DENOG15

Towards automated and proactive anomaly detection in fiber access networks
2023-11-20 , Auditorium

Communication networks are vital for society and network availability is therefore crucial. There is a huge potential in using network telemetry data and machine learning algorithms to proactively detect anomalies and remedy network problems before they affect the customers. In practice, however, there are many steps on the way to get there. In this presentation we would like to share the status of an ongoing research collaboration with the purpose of simplifying the operation and increase the availability of fiber access networks.

The research project is part of a CELTIC_NEXT flagship research program (AI-NET) that has the overall target of accelerating the digital transformation in Europe by intelligent network automation.

The project (“Palantir”) consists of two parts:

A field trial in a Swedish municipality network where telemetry data from more than 500 access switches, connecting more than 12000 households, are collected and analyzed for anomalies using machine learning. (The field trial is planned to be expanded to cover 1000 access switches during the project and synthetic errors are planned to be injected to emulate error situations.)

The second part is a demonstrator to be set up at Fraunhoffer HHI in Berlin (starting in October 2023). The demonstrator covers an end to end network and aims to demonstrate all aspects of the research program.

In the presentation we would like to describe our field trial and demonstrator, share our experiences in collecting and analyzing telemetry data in the field and describe our conclusions so far.
We would also like to open up for a discussion with the DENOG15 participants on what real life error situations that causes the most problems in fiber access networks and whether they would be suitable for AI detection (and potentially also for error emulation in our field trial).

Project Palantir is a collaboration between:
• Fraunhofer HHI (German Research Institute): Demonstrator
• Lunet (Swedish operator - open access municipality network): Field trial
• RISE (Independent Swedish research institute): Field trial
• Savantic (Swedish AI specialists): Field trial
• Waystream (FTTX vendor): Field trial and demonstrator

See also:

Johan Sandell is the CTO at Waystream. He has broad experience from the IT and telecommunications industry with a focus on fiber optical systems. Johan's background includes start-up companies such as Transmode Systems and Xelerated, as well as innovation organizations within large multinational organizations including Ericsson and GfK. A common thread in Johan's career is to understand and utilize innovative technologies in a business-driven way to address real needs. Johan has a master's degree in Engineering Physics from the Royal Institute of Technology and leadership training from the Swedish National Defense College.
www.linkedin.com/in/johansandell

https://www.linkedin.com/in/behnamshariati/

Behnam Shariati (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.) is the Deputy Head of Data Analytics and Digital Signal Processing Group of the Photonic Networks and Systems department at the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI in Berlin, Germany. Behnam is (co)author of 60+ peer-reviewed articles that appeared in top journals and conference proceedings of his field of expertise. In addition to his technical expertise, he is involved in the management and coordination of several research projects. He is currently leading the work package “AI-assisted Network Control and Service Automation” of AI-NET PROTECT, a Celtic Next project with 39 partners across Europe and a budget exceeding 22 Million €. Behnam has also a broad understanding of the landscape of open source networking as well as standardization bodies, specifically focusing on the topic of optical network and service automation. He is one of the Fraunhofer HHI’s contributor to ETSI Fifth Generation Fixed Network (F5G) standardization group, primarily on the topic of AI and ML for the automation of F5G network fabric. He is a member of IEEE and OPTICA.

Currently driving business growth as a Technical Presales at Waystream in Germany, leveraging my deep knowledge of networking solutions and strong communication skills. Skilled in understanding customer requirements, developing tailored solutions, and delivering persuasive presentations. Committed to building strong client relationships and exceeding expectations. Excited to contribute my expertise to drive innovation and contribute to Waystream's continued success.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-burk1/

Dr. David Hock is the Director of Research at Infosim®.With the solution StableNet®, Infosim® is a leading manufacturer of automated Service Fulfillment and Service Assurance solutions. StableNet® incorporates Fault, Performance, Configuration, and Services Management on a single platform.

At Infosim®, Dr. Hock is coordinating the research activities across all business areas, including among others Automated Network & Service Management, 5G/6G, Quantum Communication/QKD as well as many activities related to AI and Machine Learning. Since the very first day when starting as a spin off of the University of Würzburg, Infosim has always been very actively participating in different research activities and conducted numerous funded research projects together with other industry partners as well as Research institutes and academia. This is a very good driver for innovation and helps to bring together both the theoretical/methodological research work and the practical applications of it.

Prior to Infosim®, Dr. Hock was working as a Research Assistant and Post Doctoral Researcher at the Chair of Communication Networks at the Institute of Computer Science in Würzburg where he finished his Dr. rer. nat. degree in 2014.