ZTE’s vision advances Autonomous Network innovation

Autonomous network technology is advancing: ZTE is showcasing innovative, practical implementations, cross-domain fault resolution solutions and the application of advanced methodologies at DTW Ignite. In this Q&A with TM Forum, Yanbin Dai (Dai), ZTE’s Director of Service and Data Intelligence (SDI) Products MKT & Solution Team, shares insights into ZTE’s AIR Net autonomous network solution and its focus on fault-centric scenarios.

TM Forum: Please can you tell us about your main focus at DTW: Ignite?

Dai: This year at DTW, we will present a set of practices and achievements by our AIR Net Autonomous Network solution, especially highlighting the evolution of Agentic Operation in fault-handling scenarios.

We choose a typical high-value scenario, based on our experience and deep discussion with our global partners, following the guidance of TM Forum’s key capability indicator (KCI), key effectiveness indicator (KEI) and key business indicator (KBI) evaluation methodology.

TM Forum: Please could you break this down into specific use cases?

Dai: Yes. Actually, we will present live a demonstration of a cross-domain and single-domain Fault Agent powered by a large model to show the great potential of the large-model technology in the field of network and service operation. We believe it will greatly accelerate our progress towards Level 4 and higher autonomous networks.

TM Forum: How are you using TM Forum's AN rating system in your demos?

Dai: At ZTE, we will be using TM Forum's AN rating system, focusing on high-value scenarios (for example, fault management, service activation and network changes) defined by the Forum. We align our AIR Net solution with its AN-level assessment, leveraging KBIs to measure business value via a Business Value Measurement (BVM) model.

Pilots we ran in 2024 of service activation and network changes, and the upcoming fault and optimization scenarios later this year demonstrate compliance with AN levels, using Agents and Copilots for automation, and closed-loop operations to validate maturity against the Forum’s framework.

TM Forum: What are the advantages of advanced AN and will they be on show?

Dai: ZTE’s AIR Net Autonomous Networks (AN) aligns with TM Forum’s vision offering key advantages. In fault management, fault agents integrate knowledge graphs and large models to streamline multi-domain diagnostics and resolution. The solution is being piloted in key regions and it enhances real-time troubleshooting.

For operational efficiency, intelligent antennas optimize traffic and energy use in critical scenarios through automated adjustments, cutting operational costs and manual effort.

In the AN Maturity & Cross-Domain Collaboration, industry-leading AN ratings in major networks demonstrate robust fault-handling. Demos will show end-to-end automation and cross-domain agent collaboration for the seamless transmission of wireless fault resolution.

All of them will be showcased at ZTE’s booths at DTW Ignite via live demos of AN capabilities.

TM Forum: Can you please give us a taste of your presentation China Telecom and ZTE Collaborate to Promote Autonomous Networks: Concepts, Practices and Ecological Co-creation, which is scheduled during the session of The State of Autonomous Networks: Progress to Watch, Pitfalls to Avoid on June 17, 2025, from 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM at Stage B?

Dai: In this presentation, we will share ZTE's insights into the future technological evolution of AN, our perspectives on architectural convergence and iteration, and progress in the application of large models. We will also cover AI in ANs, as well as

collaborative achievements with global partners in AN high-value scenarios.

We will introduce the collaboration between ZTE and China Telecom in AN, including the design of high-value scenarios such as wireless network fault handling and performance optimization, as well as implementation and verification results across multiple provinces.

The expert, Mr. Song from China Telecom, will also share the operator's perspective, providing insights into its strategy and value considerations in advancing AN. Networks.