Network automation refers to the application of technology to manage and control network operations with minimal human intervention. This can encompass a range of processes including configuration, provisioning, deployment, and management of network resources. By automating these tasks, organizations can significantly enhance operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.
There are two primary categories of network automation: standardized and customized. Standardized automation adheres to established industry protocols and practices, such as Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and automated routing. In contrast, customized automation is tailored to the specific needs and operational methodologies of a service provider, allowing for more flexible and adaptive management of network resources.
A noteworthy benefit of network automation is its potential to lower operational costs—an Analysys Mason study indicates opex reductions of up to 56%—while also accelerating service activation, leading to increased revenues. However, the complexity and costs associated with implementing automation tools can be significant. This is where low-code platforms, such as Ribbon's Muse IP Optical Multilayer Automation Platform, play a crucial role.
Key Benefits of Network Automation
- Cost Reduction: Automation significantly lowers operational costs through efficient provisioning, configuration, deployment, and management.
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Faster service activation and reduced downtimes translate into higher customer retention and satisfaction.
- Increased Revenue: By streamlining operations, service providers can bring new services to market quickly, leading to increased revenue opportunities.
- Improved Productivity: Automation allows network operations personnel, often referred to as citizen developers, to focus on higher-value tasks rather than repetitive manual operations.
Ribbon's IP Network Automation Tools
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, network automation has become a vital tool for service providers seeking to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Muse, a pioneering platform developed by Ribbon Communications, stands at the forefront of this transformation. The Muse platform facilitates customized automation across various operational areas, including network planning, service delivery, and maintenance. By implementing low-code automation, service providers can transition from manual tasks to automated routines, enhancing productivity and reducing the likelihood of human error. The Muse platform supports seamless integration across network layers and offers comprehensive applications for network control, analysis, design, and planning.
Muse Multilayer Automation Platform (MAP)
Ribbon is a leader in implementing low-code platforms, incorporating them as a fundamental part of our Muse IP Optical Multilayer Automation Platform (MAP). From its inception, Muse has been conceived as a network automation platform, offering a comprehensive suite of applications for network control, analysis, design, and planning. These applications significantly simplify the introduction of network automation within IP Optical networks.
Reasons that Muse excels in implementing low-code platforms include:
- Muse low-code platforms operate seamlessly across all network layers, L0 to L3.
- Muse low-code platforms are a native part of Muse’s ecosystem; they are not an external add-on capability
- The low code capabilities can call on each other and have native access to all network data.
- Muse low-code platforms integrate smoothly with other systems. For instance, Muse automated workflows can be initiated from external systems via APIs and are capable of executing API/SSH commands on other systems.
