In a panel discussion facilitated by TelecomTV’s editorial director Ray Le Maistre, industry experts delved into the crucial findings from their DSP Leaders Report, focusing intently on artificial intelligence and its growing influence on Radio Access Networks (RAN). This discussion featured valuable insights from Viraj Abhayawardhana of Liberty Global, Paul Miller of Wind River, and Francis Haysom of Appledore Research.
Operator’s Perspective on AI in RAN
The implementation of AI in RAN operations is gaining momentum, with operators like Liberty Global adopting various AI strategies across their European networks. Viraj Abhayawardhana from Liberty Global highlighted how AI is being leveraged for network planning, optimization, energy efficiency, and predictive maintenance. This technological advancement is perceived as a critical driver for optimizing operations and achieving efficiencies across different stages of the network lifecycle.
Paul Miller from Wind River shared that AI is being utilized for dynamic beam forming, power control, and overall energy management within the RAN. He emphasized the heightened efficacy of AI in a software-defined, multi-vendor environment such as Open RAN. In such complex settings, AI proves invaluable for managing intricate network operations that are beyond human capability.
On the other hand, Francis Haysom of Appledore Research pointed out that AI is essential for achieving autonomy and automation in networks. He argued for a holistic approach to network optimization, contending that AI should solve present as well as future network management issues, rather than focusing on incremental enhancements.
Survey Insights on AI’s Adoption Timeline
A survey involving 58 mobile network operator executives revealed optimistic expectations regarding AI’s impact on RAN operations over the next three years. The majority of respondents indicated a belief in the significant benefits AI could bring within this timeframe. Despite consensus on AI’s transformative potential, there is an acknowledgment that the adoption rates will vary among operators, influenced by unique business needs and operational scales.
This variance underscores that while the industry is unified in its optimism, the journey to fully integrated AI in RAN will be marked by tailored approaches addressing specific organizational demands.
Sourcing AI Solutions
There is ongoing debate about whether AI tools should be developed in-house or sourced from external vendors. The survey and expert opinions indicate a mixed approach, combining internal development, established RAN vendors, and third-party solutions. Factors such as existing relationships, innovation needs, and control over AI implementation play significant roles in these decisions.
Liberty Global and Wind River stress the importance of integrating AI into existing frameworks like self-organizing networks (SON) and Open RAN architectures, advocating a balanced strategy that utilizes both in-house and external expertise.
Practical Applications and Challenges
The discussion covered several practical applications of AI, such as predictive network load management and energy consumption optimization. These examples demonstrate AI’s potential to deliver tangible benefits in real-world deployments. However, the experts also highlighted the challenges that come with integrating AI.
Paul Miller noted that organizations need to clearly define their goals and the specific problems they aim to address with AI deployment. This focus on immediate and critical operational challenges is essential before expecting broader transformations.
Conclusion
In a dynamic panel discussion facilitated by Ray Le Maistre, the editorial director of TelecomTV, a group of experts examined significant findings from their DSP Leaders Report, with a particular emphasis on the escalating impact of artificial intelligence on Radio Access Networks (RAN). This engaging dialogue included critical insights from leading industry figures: Viraj Abhayawardhana of Liberty Global, Paul Miller of Wind River, and Francis Haysom of Appledore Research.
The discussion centered on how AI is revolutionizing RAN technology, making networks more efficient, adaptive, and intelligent. The experts highlighted how AI-driven innovations can optimize network performance, reduce operational costs, and enhance user experience. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing AI in RAN, ranging from technological hurdles to regulatory considerations.
The insights provided by these industry leaders underscored the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future of telecom networks. They emphasized the need for collaboration across the industry to fully harness the potential of AI, ensuring that the benefits are realized not just by service providers but also by end-users.
