Ericsson
enables smarter networks that learn and improve
- Launch of
Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) for cloud-native 5G Core
- Ericsson’s NWDAF
can reduce costs by up to 45 percent through smart data acquisition,
efficient integration, simpler orchestration and optimized footprint
- Ericsson’s NWDAF
enables automated closed loops and assurance based on 3GPP and custom
analytics use cases and enables multi-vendor interoperability
Ericsson launches its Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) solution,
based on smarter data-driven networks that learn and improve. Ericsson’s NWDAF
enables service providers to improve customer experience by using the data
generated by the network to flag and fix problems, thus improving service
quality.
For 5G,
automation is a continuous endeavor ranging from automating specific simple and
complex tasks to supporting zero-touch autonomous networking, which requires
the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI),
machine learning (ML) and reasoning. NDWAF achieves this by getting the right
data at the right cost to feed into the AI/ML models.
NWDAF
enhances network operability by providing insight that helps the service
provider identify and solve network problems on different levels as well as
input for taking valued business decisions. One example is automated closed
loops (data retrieval, analytics processing, insights generation and action
enforcement) on different network and application levels.
Ericsson’s NWDAF can drive up to 45 percent reduction in OPEX and CAPEX
compared with typical third-party NWDAF implementation with event exposure.
Smart data acquisition allows more efficient integration and testing, simpler
orchestration and optimal footprint.
Neil McRae, MD Architecture & Strategy, BT Group Chief Architect
says: “At BT we connect for good and our customers increasing reliance on
the network requires us to think differently. With Ericsson we are working on
cloud native solutions for 5G Core architecture to support multiple generations
of technologies and we see the need for greater automation and analytics to
manage complex networks and ensuring the best quality experience for our
customers. I’m pleased to see that Ericsson is launching NWDAF building upon
Ericsson’s built-in software probes and Expert Analytics (EEA), a natural next
step development to enhance closed loop automation and service assurance that
could benefit BT’s Customer Network Experience (CNE) platform.”
Monica
Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Packet Core, Ericsson, says: “Everything 5G,
especially 5G Core networks, must be automated. Automation will improve operational efficiency, reduce time to market for
new services and is required to handle the magnitude of tailor-made
services that will be introduced with 5G. With the launch of NWDAF we build the
automated closed loop and assurance, enabled by AI and machine learning, to
leverage data-driven operation based on network data.”
James
Crawshaw, Principal Analyst, Telco IT & Operations, Omdia, says:
“Ericsson’s NWDAF adds intelligence to the 5G core, bringing new insights that
enable automation and optimization. With this solution, Ericsson shows its
technology leadership in 5G Core.”
NWDAF is a reusable set of
microservices integrated into Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core and in Ericsson Expert Analytics . Flexible deployment scenarios
and model portability enable the NWDAF to be located both centrally and as a
built-in NWDAF in the 5G Core products. NWDAF is based on 3GPP Release 17,
defining a distributed network analytics architecture where inference and
training, and data repository are separated.
Source: Ericsson media announcement
