5th generation (5G) wireless technology is just around the corner promising secure and ubiquitous wireless connectivity at gigabit speeds.
As service providers prepare to leverage 5G, they are also faced with introducing new virtual network technologies such as software defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) essential for the success of 5G. As a result, wireless networks need to be delivered across both physical and virtual network technologies: but rolling out complex hybrid networks requires advanced network rollout tools and techniques in order to meet project schedules and cost targets.
An end-to-end project management and network rollout system is critical for project success. State of the art rollout solutions harness business process automation and workflow to orchestrate and drive network design, planning and construction across all network technologies, multiple teams and processes from feasibility planning to network ‘go-live’.
Orchestrating and accelerating end-to-end network deployment and expansion
Network planners and engineers are faced with massive densification and new build projects that need to leverage existing network infrastructure along with the latest virtual network technologies. At the same time many service providers are introducing small cells, public access Wi-Fi, centralized RAN and various other new wireless and fixed-line technologies. All this creates a highly complex network environment where an end-to-end project management and network rollout solution is crucial for project success.
Project orchestration systems need to be highly scalable and provide integration across multiple network inventory and other data sources. Automation is a key facet of the approach. Change management processes can be automated and optimized allowing coordination across network wide planning and operations teams, as well as external contractors. This results in a dramatic increase in efficiency and productivity end to end and is ideally suited for hybrid RAN, fiber, and core network deployment and expansion projects.
Trying to plan and track these types of projects manually is no longer an option. With process automation, end-end project plans can be automatically generated from project requirements and can be dynamically updated with in-flight changes such as amends, rollback, and remedial tasks to mitigate project fallout. This ensures the project plan and workflow remain current throughout the project lifecycle.
Empowering contractors
Contractors such as network construction companies play a key role in the execution of network rollout projects. Project orchestration systems can be deployed to contractors, enabling them to accelerate their work while cutting costs. Once the contractor is on-board, service providers can leverage a highly visual user interface to easily track contractor progress and spot execution issues earlier.
Building tomorrow’s networks requires new tools and processes. Network rollout orchestration systems are designed to meet the needs of service providers by accelerating the planning and deployment of radio access and core networks. By supporting multiple network technologies, both physical and virtual, project orchestration systems can help service providers by accelerating their network deployment projects, with significant CapEx and OpEx savings. Service providers that have adopted end-to-end project orchestration have seen cost savings of over 35% and project acceleration by over 40%.
To learn more about accelerating and orchestrating end-to-end network deployment and expansion visit: The race is on
