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  • 1.  Inconsistency in the Autonomous Networks Levels Definition

    TM Forum Member
    Posted Jul 25, 2021 03:43

    With the increasing number of CSP moving towards Zero Touch Operation, the adoption of the TM Forum Autonomous Networks Framework is becoming prevalent.

     

    The six levels of Autonomous Networks maturity level definition has been closely used as a guide for the Autonomous Networks / Operations maturity level assessment and service capability roadmap planning.

     

    As such, I would like to highlight a distinct inconsistency in the Autonomous Networks levels definition published in the following two papers:

     

    1.      24461 Autonomous Networks whitepaper Release 2 October 2020

    2.      IG 1252 v1.1.0 Autonomous Network Levels Evaluation Methodology published on 28th May 2021

     

    In whitepaper 24461, the level 2 would suggest that the CSP would have reached the Intelligent Operations level as the guideline suggests "The system enables closed-loop O&M for certain units based on an AI model under certain external environments".

     

    However, in the IG 1252 v1.0.0 published on 28 May 2021, the level 2 definition has changed to base on predefined rule/policy instead of AI model. This change would suggest that the level 2 is still at the automation stage and it will be elevated with Intelligent Operations capability in level 3 and beyond.

     

    Before any further confusion or disputes on the Autonomous Networks Maturity Levels, I would like to seek clarification on:

    1.      Which version of definition which best describes the Autonomous Networks / Operations Maturity Level ?

     

    2.      What is the Release process of communications to the Industry if there is any major change in the Framework, Models and Concept Definition.

     

    Thank you.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     



  • 2.  RE: Inconsistency in the Autonomous Networks Levels Definition

    TM Forum Member
    Posted Jul 26, 2021 02:17
    Hi Khiang
    It was suggested by @Dave Milham that @James O'Sullivan would be best placed to address this.
    Hope you get some response to the issues you raised.​​

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    Jonathan Goldberg
    Amdocs Management Limited
    Any opinions and statements made by me on this forum are purely personal, and do not necessarily reflect the position of the TM Forum or my employer.
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  • 3.  RE: Inconsistency in the Autonomous Networks Levels Definition

    Posted Jul 26, 2021 02:54
    Hi Khiang,

    Thanks for spotting this and pointing it out.
    The AN program team are aware of the inconsistencies, in fact you add another document to the list: IG1218. 
    We should only have one document that defines this AN  level table and all other documents should refer to that - today we have three which creates maintenance issues and, per your example, opportunities for inconsistencies.   1218 should be the master version and others should refer to it.
    ANP-235 has been raised to address another issue but we'll address the mastering of the table in this context.

    IG 1252 is a "downstream" document and it'll also be updated as a consequence of addressing ANP-235.

    regards,
    James

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    James O'Sullivan
    Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd
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  • 4.  RE: Inconsistency in the Autonomous Networks Levels Definition

    TM Forum Member
    Posted Jul 26, 2021 11:30

    Hi James,

     

    Thanks for your response and clarification.

     

    Indeed IG 1218 has a much refined definition of the AN levels. By the way, is there any documentation provides the rationale of the change especially on level 2.

     

    Looking forward to your advice. Thanks.

     

     






  • 5.  RE: Inconsistency in the Autonomous Networks Levels Definition

    Posted Jul 27, 2021 09:59
    Hi,

    I would be interested also in the rationale of the changes. 

    Thanks


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    Mohammad Assami
    Norconsult Telematics
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