Unlocking a hyper-automated future of possibilities
Autonomous Network Operations
The future of network operations lies in self-optimizing Autonomous Networks, driven by intent and empowered by AI and hyper-automation. These cutting-edge networks can seamlessly navigate the growing complexities of the digital landscape to achieve precise business objectives with unparalleled efficiency.
The future of network operations is autonomous
As 5G is ubiquitous now and eventually 6G is introduced, network operations become more complex and require greater agility and minimal manual intervention to ensure complexity is simplified for operations.
With this increased flexibility and dynamic adaptation, the network must be managed in real-time to deliver on these requirements. Concepts like "autonomous networks" and "intent" are needed to drive new propositions and automate the network's state to meet performance KPIs, SLAs, and business outcomes.
The future of network operations relies on Communication Services Providers (CSPs) embarking on a journey toward autonomous operations underpinned by Artificial Intelligence and capabilities such as hyper-automation, streamlined processes, and intelligent orchestration.
Autonomous networks (AN) are the goal of this transformation, where the networks can self-configure, self-optimize, self-heal, and self-learn, without human intervention.
Autonomous levels are used as the standard model and metric to measure and fulfill the Autonomous Network service, corresponding business requirements (customer experience, SLA), and critical capabilities across the ecosystem and partners (e.g. customer, CSP, solution provider, integrator, etc.).
TM Forum's Autonomous Network six-level taxonomy connected to CSPs potential business scenarios
From L0 to L3, users’ requirements, goals, and constraints can be reached using policy & rule-driven operations, and requirements are carried over existing interfaces. Level 4 is the next aspirational state, where the network can handle complex processes and scenarios, and where humans only supervise and set policies. From L4, systems can adapt their own behavior with a reduced need for human adaptation through intent-driven interaction. This capability will translate into business flexibility by allowing the introduction of new and customized services without human intervention.
However, rather than aiming for a specific level of autonomy, service providers should focus on the value that each level of autonomy can bring to their network and customers and adopt the solutions that best fit their needs as well as technology and economic goals.
The yin-yang of autonomy
Autonomous networks and Autonomous Network Operations are two sides of the same coin with both required to evolve towards becoming fully autonomous.
Autonomous networks introduces capabilities that will support the delivery of autonomy within the network. These include simplified architectures, autonomous domains, data acquisition, orchestration, along with distributed compute, automation & AI capabilities.
Autonomous Network Operations (AN Ops) are the ability to manage an increasingly sophisticated world of network operations to achieve a desired state and business goals by creating a self optimizing Autonomous Network driven by intent and underpinned by AI and hyper-automation.
AN Ops follows a digital transformation approach to evolve the operating model and associated capabilities including AI, and intelligent automation needed to manage and optimize CSP networks and their services.
This is a multiyear journey that will support CSPs in delivering more creative propositions to their customers.
The autonomous network journey
AN Ops needs to be dynamic to adapt to evolving network conditions by continuously learning and changing behavior based on the data received and processed. This is a characteristic of Level 3 maturity and means new types of techniques need to be introduced to enable this. The introduction of rules and policies is static at Level 2 maturity, but to become more dynamic and less reliant on humans’ new techniques (i.e., Generative AI / LLM) need to be introduced, with sufficient oversight, for the automatic creation of new rules and policies in cases where existing ones are no longer relevant to deliver an intent successfully.
For more on the yin-yang of autonomy and the autonomous network journey, listen to this podcast in which George Glass, CTO at TM Forum, FutureNet World founder and CEO Giles Cummings discuss:
- TM Forum's view on the yin-yang role of autonomous operations within the bigger autonomous network picture
- The level 4 autonomous network industry blueprint when coexisting with existing multigeneration networks and legacy systems
- The change in demand for workforce skills with increasing levels of automation and the forseeable implications for the telecom industry
- The main industry challenges, beyond legacy and complexity, to progress faster towards autonomous networks and the top three ways for dealing with these industry challenges
Audio courtesy of FutureNet
The eight benefits of AN Ops
Efficiency and Cost Reduction
Increasing levels of automation achieved through autonomous operations support made operations and delivery more efficient in support – doesn’t read well. Applying autonomous operations significantly reduces the time it takes to configure the network – accelerating response times and delivering efficient network management.
