Network automation, a crucial goal for most ISPs, is key to navigating the complexity of broadband networks and achieving optimal network performance and efficiency. While the buzz around artificial intelligence’s role in network automation is undeniable, it’s essential to focus on the tangible benefits network automation can bring to your operations today.
Large Tier One ISPs (with large budgets) are investing in AI to improve the customer experience, such as in customer service or billing. Few are using AI to automate network functions. And for small and regional ISPs, the high cost of AI hardware and software prevents them from getting involved. But don’t let the lack of AI-based network automation get in your way. Even without AI, embracing network automation can pave the way for your growth and success.
Network Automation
Network automation, a powerful tool, typically uses software to automate various networking tasks, such as network configuration, management, and monitoring. By automating these tasks, broadband providers can confidently increase network efficiency, lower operating costs, and significantly reduce manual errors and interventions. It also empowers ISPs to make network changes faster and more effectively in response to new traffic patterns.
One of the most significant advantages of network automation is its direct influence on the customer experience. Minimizing network downtime, enhancing reliability, and expediting the deployment of new network services notably enhance the service quality for subscribers. It also empowers you to detect and resolve network issues before they impact your customers, enabling you to stay competitive in a challenging market.
Considering network automation’s many benefits, it’s natural to wonder why more broadband service providers aren’t fully embracing it. We understand that potential barriers, such as cost and integration challenges, might be holding you back. Let’s explore these concerns and see how they can be overcome.
The Challenges
Implementing network automation does come with its challenges. The primary hurdle is the cost, which can be substantial. This includes network automation tools and technologies.
Another challenge is integrating these solutions into an existing network, particularly when attempting to automate several components in the network. Staffing concerns, such as a lack of trained staff or resources, particularly network engineers, can pose a challenge, especially for smaller ISPs. However, these challenges can be overcome with the right approach.
One approach to minimize these challenges is to start small. There is no need to automate your entire network. Start by automating a specific network function to reduce expenses and personnel resources. This will also provide opportunities to learn before making significant investments.
Virtual Broadband Network Gateways
An excellent way to start your network automation journey is through virtual Broadband Network Gateways (vBNGs), the backbone of modern network infrastructure. They’re intelligently designed software solutions that manage subscriber sessions, aggregating traffic from subscribers and connecting them to the broadband service provider’s network. vBNGs automate subscriber management functions such as:
- Authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA)
- Subscriber connection provisioning
- IP address management
- Traffic management to ensure Quality of Service (QoS)
- Policy enforcement
- Customer self-service for service plan upgrades
In addition to automating essential network functions, Virtual BNGs offer numerous other benefits for broadband providers. Greater scalability and flexibility are gained with a software-based BNG. Since vBNGs run on standard x86-based servers, they also significantly reduce hardware costs.
netElastic vBNG
netElastic is an innovative software company that developed one of the first software-based BNGs. netElastic is known for having one of the most mature BNGs and has over 300 customers worldwide. High performance is another key, and netElastic vBNG running on Intel Xeon Scalable processors has reached up to 1 Terabit of throughput. With netElastic, you can trust in the reliability and efficiency of your network automation solution.
To learn more about how you can start your journey to network automation with virtual BNGs, please get in touch with a netElastic networking expert today.
