Autonomous networks hyperloops: Designing resilient networks for disaster recovery and mission-critical operations

In an award-winning TM Forum Catalyst project, communication service providers and vendors join together to design resilient networks services that will save lives in times of uncertainty and need.

Tornadoes, cyclones, flooding, earthquakes, and war: Already in 2023, our world has suffered many devastating natural and man-made disasters that have claimed countless lives. Going forward, climate change most surely will exacerbate these crises. We must put our best collective efforts toward preparing for a scary future, and TM Forum is playing a role.

When human lives are at risk, resilient communications channels are among humanity’s most critical assets. Telecommunications networks are the heartbeat of coordinated rescue and relief efforts and a literal lifeline to connect citizens to worried friends and family around the world. Unfortunately, the infrastructure components that support communication networks (e.g. cellphone towers, internet and power lines etc) are susceptible to physical destruction as well.

How can we go about designing and constructing more resilient digital services so that disaster relief efforts can be more successful?

How can we employ innovative information technology to quickly connect first responders and local resources on the ground?

Better yet, how can we create a digital virtual command center that leverages expert resources around the world to offer assistance in times of crises?

Back in 2020, my company had the privilege of joining a TM Forum Catalyst initiative to “build teams to create news solutions to drive real change.” Recently, Orange, NTT, Chunghwa Telecom, Verizon, TIM, Beyond Now, Furturewei and UBiqube joined forces in Phase IV of the Autonomous Networks Hyperloops Catalyst to address the questions above.

I’m proud to report that the collaborative efforts of this team were honored as winners of the TM Forum Outstanding Catalyst Showcase award, and as finalists in the Sustainability and Impact on Society and Best Innovation and Future Techco categories, announced at the Digital Transformation World Asia conference in March 2023.

This award-winning Catalyst project set out to design and develop the global architecture for operations command centers, with autonomous networks solutions as an enabling framework to support critical operations and create new types of services. Here is a quick summary of the key components of this framework and why they are essential for resilient networks:

1. Autonomous networks hyperloop: Resilient digital services require autonomous networks which have the potential to significantly enhance disaster handling by enabling self-configuring, self-healing and self-optimizing network infrastructure based on Intent extracted and decomposed into each layer. In the event of a disaster, autonomous networks can automatically detect and respond to network disruptions by dynamically reconfiguring the remaining network assets to ensure that critical communication channels remain operational and accessible to emergency responders and affected individuals.
2. Disaster handling virtual command center (DHVCC): A disaster handling virtual command center is a virtual environment that leverages metaverse and digital twin components to provide a comprehensive and real-time view of operations, assets and infrastructure. The DHVCC can be used to monitor and manage critical infrastructure and resources—such as power grids, transportation, networks and healthcare facilities—from a central location. Overall, a DHVCC can help organizations to improve situational awareness, streamline operations and enhance decision-making during emergencies.

3. Mission-critical industry command center (MCICC): Extending this concept to a mission-critical industry command center for remote operation in dangerous scenarios (mines, nuclear plants, oil and gas pipelines and refineries, etc) requires a combination of advanced echnologies and robust operational procedures:

● Network connectivity. Reliable and high-speed network connectivity. This may require the deployment of dedicated communication networks, such as private LTE or 5G networks, or the use of satellite communication systems in remote locations.

● Remote monitoring and control, including cameras, sensors, and robots. This allows operators to remotely monitor and control critical infrastructure and equipment, reducing the need for personnel to be physically present in dangerous environments.

● Digital twin and analytics. This enables the MCICC operators to train, detect anomalies, predict failures and optimize maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and improving safety.

● Dynamic application deployment and edge orchestration. Mission critical operations must be performed carefully and require applications to be deployed dynamically at the edge to avoid any risk linked to latency or network outages. Resources must also be automatically decommissioned to save energy and provide a sustainable solution.

UBiqube is honored to be contributing our expertise in hybrid cloud and infrastructure automation to this effort, and I encourage you to investigate how you can play a part in this or one of the many other TM Forum Catalyst projects. TM Forum is a great place to put competition aside to invent the network of the future for the good of the world.