Reduction of manual tasks
The CSP’s network can rapidly respond to their needs with little manual intervention by translating commands (Intents) into network-based actions. Operation teams’ manual efforts in network configurations are minimized as this is done automatically based on the Intent.
Faster troubleshooting and resolution
Because an intent-based network continuously monitors itself, performance issues are identified immediately and then resolved using AI to determine and implement the best solution.
Deliver Superior Network Experience
Through a reasoning loop that actively monitors the network environment, intentbased networks will intuitively ensure that key performance indicators are met. If not, take corrective action in real-time.
Focus on Delivering Business Value
Operations focus is less on network management and more on network value, as greater time can be spent on innovations that provide real value to the business.
Reduced risk and Continuous Compliance
Compliance with CSP Service Level KPIs is continually maintained as the network monitors and corrects issues. Autonomous Operations include business intent capture, translation, and activation; intent-based networks can intuitively align with transforming operations from service level KPIs to business-level KPIs.
Ensure Secure Network Operations
Intent-based networks are equipped to continuously monitor and identify potential threats and vulnerabilities and promptly take measures to isolate them. To streamline network operations, these networks are designed to enforce security and prioritization policies associated with various applications, users, and locations, thereby ensuring network security.
Optimized Analytics
An Intent-Based Network (IBN) leverages optimized analytics to continuously collect, analyze, and act on real-time network data to ensure it meets business and operational goals. By using AI, ML, and closed-loop automation, IBN transforms raw data into actionable insights for self-optimization and self healing.
The autonomous network operations journey
Many CSPs are already on the path towards autonomous network operations. We have already made great progress with the introduction of mass automation and machine learning techniques, but the next challenge will be to get machines to make complex decisions that our service management teams make today. However, a one-size-fits-all journey towards autonomous networks is simply not practical for most CSPs.
Ken Tan, DNB, and Sam Keys’ Toyer at FutureNet Asia 2024
The CTO perspective
Setting the compass for your autonomous network
Learn how to set your compass with Sam Keys’ Toyer at FutureNet World 2024
Embarking on the journey toward autonomous networks requires a carefully crafted strategic roadmap that harmonizes technological advancements and investments with your overarching business goals.
By setting a strategic compass, you can effectively navigate the complexities of transitioning to autonomous networks, ensuring that your technological investments are aligned with and drive your business goals. This balanced approach not only facilitates innovation but also guarantees that your network evolution is sustainable and value-driven.
Deconstructing New Services
Transforming business outcomes into precise functional requirements is crucial for transitioning from "best effort" services to guaranteeing premium Service Level Agreements (SLAs). This involves:
- Understanding Business Goals: Clearly define what success looks like for your organization and how autonomous networks can support those objectives.
- Mapping Requirements: Break down these goals into specific technical and operational requirements that the network must fulfill to deliver on premium SLAs.
- Iterative Refinement: Continually refine these requirements as your business and technological landscape evolves.
Choosing the Right Path
Selecting the optimal route towards autonomous networks requires alignment with your unique business objectives. Considerations include:
- Business Alignment: Align network capabilities with strategic business priorities, such as improving customer experience or reducing operational costs.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Choose a path that allows for scalability and adaptability to future technological advancements.
- Risk Management: Evaluate and mitigate potential risks associated with the transition to higher levels of network autonomy.
Investment Guiding Compass for AN Ops
Developing an investment strategy for 5G autonomous networks requires a guiding framework that ensures alignment with long-term goals. Key elements include:
- Strategic Prioritization: Prioritize investments based on potential ROI and alignment with business objectives.
- Technology Assessment: Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and their potential impact on your network strategy.
- Value Realization: Focus on realizing tangible benefits from investments through improved network performance and new service offerings.
Autonomous network operations are key for thriving in tomorrow’s differentiated connectivity landscape.
