In today’s hyper-connected world, telecom networks serve as the backbone for a seamless transfer of voice and data services. However, as these networks grow in size and complexity, managing them efficiently becomes an increasingly challenging task. In response, the telecom industry is leveraging simplification and automation to overcome various hurdles and to accelerate the introduction of new services. Let’s delve into the six key challenges facing telecoms networks and approaches that are transforming the landscape.
Table of Contents
1. Complexity of managing multiple applications and network elements
The challenge
In a typical telecom network, there are multiple components such as routers, switches, base stations, and various other hardware and increasingly software elements. Integrating and managing these elements manually is not only cumbersome but also prone to errors, which can be costly in terms of both time and resources. Integrating them in existing OSS and BSS systems becomes more and more cumbersome.
The solution
Automation through API orchestration plays a crucial role in simplifying this complexity. This saves time and significantly reduces the likelihood of human error. Furthermore, it makes it easier to roll out new services quickly, as much of the grunt work of network configuration can be automated.
2. Ensuring network security and data privacy
The challenge
With an increasing number of cyber-attacks, ensuring network security and data privacy has never been more critical. However, the complex nature of today’s networks makes it difficult to manage and enforce security protocols effectively.
The solution
Automation in conjunction with simplification can significantly improve security. Automated systems can continually monitor the network for unusual activity, and machine learning algorithms can identify potential threats more efficiently than human analysts. Simplified network architectures make it easier to implement uniform security policies, thus reducing the risk of an overlooked vulnerability.
3. Scalability to handle increasing network traffic
The challenge
Network traffic is growing exponentially due to the proliferation of IoT devices, increased usage of cloud services, and higher data consumption rates with new services etc. Traditional methods of scaling up by adding more hardware are not sustainable in the long run.
The solution
Simplifying network architecture through technologies like Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Service Routing platforms and orchestration platforms makes it easier to scale operations. Automation also plays a role here; it allows network operators to dynamically allocate resources to meet changing demands without the need for manual intervention. This not only improves efficiency but also makes it quicker to introduce new services tailored to customer needs.
4. Integration of new technologies and legacy systems
The challenge
Many telecom operators have a mix of new technologies and legacy systems, which often don’t communicate well with each other. This makes it harder to roll out new services and can even affect network performance.
The solution
Simplification through standardisation can significantly ease the pain of integration. Using common standards and protocols ensures that new and old systems can communicate seamlessly. Automation can also facilitate integration by quickly identifying compatibility issues and offering solutions, thus speeding up the process of introducing new services.
5. Proactive network monitoring and troubleshooting
The challenge
Traditionally, network monitoring has been reactive, often only identifying issues after they have occurred. This can lead to downtime, which is detrimental to both the service provider and the customer.
The solution
By simplifying and automating monitoring processes, issues can be detected before they escalate into bigger problems. This proactive approach improves network reliability and reduces downtime. It also frees up human resources to focus on more complex tasks that can’t be automated, such as strategic planning and new service development.
6. Move away from a build-everything-yourself mentality
The challenge
In an ever-evolving technological landscape, trying to build every solution in-house is not only resource-intensive but also slows down the time-to-market for new services.
The solution
Adopting an ecosystem approach and partnering with other industry players can be highly beneficial. By working with an orchestrator to interact with third-party services, telecom providers can capitalise on specialised solutions without having to build them from scratch. This not only speeds up the deployment of new services but also allows for a more agile and adaptable network infrastructure.
Conclusion
Telecoms networks are becoming increasingly vital to our daily lives, and yet their complexity presents numerous challenges. Through simplification and automation, the industry is not only overcoming these hurdles but is also setting the stage for quicker, more efficient roll-out of new services. The future looks promising, and it’s clear that these innovations are key to shaping resilient, efficient, and adaptable networks for tomorrow.
