Kurt Pynaert, Autonomous Networks Lead and Bell Labs Fellow, Nokia and
Esa Vesterinen, Principal for Autonomous Networks, Detecon Consulting
A transformational shift towards fully autonomous networks is well underway – but what’s needed for broadband service providers (BSPs) to truly recognize the ability of their networks to anticipate customer needs, pre-emptively solve problems, and optimize performance?
Moving from network automation to fully autonomous networks will take a well-planned, tailored-to-the-provider approach. At Broadband Forum’s upcoming BASe Technical Summit, we’ll explore the steps needed in the path to autonomous networks and outline the key concepts and enabling technologies making this happen. Here’s a preview of what you’ll discover.
The model for autonomous network maturity
BSPs have invested in and implemented automation as they continuously strive to improve and rollout new services to customers, whose needs have a habit of changing rapidly. Continuing that journey towards autonomous networks can help alleviate the operational and technical complexities of introducing new technologies, which risk adding burdensome costs and even damaging customer satisfaction.
The industry – through TM Forum’s Autonomous Network Maturity Model – classifies autonomous networks in respect to their state of autonomy from “L0” (manual operations) to “L5” (fully autonomous networks). Many network operators are preparing to reach a stage of “high autonomous operations” – or L4 – between 2028-2030. Today the average industry telco is between L1 and L2.
The business case for this transformation journey is clear. Research shows that autonomous networks can deliver an average BSP a yearly benefit of $800M. That is split between $650M in CapEx and OpEx savings, and $144M in revenue uplift from faster, more profitable services. Notably, reaching L4/5 unlocks 30% of that opportunity.
Knowing where your network is at – and where it needs to be
Crossing the chasm, to the upper levels of automation, will be best achieved collaboratively. Between engineers, operators, and vendors and through open-source technology and knowledge-sharing communities, the pathway to autonomy will be easier to navigate.
It is important to remember, though, that BSPs on this journey are moving at different speeds, pursuing autonomous networks for reasons unique to their business. Any pathway will be a step-by-step, multi-year one and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all package. For example, the more data intensive a telco’s network is, the more automation is needed to push down the cost of operation.
It’s critical that network operators determine where they are, where they want to be and cost and benefits the transformation brings. Assessing and implementing the maturity levels of autonomous networks depends on knowing the starting point and the current status of the network operations. Setting realistic targets linked to business benefits, and defining a monitorable action plan, are key.
Zero wait, zero touch, zero trouble
Helping BSPs with this are industry-wide autonomous network frameworks, built towards the goal of a “Zero-X” experience and “Self-X” service era. Zero-X refers to the ‘zero wait, zero touch, zero trouble’ experience, through the network’s advanced capabilities in self-management, self-optimization, self-configuration, and self-security services.
These frameworks will also help operators on the autonomy journey navigate concepts such as intent-based networking. This refers to the capturing of “intents” that describe the target state of the network and orchestrating and controlling the network towards that desired outcome. Delivering intent-based, self-organizing networks is a key step towards shifting the focus from intrusive ‘in-the loop’ human actions that are bottlenecks to automation, to minimal human intervention (or ‘on-the-loop’ supervision activity).
Register now for the BASe Technical Summit to hear more
We’ll explore these considerations towards fully autonomous networks on day one of the BASe Technical Summit in Munich, 26-27 June, along with use cases, the wider transformation journey and how it is being shaped.
To register for the event, and to make sure you don’t miss ‘Autonomous Networks – A Transformational Journey’, visit:
https://www.broadband-forum.org/event/base-technical-summit-2025-2
This video from the 2024 BASe Technical Summit provides additional detail, as well as offers a preview of what to expect at the 2025 BASe Technical Summit.