verification of third-party components, and actively participate in industry initiatives to advance security standards. This ensures ORAN deployments are resilient, secure, and prepared for evolving threats.
TimesTech: Given Fujitsu’s joint research on sub-terahertz technologies with partners like NTT DOCOMO and NEC, how do you see this work influencing 6G use cases such as ultra-low-latency communications, holographic presence, or autonomous systems?
Kaushik: Fujitsu’s collaborative research on sub-terahertz technologies with NTT DOCOMO and NEC is advancing 6G capabilities. By enabling ultra-high-speed wireless transmissions, we are paving the way for transformative use cases. These advancements support seamless ultra-low-latency communications, immersive applications like holographic presence, and the reliability and speed required for autonomous systems. High bandwidth and Throughput (e.g., 100Gbps or more) which are possible using sub-terahertz technology are expected to be key enablers for relevant use cases, such as, holographic presence. Our innovations in high-efficiency signal amplification and power management extend communication range and reduce energy consumption, ensuring 6G networks meet the demands of next-generation services across diverse sectors.
TimesTech: As networks become more disaggregated and software-driven, what role do intelligent Network Management Systems (NMS) play in preemptive fault detection, performance optimization, and overall 6G readiness?
Kaushik: Intelligent Network Management Systems (NMS) are critical for disaggregated, software-driven networks. Complexity in overall network management because of many newer network elements, newer interfaces and demanding targets to do proactive rather than reactive fault detection can only be best realized with learning techniques. They enable real-time monitoring and autonomous control, detecting potential faults before they disrupt services. By dynamically allocating resources and adapting to traffic patterns, NMS optimize performance and ensure high reliability amid fluctuating user demands. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and enhances energy efficiency. As we advance toward 6G, intelligent NMS provide the flexibility, scalability, and resilience needed for next-generation connectivity, enabling operators to meet the demands of future digital societies.
