Ericsson has introduced the NetCloud Assistant (ANA), a generative AI chatbot designed to streamline the management of enterprise 5G networks. ANA is the first AI “virtual expert” tailored specifically for enterprise Wireless WAN (WWAN) networks. It operates using large language models hosted within Ericsson’s secure environment, ensuring privacy by not relying on third-party consumer AI services.
The chatbot is integrated with Ericsson’s NetCloud AIOps dashboard, which uses an intelligent fault management system to detect network issues like latency and jitter based on the user’s specific environment. ANA significantly improves operational efficiency by delivering tailored responses derived from both technical documents and the customer’s network data. This reduces tasks that would traditionally take hours or days into mere seconds.
ANA also offers personalized summaries, configuration advice for WAN edge devices, and the ability to automate diagnostic procedures. Future updates will expand its capabilities to include SD-WAN and WAN bonding recommendations, as well as advanced visualizations for complex network data that are not typically available in standard dashboards.
Pankaj Malhotra, Head of Enterprise Networking and Security at Ericsson, emphasized that the NetCloud platform stands out for its ability to simplify the deployment and management of enterprise cellular networks. With investments in cutting-edge AI technology, Ericsson aims to empower IT teams, improve network security and reliability, and provide a better user experience.
The UK government’s recent AI Opportunities Action Plan, which seeks to apply AI to improve public services, might find similar applications in areas such as planning, teaching, and infrastructure management, offering a glimpse into the future of AI-driven solutions.
