Hands off the network – it can run itself
Nokia is installing Software Defined Access Networks (SDAN) for du, the mobile network operator service run by Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), in order to create a self managing network that needs no human intervention. The mobile network operator has high hopes for a network unspoiled by human hands, AKA a ‘zero touch access’ system, because machines are much better at catering for people and only an automated network can keep pace with services such as cloud gaming and augmented reality. The three-year project is built on the two companies’ long-term relationship that brings Nokia’s latest technologies to the UAE.
As one of the first operators in the Middle East to run a zero-touch network, du said it is encouraging invention in order to expedite the deployment of new services on its existing fibre broadband network. It is using Nokia’s Altiplano cloud system to evolve into a virtualised network with the intelligence to automatically control the network. This will balance the supply of network and computer resources to support new demands as they emerge. The anticipated use cases will be 5G backhaul, augmented reality, virtual reality, cloud gaming and network slicing for enterprises.
Adding SDANs to the du infrastructure is essential for keeping up with the demands of the business as it moves faster and becomes more virtualised, according to Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du. If the telco can drive future value by integrating smart apps, artificial intelligence and a higher level of automation then user experience will be as seamless as possible. “We can offer a better customer experience and meet their growing demands by automating operations and running zero-touch services,” said AlBlooshi.
Nokia’s end-to-end SDAN solution is changing the way service providers operate their networks, said Rima Manna, the VP of Middle East Business at Nokia. “A single cloud gave du the tools that unlock new business opportunities and use cases,” said Manna.