Technical Approaches for Operations to Accelerate Digital Transformation

Abstract

Access networks are widespread across Japan. Since they directly interface with service users and maintenance staff at indoor and outdoor telecommunications facilities, access operations are deeply linked with these various players' and users' businesses. There have been growing expectations for digital transformation (DX) across various infrastructure companies to address social issues, such as the shrinking working-age population [1] and aging infrastructure [2]. Demand for new services, such as private fifth-generation mobile communication (5G)/6G and mobility as a service (MaaS) using automated driving, is expected to grow. Triggered by measures taken against infectious diseases, lifestyles and work styles have become increasingly diversified. These trends will increase our sharing and mutual use of facilities and services with players other than telecommunications carriers, as well as collaboration in their operations. Thus, it is important to develop a mechanism that breaks through business boundaries and enhances productivity.In view of the above, the Access Network Operation Project at NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories is developing smart operations that accompany the progress of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN). Specifically, we are aiming to actualize an ecosystem in which various players can easily collaborate with each other using their respective business operations, systems, and data, and cause a chain reaction of value creation (DX acceleration) within this ecosystem. The form of collaboration can vary depending on the business structure of each player. The targets for collaboration can also differ, ranging from information to systems and organizations. We are conducting research and development (R&D) into operations technologies from these various perspectives and working with NTT Group companies to prepare for their commercial introduction. This article introduces our latest efforts to enable collaborative end-to-end operations across multiple network layers and domains. Specifically, it introduces self-evolving zero-touch operations technology, which features versatile network-information management with autonomous analysis and decision on the basis of this management, and business design support technology based on operation-process classification, which improves work efficiency by enabling business-support and business-execution organizations in the field to develop a common understanding.