CSPs' progress towards autonomous networks
Autonomous networks (AN) are the key to making the concept of zero-touch operations a reality. However, TM Forum’s research shows that CSPs’ progress towards full AN maturity is perhaps not as advanced as you might think given the industry’s recognition of the benefits of AN.
Dean Ramsay
CSPs' progress towards autonomous networks
TM Forum’s member group the Autonomous Networks Project (ANP) came together in 2019 to define fully automated, zero-wait, zero-touch, zero-trouble innovative network/ ICT services.
CSPs can use these services for vertical industries’ users and consumers, supporting self-configuration, self-healing, self-optimizing and self-evolving telecoms network infrastructures for telecoms internal users.
These users may be spread across planning, service/marketing, operations and management.
AN incorporate a simplified network architecture, autonomous domains and automated intelligent business/network operations for the closed-loop control of digital business, offering the best possible user experience, full lifecycle operations automation/autonomy and maximum use of resources.
A key piece of TM Forum’s ANP work has been to develop a six-step maturity model for AN, against which CSP’s can understand and measure their progress.
The ultimate goal for AN is for CSPs to support a set of innovative business models and network services that enable the digitalization of vertical industries such as smart cities, manufacturing and autonomous vehicles.
In addition, the aim is for them to improve the digital life of consumers through fully automated and intelligent business, ICT and network operations. This is done by taking advantage of AI, big data, cloud computing, IoT and 5G, making services simpler to consume, and by delivering a “Zero X” (zero-wait, zero-touch, zero-trouble) experience.
Automation of the enterprise will enable operators to provide AN capabilities in one of two ways: as-a-service – a one-stop, real-time, on-demand, automated, end-to-end lifecycle of network/ICT services as-a-platform, which will enable ecosystem collaboration between verticals and network/ ICT service providers.
Nonetheless, there is a long path to get there. In our latest report we look at some current real-world evolutional projects and examine what it means for a CSP to progress to full AN maturity.
Download the report to find out more.
