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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 28^th 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.

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 28^th 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.

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 28^th 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.

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.

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 28^th 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.