The advent of cellular networks has revolutionized the way we communicate and connect. With emerging applications like the Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), the need for cellular networks has become more pressing than ever. However, for these networks to become ubiquitous and cater to the needs of emerging applications, service assurance has become a critical factor for success.
The Importance of Complete Network Visibility
In any network, complete visibility is essential for seamless operations. With cellular networks, things become even more complex, and full visibility of the network becomes imperative. If an issue arises, it can have a severe impact on customers and their experience. Therefore, automated recovery in case of customer-impacting issues is crucial. Without comprehensive visibility, detecting and fixing the problem will become a cumbersome task.
Stringent Service Assurance Requirements for Private LTE/5G Networks
Private LTE/5G networks typically have more stringent service assurance requirements than public networks. Since they are designed for enterprise use-cases, businesses require uninterrupted service at all times. Any unexpected downtime can affect the bottom line of companies. Therefore, a well-implemented service assurance model is critical for private networks.
The Role of Orchestration and Automation in Service Assurance
Orchestration and automation play a crucial role in service assurance. In cellular networks, multiple components such as the Radio Access Network (RAN), core network, and transport network need to work seamlessly with each other. Orchestration and automation can help automate tasks like configuration management, fault detection, and fault isolation, allowing for faster identification and resolution of issues.
Standardization bodies play a crucial role in defining requirements and procedures. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) are among the standardization bodies working toward defining the requirements and procedures for Zero Touch Network and service management. By defining these requirements and procedures, these standardization bodies ensure that cellular networks can be deployed more rapidly, are more reliable, and cost-effective.
Importance of a powerful NWDAF for Closed-Loop Service Assurance
Closed-loop service assurance is a holistic approach to managing cellular networks. To implement closed-loop service assurance, you need both a powerful Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) and a containerized service assurance solution that provides network monitoring, optimization, and insights from the RAN to Core. The NWDAF plays a crucial role in closed-loop automation by enabling the collection and analysis of network data. Containerized service assurance solutions provide insights, data visualization, and automated workflows.
Zero-Touch Network
Zero-Touch Network and Service Management is a concept that aims to automate the network and service management process entirely. With the help of closed-loop automation frameworks based on advanced Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) techniques, networks can be managed without human intervention. Such automation frameworks lead to a completely zero-touch network.
Emphasis on Customer Experience for Success
While 5G and private networks are evolving rapidly, the customer experience remains a pivotal element for their success. A positive customer experience can bring a range of benefits for businesses and foster a healthy relationship. Therefore, there must be a focus on identifying and addressing customer pain points, delivering seamless service, and providing prompt service restoration.
The Key to Success: Service Assurance Infrastructure for Measurable KPIs
In any network, measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are crucial for determining its health and behavior. For cellular networks, there are specific KPIs that businesses can use to determine the network’s operational efficiency. Setting up the proper service assurance infrastructure for measurable KPIs, and frameworks to monitor them and take preventive and corrective actions, is the real key to success.
In conclusion, the success of cellular networks such as 5G and private networks heavily relies on the efficient implementation of service assurance. Although network deployment is critical to network success, diligent efforts and planning are necessary to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and frameworks to optimize the network’s performance holistically. With proper service assurance implementations, networks can be optimized to offer high-speed, low-latency connectivity, low-energy consumption, and secure data transmissions. The future of cellular networks looks even brighter because of these implementations, and they will pave the way for other emerging technological undertakings.