At the core network industry salon during the 15th Global MBB Forum (MBBF) on October 30, 2024, Jake Saunders, Vice President of Asia-Pacific & Advisory Services from ABI Research, delivered a keynote speech titled "O&M Intelligence: The Role of AI/GenAI in Core Network O&M Digital Transformation". In his presentation, Saunders drew upon ABI Research's comprehensive analysis of the autonomous networks (AN) sector to highlight how AI and Generative AI (GenAI) can drive digital transformation across the entire core network lifecycle spanning planning, construction, maintenance, optimization, and operations. He also provided insights into the optimal pace for deploying AI and GenAI technologies.
Beginning with an overview of current trends in core network evolution and service development, Saunders summarized the strategic directions taken by leading global operators, communication service providers (CSPs), and analytical organizations. He emphasized that integrating AI and GenAI is essential for boosting operational efficiency and network reliability, which will greatly advance core network O&M transformation. Saunders pointed out that the capabilities of AI and GenAI — rooted in advanced generalization, professional domain-specific expertise, and access to vast amounts of high-quality data — can lead to the development of E2E automation and intelligence solutions for operators. This advancement promises a substantial improvement in the quality and efficiency of core network O&M. Jake Saunders also proposed a phased deployment strategy to help operators enhance their operational efficiency as their core networks evolve in terms of development scale and service innovation. The strategy includes using small models primarily, then a collaboration of small and large models, and finally, large models functioning as the primary focus and small models as necessary support. The strategy is outlined as follows:
Small Models: These models focus on addressing single-point issues such as cloud-network cross-layer demarcation and signaling storm evaluation to revamp operational processes.
Collaboration of Small and Large Models: As technology evolves, the synergy between small and large models facilitates closed-loop automation across various scenarios, including maintenance, optimization, and operation. This integration encompasses online professional Q&A, as well as alarm and complaint management, which optimizes O&M processes and enhances overall staff productivity.
Large Models: Advanced large models offer automated decision-making capabilities geared toward complex fault diagnosis and risk prediction. This evolution paves the way for intelligent O&M and further streamlining of O&M processes.
In conclusion, he called on global operators to leverage AI and GenAI to accelerate their deployment of the digital transformation strategy for core networks. This effort aims to address the widening gap between rising core network O&M costs and increasing core network complexity, driven by the adoption of cloud-native architectures and full convergence. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the digital-intelligent transformation process.
