Tunis:Ericsson has unveiled new software capabilities aimed at enhancing autonomous networks on a large scale. The company is focusing on improving Communication Service Providers’ (CSP) cloud operating models and simplifying the management of software lifecycles and configurations.
According to Ericsson in Tunisia, the company is advancing its core network software deployment in CSP networks by introducing GitOps-compliant packages and configuration management. These improvements are targeted at its cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core network functions (CNFs) and will extend to all products in its core network portfolio over time.
Ericsson's shift from procedure-driven to declarative, automated workflows is set to strengthen cloud-native Core operations. The new fully declarative model is designed to enhance automation, support resource-level intent, and streamline the introduction of new features and services, ultimately providing a foundation for autonomous networks (AN) through AI-driven insights and intent-based operations.
The collaboration with Swisscom has yielded significant results, including a drastic reduction in upgrade and network service setup times. Swisscom has leveraged this new software delivery and management capability alongside its automation practices, shifting from traditional maintenance windows to automated upgrades during working hours. This partnership is also exploring AI-driven automation tasks to further enhance network agility and operational efficiency.
Philipp Bichsel of Swisscom highlighted the benefits of Ericsson’s GitOps-based approach in transforming Swisscom into a TechCo, emphasizing gains in operational efficiency and innovation. Meanwhile, Caroline Chappell from CCSquared noted the critical role of GitOps in managing the complexity of cloud-native networks, essential for CSPs aiming for an autonomous networking future.
Monica Zethzon from Ericsson emphasized the role of declarative management through GitOps in providing operational efficiency and scalability for CSPs. The collaboration with Swisscom has been pivotal in maturing this approach, which is now ready for broader deployment.
The introduction of Git-compatible software packages by Ericsson aims to enhance lifecycle management of core network software, integrating seamlessly with existing capabilities and supporting multi-vendor environments, thereby aligning with Ericsson's Intelligent Core offering and its CI/CD pipeline.