Ericsson has launched its generative AI-based NetCloud Assistant (ANA), a virtual expert designed to simplify enterprise 5G network administration. ANA leverages large language models (LLMs) to go beyond traditional chatbot capabilities, enabling it to read, understand, and generate new text and graphical content. Hosted entirely within Ericsson's infrastructure, ANA prioritises data privacy by avoiding third-party generative AI integrations.
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Ericsson NetCloud Assistant
According to Ericsson, Unlike traditional chatbots, which leverage search to provide links to existing resources, ANA provides personalized responses by correlating information from multiple technical documents and unique insights from the customer’s network, transforming hours or even days of work into seconds.
"ANA is the first generative AI virtual expert designed for enterprise Wireless WAN (WWAN) networks, utilizing large language models, with all its AI components hosted entirely within Ericsson's environment. This design ensures user and data privacy by avoiding API calls to third-party consumer generative AI applications," Ericsson said on Monday.
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Key Features of ANA:
- Knowledge Summarization: Provides concise, network-specific summaries by correlating information from Ericsson’s library of technical documentation.
- Configuration Assistance: Accelerates Day 1 deployments with step-by-step guidance for WAN edge device configuration based on best practices.
- Enhanced Troubleshooting: Automates diagnostics and delivers detailed instructions to resolve connectivity issues efficiently.
- Policy Recommendation (Future Update): Will suggest SD-WAN and WAN bonding policies tailored to business requirements.
- Custom Graph Generation (Future Update): Will enable administrators to request complex, custom graphical visualizations beyond standard NetCloud dashboards.
Pankaj Malhotra, Head of Enterprise Networking and Security, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Ericsson said: "Ericsson's NetCloud is differentiated in its ability to simplify the deployment, management and troubleshooting of enterprise cellular networking. By investing heavily in cutting-edge AI technology, we are empowering even the most streamlined IT teams to tackle 5G administration challenges, enhancing network reliability, security, and user experience with unparalleled efficiency."
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ANA's Integration with NetCloud AIOps
ANA integrates with Ericsson's NetCloud AIOps dashboard, an intelligent fault management system that identifies and addresses performance anomalies such as latency and jitter. "By providing real-time insights into network performance, AIOps empowers IT teams to proactively address issues, leveraging ANA as needed, to ensure optimal network operations and enhance the overall digital experience," Ericsson said.
