The 5 Features of Networks That Self-Learn

The rise of broadband over the next decade will increase global GDP by about 4.5% and make distance less relevant to business activities. Based on cloud-based technologies, particularly SDN, the expansion of broadband first in enterprise networks and then in telecom networks, has been a key driver of ICT development over the past 20 years.
Cloud technologies have enabled central network control and management and helped carriers along the path of digital transformation. The core principles of network cloudification are automation coupled with boosting the value of network connectivity to give users a better service experience.
However, a huge gap between SDN and autonomous networks still exists. In this post, I look at how automated, intelligent networks can self-learn, capture business intent, and assure that resources can be channeled into the services that meet this intent.
Focusing on users
Network intelligence is crucial for service operations. Currently though, carriers lack awareness of the whole network and cannot handle network faults quickly, making it hard to guarantee user experience.
Higher service quality requirements and scattered resources increase the burden on networks. For example, the sudden traffic spikes that affect mobile transport networks can only be addressed after user complaints have been received – when it’s too late.
All challenges in carriers’ core service operations boil down to equipment-centric network O&M. C-level executives recognize that their networks weren’t designed to center on users or services. That’s why they must build intelligent networks that sense requirements in real time and dynamically configure network resources to provide the services that meet these requirements
The solution lies in what we call the Intent-Driven Network.
Intent-Driven Networks enable digital twins that connect physical infrastructure to business needs, and drive the network based on customers’ business intent and corresponding service policies. User experience is at the center of intent-driven networks based on five major features.
The 5 features

1. Predictive analysis: Using big data and AI, the network can predict network issues, optimize network performance, and troubleshoot potential problems before they occur. It can also perceive the service experience of every user in real time. Able to self-learn, the network gets more intelligent as time goes on, boosting its ability to perceive issues that may occur network-wide and with user experience.
2. Simplicity: The architecture, protocols, sites, and O&M achieve full-lifecycle automation so the network is more agile and efficient. Network resources are better utilized and services are more flexible.
3. Ultra-broadband: The latest UBB technologies achieve huge numbers of connections, ultra-low latency, and ultra-high bandwidth.
4. Openness: The network can interconnect with various third-party platforms to build an open industry ecosystem.
5. Security: The network identifies security threats in advance.

Intent-Driven Networks will be integrated into various service scenarios and help carriers build solutions for future business scenarios.
Solutions for agile private lines, 5G transport, premium broadband, and enterprise campuses will help carriers reshape their business models, and bring enterprises and carriers closer together. With intelligent, simple, and secure Intent-Driven Networks that are open and feature UBB capabilities, global carriers to build user-centric intelligent networks for the benefit of all.

Disclaimer: Any views and/or opinions expressed in this post by individual authors or contributors are their personal views and/or opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of Huawei Technologies.