Ericsson has introduced new capabilities, providing a strong foundation for autonomous networks (AN) at scale while strengthening Communication Service Providers’ (CSP) cloud operating models and simplifying software lifecycle and configuration management.
Ericsson is enhancing how its core network software is deployed in CSP networks, providing GitOps-compliant packages and configuration management for all its cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core network functions (CNFs). The new model of deployment will become available for applications and products across its full core network portfolio over time.
Ericsson is strengthening cloud-native Core operations by moving from procedure-driven lifecycle and configuration management to declarative, automated workflows. The fully declarative model enhances automation capabilities with support for resource-level intent, accelerates day-to-day operations, and streamlines the introduction of new features and services.
This latest addition to Ericsson’s Intelligent Core offering provides the foundation for AN by combining AI-driven insights with intent-based, closed-loop operations. Central to the GitOps methodology is the declaration of a desired network state. This declared state serves as the single source of truth, with Git providing version control and an automated reconciliation process ensuring that the actual network state aligns with the desired state through software lifecycle management and configuration management workflows. This is the basis of being able to apply changes or updates to scale AN use-cases based on AI-derived insights, moving at speed and managing complexity that would be difficult with manual lifecycle and configuration management
Swisscom has worked closely with Ericsson to integrate this new software delivery and management capability, running alongside its own automation practices, to its network. The collaboration has enabled it to achieve significant results, including 60 percent faster upgrades and 97 percent faster service set up. It has also powered a shift away from traditional monthly maintenance windows and manual overnight upgrades towards automated software delivery and change management during normal working hours. Swisscom is now exploring additional areas where the new model can be applied, including the development of novel use-cases powered by AI-driven automation of tasks such as roaming partner configuration. The result is a more agile network, with speedier upgrades and a foundation in place for autonomous, AI-assisted operations.