Telecoms need to be able to incorporate new technologies and next-generation
connectivity such as 5G to customers and end users. To achieve these ambitious
goals, they need to optimize their networks – make them more intelligent if you
will. Some of the tools needed include artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning
(ML) and artificial intelligence operations (AIOps). This document will explore what
intelligent networking means to telecoms, vendors and customers, and how AI
and ML technologies and tools can be used, the cultural shifts the industry needs
to make it a success, and what to bear in mind when deploying machine learning
across a telecom network.
The LF Networking (LFN) End User Advisor Group (EUAG) is publishing this
document to identify and highlight the latest thinking and recommendations for
building and supporting intelligent networking and the tools needed to achieve it. It
will touch on the state of automation and adoption of intelligent networking tools by
telecom operators. This is a new area for many in the telecom industry, so the focus
will be on the requirements, tools and approaches that have been deployed, and
some potential future scenarios for intelligent networking and AI/ML tools. Some of
the topics covered will include:
- Fundamental issues and challenges that might be solved by applying
Intelligent networking technology - Establish a definition of intelligent networking
- The promotion of intelligent networking transformations
- Results from a February 2021 survey of telecom operators and vendors in
the industry ecosystem about the current state of industry adoption - How intelligent networking might be incorporated into networks and
processes to improve operations and ensure that the solutions work as
expected in production network environments - Recommended approaches and the potential for open source projects to
contribute to the next generation of intelligent networking tools .
