Accelerate 5G Transformation Through Backhaul Automation
The rush to 5G has triggered an evolution of backhaul (cell site routers and aggregation routers) in virtually every mobile operator. Technologies such as ethernet backhaul, fiber to the cell site, front-haul/mid-haul, distributed virtual RAN, microwave, and small cells are driving these changes in the backhaul networks, adding new complexity and diversity to what has previously been a relatively homogeneous network.
These changes are being driven by new 5G capabilities and the projections for accelerated growth in network traffic. GSMA predicts traffic in the top 30 markets to increase 6,268 exabytes annually by 2027. These traffic projections driving massive upgrade programs for existing backhaul networks –Those who are automating are gaining a significant market advantage – through time to market, cost to operate, and ability to offer new capabilities through automation, such as transport network (TN) 5G slicing.
Itential’s Backhaul Automation Solution provide users a high-performance platform, along with pre-built, pre-tested automation components that can be easily customized to support a wide range of vendors, environments, and technologies. By utilizing these pre-built components, users can immediately start implementing automations in their cell site backhaul environment and dramatically reduce the time normally associated with deployment and operations of cell site routers and aggregation routers.
Mobile operators who are using the Itential Backhaul Automation solution are reaping significant positive business outcomes, including:
Itential Solution Features
The Itential Cell Site Backhaul Solution combines the Itential Automation Platform, along with pre-built and integrated components that are focused on automating the most common and time-consuming activities associated with the creation and management 4G/5G backhaul networks and routers.
The Itential Backhaul Automation Solution includes:
- Itential Automation Platform and Itential Automation Gateway, designed for high-performance, high-capacity network automation and orchestration. For example, the Itential Platform executed more than 100 million automations in 2020 for one national carrier.
- Pre-Built Automations to give users a solid automation foundation, developed from industry best practices, that can be easily customized for their specific backhaul environment.
- Pre-Built Adapters provide integration with a wide range of network devices and systems to support activities including ticket creation, fault management, code repository interaction, and integration with orchestration systems.
- Pre-Built Transformations simplify the integration of data from existing and new systems, and solve the problems associated with mismatched data.
- Pre-Built Templates and Forms can be easily customized to meet users’ unique environments and requirements.
Cell Site Backhaul Use Cases
- Zero touch deployment and provisioning for cell site routers and aggregation routers
- Configuration compliance and automated remediation for definition, audit, and remediation of configuration on cell site and aggregation routers
- Automated upgrade for cell site routers and aggregation
- Automation of maintenance windows and configuration changes, including fully automated pre- and post-checks with intelligent analytics
- Automations for bulk configuration changes
Itential is Automation for Complex, Heterogenous Networks
The Cell Site Backhaul Automation Solution supports a wide range of southbound options for interacting with the network elements, including Cisco NSOTM, AnsibleTM, scripting, and SDN controllers; allowing users to automate even the most complex multi-vendor environments. Users gain greater velocity for their 5G deployments and new service introduction, while benefiting from features of the platform, including:
Ability to Support 5G Transport Network Slicing
Itential Platform can participate in a 5G transport network slicing solution by providing automation and exposure of any connected network functions, routers, and elements.
Unprecedented Flexibility
Itential’s rapid integration capability enables mobile operators to easily introduce new vendors, new capabilities, and new functionality
Consolidated Network API
Integrate ITSM, monitoring, inventory, and analytics systems once using the Itential network API consolidator.
Advanced Network Intelligent Workflows
Itential’s Network Intelligent Workflow Manager easily integrates capabilities across diverse toolsets and IT ecosystem types.
Get Started with Itential & Prepare for Rapid 5G Growth
Itential’s Cell Site Backhaul Automation Solution can enhance and accelerate your 5G network creation and operations, and enable your next-generation, agile network engineering and operations teams to lead your organization to realize the business benefits of 5G.
