The industry is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by technological advancements and evolving customer demands. Automation is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of telecom communications, enabling service providers to enhance efficiency, agility, and innovation.
In this blog, we’ll look further at some of the key trends that are revolutionising the industry and how Automation is being leveraged to unlock its full potential. From the advent of 5G and beyond with network slicing and orchestration, to the rise of Edge Computing and IoT Automation, we will delve into the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.
There are some key trends that are shaping the future of Automation.
5G, 6G and Beyond: Network Slicing and Orchestration
As we move into the era of 5G and beyond, the concept of Network Slicing and Orchestration will take centre stage. This will allow for the dynamic creation of multiple virtual networks within a single physical infrastructure, catering to diverse user requirements. Telcos will be able to use Automation to efficiently manage and optimise these network slices, providing enhanced flexibility, scalability, and personalised services.
Edge Computing and IoT Automation
The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the demand for real-time data processing are driving the need for Edge Computing and IoT Automation. By bringing computing resources closer to the edge of the network, telecom providers can enable faster data analysis, reduced latency, and improved overall performance. Automation plays a crucial role in managing and securing these distributed edge environments, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient data processing.
Cloud and Change Management
The cloud enables scalable infrastructure, cost optimisation, and rapid service deployment. Automation facilitates smooth migration, seamless integration, and agile management of cloud-based services, empowering telcos to embrace the benefits of cloud computing while adapting to evolving business needs.
Will CSPs ever really adopt public cloud? This is a topic for another eBook.
Software-Defined Networking
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is revolutionising network management by decoupling network control and forwarding functions. With SDN, CSPs can gain centralised control and programmability, simplify network management, improve resource utilisation, and enable dynamic service provisioning.
Automation plays a pivotal role in orchestrating and automating SDN-based networks, enhancing efficiency, agility, and scalability.
Legislation and Compliance
Legislations such as the Telecoms Security Act are coming in to force to ensure networks and services are properly secured against ever-more advanced cyber-attacks. With Telecoms services recognised as critical national infrastructure – just like energy, transport, and healthcare – the Act seeks to maintain service continuity. It compels telecoms companies running public networks and services to implement an array of security proposals with a key focus on the use of Automation to achieve this.
International Roaming Standards
The GSMA has launched its new RAEX schemas, now fully digital with APIs, which includes specifications for the technologies used to manage roaming, such as systems for SIM card provisioning, billing, HLR/ HSS, VLR, SMS and other forms of interconnectivity. These solutions enable seamless connectivity, predictable service quality and reliable billing for roaming subscribers. For example, the ability to ingest IR.21 data in real time – direct from RAEX – and then automate and orchestrate its delivery across all your systems simultaneously eliminates the need for lengthy and error prone manual efforts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of telecom communications is being shaped by transformative trends and the integration of automation.
The emergence of 5G, 6G, and beyond brings network slicing and orchestration to the forefront, where automation plays a crucial role in managing and optimising network slices. Edge computing and IoT automation drives faster data analysis and efficient management of distributed edge environments. Cloud adoption streamlines migration and integration processes, while Software-Defined Networking (SDN) revolutionizes network management.
By embracing these trends and leveraging automation, telecom providers can unlock new levels of efficiency, agility, and innovation, empowering them to deliver exceptional services and meet the evolving needs of their customers.
If you want to find out more about the challenges of Automation for CSPs, download our free eBook A Buyer’s Guide to Automation for CSPs.