ate ultra-broadband deployments and deliver faster data speeds to end-customers using existing copper networks. The G.fast micro-nodes provide a simple, flexibl e plug-and-play solution that can scale in line with demand, allow for both dist ribution point and cabinet deployment models and cut roll-out times in half. Service providers are increasingly turning to technologies like G.fast, which us es existing copper networks to deliver fiber-like speeds to customer over short distances, to meet growing demand for gigabit services. However, to achieve thes e speeds, G.fast technology typically requires the deployment of micro-nodes to be installed close to end-users. This can be challenging for operators to deploy , configure and manage at scale. To help operators scale and accelerate G.fast deployments, Nokia is strengthenin g its portfolio of micro-node solutions to help: Deploy more G.fast - Nokia's industry-leading transmission and vectoring technol ogy allows operators to deliver G.fast over longer distances and to more users f rom a single node. As a result, G.fast can now be used from cabinet, pole, manho le or in-building locations, providing a range of cost-effective deployment mode ls. Deploy G.fast quicker - Zero-touch provisioning allows operators to quickly powe r up and auto-configure each node and avoid local software loading and local pro visioning. This provides a "connect-and-go" option which reduces time of deploym ent by 50 percent. Deploy G.fast better - Accessibility and serviceability of G.fast micro-nodes is improved with SDN/NFV and NETCONF/YANG capabilities. Nodes are pre-provisioned from the cloud and seamlessly deployed in the network. This helps operators to e fficiently scale and manage the network from any location. Nokia's expanding G.fast solution encompasses a number of products that help eli minate the complexity associated with massive scale deployments. Supporting a nu mber of deployment scenarios, the portfolio includes unique micro-nodes that pro vide a wide range of capacity options for FTTdp and FTTN deployments. New in the expanded Nokia micro-node solution: Nokia 7368 ISAM SX-8F - Eight port, sealed G.fast micro-node, designed for easy operations to enter buildings in FTTB/MDU deployments. Nokia 7368 ISAM MX-6 - New G.fast line card for Nokia's high density modular mic ro-node, allowing operators like BT Openreach to deploy G.fast from cabinet loca tions. Nokia Access Controller - Cloud-based controller automates and simplifies deploy ment, maintenance and evolution of the access network in a traditional, SDN, or hybrid management environment. Read more... Nokia and du demonstrate Middle East's first 4K 3D 360 virtual reality vide o streaming using 5G-ready network at GITEX 2016 Nokia and du demonstrate Middle East's first 4K 3D 360 virtual reality video str eaming using 5G-ready network at GITEX 2016 Nokia and du, used Nokia AirScale Radio Access to showcase 360 degree virtual re ality (VR) video streaming for the first time in the Middle East at GITEX 2016 i n Dubai. In the demonstration, 3D 360 VR content created with the Nokia OZO VR c amera was streamed to head-mounted displays using Nokia 5G-ready network, delive ring a fully immersive VR experience for attendees. This demonstration is yet an other milestone for du on its path to 5G technology and taking 5G beyond speed a nd connectivity by demonstrating real 5G use cases. The demonstration at GITEX 2016 used the 5G-ready Nokia AirScale Radio Access on the 4.5 GHz frequency. Using a large bandwidth of 400 MHz and Multiple Input Mu ltiple Output (MIMO) technology, which utilizes multiple antennas to transmit an d receive, Nokia AirScale can offer enhanced capacity and speeds. This enables d u to offer a superior broadband experience to end users. Nokia AirScale technology helps service providers deliver ultra-low latency and massive capacity, which is essential to support real-time IoT, VR, augmented rea lity and new applications such as remote surgery and autonomous cars. Nokia AirS cale allows service providers to run multiple technologies simultaneously on the same platform, supporting both traditional and flexible cloud-based architectur es. Not only does it deliver extreme broadband speeds, but it also supports Mobi le Edge Computing, which uses local content to deliver enhanced services. Saleem AlBlooshi, executive vice president Network Development and Operations, d u, said: Smart cities of tomorrow would require high-speed and low latency connect ivity to connect Internet of Things applications. The demonstration of 3D 360 VR video streaming over 5G-ready system provides a glimpse into the future of one such application. It underscores our commitment to go beyond connectivity and sp eed and providing end-to-end real use cases for 5G. Nokia is our partner for UAE 5G innovation Gate (U5GIG) that will enable UAE to participate in the developme nt and standardization of 5G system. Nokia will continue to be a strategic partn er for 5G network that we will offer in Dubai Expo 2020. Bernard Najm, vice president and head of the Middle East Market Unit, Nokia, sai d: This demonstration at GITEX is a testimony to our leadership position in 5G tec hnology. Nokia AirScale allows operators like du to make the required transforma tions for future bandwidth-intensive applications, while at the same time utiliz ing their existing radio network investment. We are committed to helping du prep are for the programmable world of the future. du and Nokia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a set of common objec tives for the development and evolution of 5G and IoT during GITEX 2015. At the event, the two companies demonstrated the possibilities of 5G systems for future ultra-broadband and critical machine-type communication for the Internet of Thi ngs (IoT) and smart city applications. Read more...