ONAP ETSI-Alignment and Future
- Byung-Woo Jun
ONAP is exploring Generative AI to enhance dynamic resource allocation, intelligent orchestration, anomaly detection, self-healing, declarative intent translation, enhanced monitoring, and observability, as well as GitOps integration.
The telecom industry is undergoing a profound transformation, with AI-native and open-source technologies taking center stage. These innovations are not only enhancing operational efficiency but redefining the architecture of networks. In 2024, ETSI ISG NFV has made advancements in the following areas:
AI and ML Integration
Cloud-Native Evolution
Declarative Orchestration
Open Collaboration
ONAP is closely monitoring these ETSI ISG NFV advancements. In October 2024, ETSI ISG NFV hosted a Telco Cloud and AI-Native open session to explore these emerging technologies.
Additionally, ONAP is observing the LF AI & Data and GenAI Commons communities to leverage open LLMs that conform to LF Model Openness Framework (MOF) and Model Openness Tools (MOT) standards, and seeking an opportunity to integrate the ONAP declarative and intent-based orchestration architecture:
Enhanced ETSI-aligned packages and APIs can be used for this archiecture.
ETSI ISG NFV and GenAI Summary
ETSI ISG NFV is working on the following areas:
GenAI in Network Automation
Dynamic Resource Allocation:
GenAI models predict network demand patterns and allocate resources dynamically, optimizing the use of compute, storage, and networking while reducing operational costs.
Intent-Based Orchestration:
GenAI enables the translation of high-level network intents into detailed configurations, simplifying the onboarding and orchestration of VNFs (Virtualized Network Functions) and CNFs (Containerized Network Functions).
Enhanced Lifecycle Management:
Using Generative AI, ETSI NFV standards facilitate predictive lifecycle management of VNFs and CNFs, including automated scaling, healing, and upgrades based on real-time data.
GenAI-Powered Observability and Analytics
Intelligent Monitoring:
GenAI enhances network observability by analyzing telemetry data to identify trends, detect anomalies, and provide actionable insights in real time.
Predictive Maintenance:
By leveraging historical network data, GenAI predicts potential failures, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing service downtime.
Anomaly Detection and Self-Healing:
GenAI detects complex anomalies beyond static thresholds and automates corrective actions, ensuring network reliability.
Support for Open and Declarative Standards
ETSI ISG NFV promotes:
GitOps Integration:
GenAI aids in managing VNFDs (VNF Descriptors), CNFs, and NSDs (Network Service Descriptors) stored in Git repositories, ensuring automated version control and policy enforcement.
Declarative Orchestration Models:
GenAI facilitates declarative orchestration frameworks, aligning with ETSI NFV’s vision of intent-driven automation for telco cloud operations.
Integration with AI-Native Frameworks
AI-Native Telco Cloud:
ETSI ISG NFV is collaborating with AI and cloud-native communities to build an AI-native telco cloud. This includes integrating GenAI for seamless interoperability between NFV components and Kubernetes-based cloud environments.
AI-Augmented Security:
GenAI contributes to ETSI NFV security standards by identifying and mitigating potential security vulnerabilities in VNFs and CNFs.
ETSI NFV Standard Updates for GenAI
To support GenAI, ETSI ISG NFV has been evolving its standards:
SOL001: Updated to define descriptors for AI-powered network functions.
SOL003: Incorporates AI-driven lifecycle management APIs for NFVO (Network Functions Virtualization Orchestrator).
SOL005: Enhanced to support AI/ML workflows in OSS/BSS integration.
Collaboration with GenAI and AI-Native Initiatives
ETSI ISG NFV works closely with:
LF AI & Data: To integrate open large language models (LLMs) into NFV operations.
AI-Native Telco Cloud Sessions: ETSI ISG NFV hosted a Telco Cloud and AI-Native open session in October 2024, focusing on GenAI’s role in telco networks.
Open Source Projects: Collaborates with open-source platforms like ONAP, Kubernetes, and Istio to align AI capabilities with NFV standards.
Challenges and Future Directions
Challenges:
Ensuring interoperability between traditional NFV and AI-native components.
Addressing data privacy and regulatory compliance.
Standardizing AI models and workflows for broad industry adoption.
Future Directions:
ETSI ISG NFV plans to deepen the integration of GenAI into its standards and frameworks, focusing on:
Autonomous networks driven by AI.
Enhanced support for 6G, IoT, and edge computing.
Expanding collaborations with AI-native and open-source communities.
The convergence of AI-native and open-source technologies is revolutionizing telecommunications. The ETSI ISG NFV community remains dedicated to advancing telco network evolution through cutting-edge virtualization, cloud-native and AI-driven technologies.