Introduction

At the 5G Summit & User Congress 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey, ZTE Corp. unveiled its cutting-edge AI OpsBot Core Network Intelligent Expert—a solution poised to redefine network operations and maintenance (O&M). Integrating large and small AI models with intelligent agent orchestration significantly boosts operations and maintenance (O&M) efficiency, exceeding traditional methods.

As telecommunications networks become increasingly complex, AI-driven solutions like the AI OpsBot are gaining prominence. They offer operators enhanced automation and improved management capabilities. This announcement aligns with the summit’s theme, “Flourish Through Intelligent Innovation,” emphasizing AI’s growing role in the future of 5G and beyond.

ZTE Corp. AI OpsBot: Transforming Core Network Operations

ZTE Corp.’s AI OpsBot Core Network Intelligent Expert is designed to revolutionize core network operations by leveraging advanced AI technologies to automate and optimize traditional operation and maintenance tasks. As the central hub for network management, the AI OpsBot integrates large and small AI models to enhance its ability to analyze complex datasets and make real-time decisions. The system combines these models to address varying levels of network complexity, from high-level performance monitoring to granular troubleshooting.

One of the standout features of the AI OpsBot is its flexible orchestration of intelligent agents. These agents work in tandem for seamless coordination across multiple network layers to monitor and maintain the system. This dynamic orchestration ensures that the AI OpsBot can adapt to evolving network conditions, automatically adjusting to ensure continuous optimization without manual intervention.

By automating tasks such as fault localization, performance monitoring, and diagnostic services, the AI OpsBot drastically reduces the time and effort required for troubleshooting. It not only increases operational efficiency but also improves accuracy to minimize the risk of human error. The result is a more streamlined network operation, faster issue resolution, and a significant reduction in downtime—all of which contribute to a more reliable and efficient core network management system.

Understanding Large and Small Models in Network Operations

In modern network operations, large and small AI models play critical roles in upgrading efficiency and automating complex processes. Each type of model is designed to handle specific tasks, and the combination of both provides a powerful solution for core network management.

How Large AI Models Work 

Large AI models in network operations are primarily focused on intelligent human-machine interaction and broad automation. These models possess strong generalization capabilities, meaning they can adapt to a variety of network environments without being tailored to specific use cases. Their ability to handle diverse tasks—such as automating report generation and analyzing large-scale network data—allows operators to gain insights and make decisions more efficiently. 

For example, large models are crucial in enabling the AI OpsBot to generate high-level performance reports or offer recommendations to network managers without the need for manual input. They also facilitate advanced capabilities like natural language processing (NLP), allowing human operators to interact with the system more intuitively, using conversational language rather than complex commands.

How Smaller AI Models Work

Smaller AI models are designed for precision and specificity. These models excel in tasks such as fault identification, key performance indicator (KPI) prediction, and the simulation or suppression of signaling storms, which can often disrupt network operations. Small models can quickly detect anomalies in network performance, localize faults, and predict potential issues based on historical data. 

For instance, small models can predict KPI trends, such as bandwidth usage or latency, allowing network operators to anticipate bottlenecks and take proactive measures. These models also handle fault localization with pinpoint accuracy, which can drastically reduce the time required for troubleshooting and minimize operational downtime.

Role of Automation 

Integrating large and small models in the AI OpsBot significantly streamlines network management by automating tasks like fault detection, performance monitoring, and KPI forecasting. The combination of large-scale automation and precise fault analysis enhances overall network reliability, reduces manual intervention, and accelerates problem resolution. Ultimately, this dual-model approach drives a more efficient, responsive, and intelligent network operation system.

Reducing Human Intervention: ZTE Corp. Achieves 30% Improvement

Traditional operations and maintenance (O&M) methods in telecommunications networks have long relied on manual intervention and labor-intensive processes to monitor and troubleshoot network performance. Network operators were required to manually analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), identify faults, and implement corrective actions, often across multiple layers and network elements. This method, while effective to some extent, is prone to human error, delays, and inefficiencies, particularly in large-scale networks where real-time data flows and complex interactions make it difficult to manage every issue promptly.

The AI OpsBot Core Network Intelligent Expert of the ZTE Corp. aims to address these limitations by automating many of these manual tasks. The introduction of intelligent agents based on both large and small AI models allows for flexible orchestration across the network’s layers, domains, and elements. These intelligent agents can independently plan and execute complex tasks, reducing the need for constant human oversight. According to ZTE, implementing this AI-driven system results in a 30% improvement in operational efficiency compared to traditional O&M methods. This means telecom operators can resolve network issues faster, optimize performance with less manual intervention, and allocate fewer resources to routine tasks.

The reduction of human intervention not only minimizes the potential for errors but also decreases resource expenditure. With AI handling routine tasks and complex decision-making processes, telecom companies can allocate their workforce more strategically, focusing on higher-level strategic initiatives rather than day-to-day operational issues. This shift leads to more accurate problem resolution and a faster response time to network issues.

The implications of telecom companies adopting this technology can be profound. The integration of AI-driven solutions like the AI OpsBot can lead to enhanced network reliability and customer satisfaction due to reduced service interruptions. Companies can also expect lower operational costs as automation reduces the need for extensive staffing in O&M roles. As ZTE aims for L4-level intelligent O&M for core networks, this technology sets a new standard for efficiency and stability in the telecom industry. 

Conclusion

ZTE Corp.’s AI OpsBot Core Network Intelligent Expert represents a significant leap forward in network operations and maintenance automation. By integrating large and small AI models, the system offers enhanced efficiency to reduce operational costs and improve network management. The 30% improvement in efficiency highlighted by ZTE highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize the telecommunications industry. 

As AI continues to evolve, it is expected to play an even more central role in automating complex network operations to reduce human error and optimize performance. With these advancements, telecom companies are better equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly growing digital industry.

Main Reference: zte.com.cn/global/about/news/zte-showcases-ai-opsbot-core-network-intelligent-expert-at-5g-summit-user-congress-2024.html 

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