The telecom industry is on the brink of a transformative shift to an AI Native Techco, how can this be realised technically with a Network as a Service (NaaS) architecture. This innovative approach promises to deliver unparalleled agility, flexibility, and efficiency, revolutionizing how telecom networks operate and serve customers. In this series, we will explore the key capabilities driving this transformation, starting with the foundational aspects of a NaaS technology architecture.
1. SD-WAN Based Transport
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) provides easily configurable and highly scalable connectivity. SD-WAN technology allows telecom operators to manage network traffic efficiently and dynamically adjust resources based on demand. This capability ensures robust and reliable connectivity for various applications, enhancing the overall user experience. SD-WAN also simplifies the deployment of new services, making it easier for customers to scale their network infrastructure as their needs evolve.
Coming soon : Software Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN).
2. Whitebox Data Centre Infrastructure
Whitebox data centre infrastructure involves using standardized, off-the-shelf hardware for data centre operations. This approach reduces costs and increases flexibility compared to proprietary hardware solutions. Telecom operators can customize Whitebox hardware with open-source software to meet specific requirements, enabling rapid deployment and scaling. Whitebox infrastructure also facilitates interoperability and innovation, allowing operators to optimize their data centre environments for various workloads.
3. Edge Compute Infrastructure
Edge computing brings data processing closer to the end user, reducing latency and enhancing performance. By deploying edge nodes, telecom operators can deliver real-time applications and services, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and autonomous vehicles, with minimal delay. Edge computing also supports the growing demand for low-latency applications in smart cities, industrial automation, and healthcare. This capability is essential for meeting the performance expectations of modern consumers and businesses.
See our series of articles covering edge compute in Telco.
4. Leveraging Public Cloud for IaaS, CaaS, PaaS, and AI Enablement:
Utilize public cloud offerings, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Container as a Service (CaaS), to build a flexible and scalable infrastructure. These services allow for on-demand resource allocation, efficient workload management, and cost-effective scalability.
Support AI enablement with Platform as a Service (PaaS) components, which provide ready-to-use environments and tools for developing, testing, and deploying AI solutions. PaaS offerings often include machine learning frameworks, data analytics platforms, and AI-specific tools, enabling faster innovation and reducing the complexity of AI development.
See our series of articles covering public cloud in Telco...
5. Deployment of Cloud Native Infrastructure
A cornerstone of NaaS is the deployment of a cloud-native infrastructure. This enables telecom operators to achieve unprecedented agility and the ability to "fail fast." By leveraging containerization, microservices, and scalable cloud resources, operators can rapidly deploy, test, and iterate new services (DevOpsl). This approach not only accelerates time-to-market but also enhances the resilience and scalability of the network. The agility of cloud-native infrastructure allows operators to swiftly adapt to changing market demands and technological advancements.
See our series of articles covering cloud native architectures in Telco..
6. Cloud-Native Functions (CNFs)
Cloud-Native Functions (CNFs) are integral to the NaaS model, replacing traditional network functions with containerized versions that can be deployed and managed in a cloud-native environment. CNFs offer greater flexibility, scalability, and resilience compared to legacy network functions. They enable telecom operators to quickly roll out new services, update existing ones, and scale resources based on demand. CNFs also support the principles of microservices architecture, allowing for modular and independent deployment of network functions.
See our article covering Cloud Native Network Functions (CNF's).
7. AI-Driven Radio Access Network (AI RAN) Capabilities
AI RAN leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the performance and efficiency of the radio access network (AI-for-RAN). AI algorithms can optimize resource allocation, predict and mitigate network congestion, and improve signal quality. AI RAN enables dynamic spectrum management, adaptive beamforming, and intelligent load balancing, resulting in better coverage and capacity. By incorporating AI RAN capabilities, telecom operators can deliver superior network performance, reduce operational costs, and enhance the user experience.
However AI-RAN also delivers on an environment (AI-and-RAN) that can be shared by 3rd party applications delivering direct customer value (AI-on-RAN).
See our article covering AI RAN and our post explaining C-RAN, O-RAN and AI-RAN alphabet soup.
8. Exposing Network Capabilities through APIs
To fully unlock the potential of NaaS, it is essential to expose network capabilities through Network APIs. By providing open and standardized APIs, telecom operators enable their own developers and third-party service providers to access and integrate network functions and services seamlessly. This fosters innovation and collaboration, allowing for the creation of new and customized services that cater to diverse customer needs. APIs empower businesses to build tailored solutions on top of the telecom network, driving value and differentiation in the market.
See our article covering Network API's.
9. Automated and Self-Service Network Management
Simplicity and ease of use are at the core of the NaaS approach. Automating network management and creating a self-service layer enable customers to acquire, provision, and modify services with a single click. This automation eliminates the need for manual interventions, reducing operational complexities and enhancing customer satisfaction. A user-friendly self-service portal empowers customers to take control of their network services, making it easier to scale, configure, and manage their connectivity needs in real time.
This layer can also create a low / no code environment in which customers can orchestrate their services enabling more complex workflows and agentic solutions and creates value over simply exposing API's to developers.
See our article for A3, AI, Automation and Analytics in Telco.
10. Embedding AI-Native Approaches
The integration of AI into NaaS is pivotal in optimizing operations, customer care, and finance. AI-driven analytics and machine learning models can monitor network performance, predict and prevent potential issues, and optimize resource allocation. In customer care, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide instant support and personalized experiences. Financially, AI can automate billing, detect anomalies, and streamline revenue management. Embedding AI-native approaches ensures that telecom operators can deliver smarter, more efficient, and customer-centric services.
This is also covered in our article for A3 in Telco.
Conclusion
Network as a Service is not just a technological upgrade; it's a paradigm shift that redefines how telecom networks operate and deliver value. By deploying a cloud-native infrastructure, exposing capabilities through APIs, automating network and service management, embedding AI-native approaches, implementing SD-WAN based transport, leveraging Whitebox data centre infrastructure, deploying edge compute infrastructure, incorporating Cloud-Native Network Functions (CNF's), and enhancing AI RAN capabilities, telecom operators can achieve new levels of agility, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Stay tuned for our next article in this series, where we will delve deeper into the specific benefits and use cases of NaaS in various industries.
Over the past few months our articles have touched on many of these layers of a NaaS architecture (links are embedded above), if you need help with this evolution of your business and underpinning network technologies reach out to us at Brightpath. We are a technology focused consultancy with network transformation, cloud migration and AI powered practices that can define, plan and enable your evolution to a NaaS centric AI Native Techco.
Want to know more, connect with our Network Transformation, Cloud Optimization, and AI Powered practices.
We are at MWC next week, a few more slots exist on Monday if you are interested to continue the conversation, use the contact email contact@brightpath-consulting.com below to set something up.
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