Network inventory solutions like SunVizion Network Inventory, Network Configuration Management and Network Planning and Design modules combine to form three of the most pivotal pieces of any network operator’s OSS/BSS product suite. In this article we’ll explore the comprehensive range of use-cases they service, which are crucial for the efficient and effective management of telecommunications networks. These solutions cater to various aspects of network management, including network planning and design, network capacity allocation, asset management and automated network design, as well as support for assurance and fulfilment use-cases. 

Let's explore these use-cases in greater detail:

Network inventory solutions

1. Network Planning and Design

The SunVizion Network Planning & Design tool is specifically created to support Network Operators and Service Providers in their network expansion plans. It significantly reduces the time and cost of designing, analysing and implementing new (or in-fill) networks. This tool is a natural extension of the SunVizion Network Inventory solution and is tightly integrated with it, ensuring that planning is always based on up-to-date information based on the current state of the network. 

Key planning and design features include:

  • Unique automated network design algorithms that consider topography, existing infrastructure, costs engineering rules and many other design factors (this point is discussed in more detail in the “Automated Network Design” section below)

  • Automatic data exchange with network inventory systems to ensure seamless integration with network inventory systems. This safeguards the design process to ensure planning is based on the most up-to-date network, service and asset status available

  • Libraries of pre-modelled network elements / device templates to speed up design time and provide the basis for manual or automated designs

  • Detection of power supply conflicts and calculation of power consumed by each element to optimise for ongoing operational costs

  • Automatic generation of a bill of materials reports for newly designed networks (or sections of network), which expedites key Asset Management workflows such as parts ordering and more

 

2. Network Capacity Allocation

Capacity planning is vital for maintaining an expected level of service quality and performance while ensuring the network can adapt to evolving changes in utilisation and network health postures. 

The capacity allocation process involves:

  • Day-to-day monitoring and managing network capacity to ensure it remains within thresholds that safeguard service quality at all times

  • Balancing the day-to-day needs with future-proofing the network performance – with the goal of observing longer-term trends to achieve optimal sustained excellence in network availability, capacity and performance

3. Asset Management

Asset and Spares Management is integral to network planning and design. 

This involves:

  • Understanding the bills of quantities required to implement network changes

  • It also includes managing the supply chain to make those assets available

  • This management ensures that resources are optimally utilised and maintained, thereby enhancing the efficiency and longevity of the network infrastructure.

4. Automated Network Design

Automated network design tools are essential for both greenfield (new) and brownfield (existing) networks. These tools provide advanced functionality that includes:

  • Fast-tracking the design process based on design rules and preferred optimisation levers (e.g. homes passed, install cost, materials cost, etc)

  • Algorithmically calculated to ensure that optimal resource allocation and capital efficiency is achieved

  • Coordinating resources including assets and workforces and

  • Ensuring that designs are complete, correct, and consistent for efficient implementation by field workers.

5. Assisting Assurance Use-Cases

Network inventory solutions play a crucial role in supporting assurance use-cases such as:

  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

  • Service Impact Analysis (SIA)

  • Topology awareness for correlation effects and 

  • Alarm enrichment 

These use-cases involve identifying and resolving network issues efficiently. By providing detailed and updated network information, these tools aid in quickly pinpointing the root causes of network problems and enhancing the information available for Assurance systems.

6. Assisting Fulfilment Use-Cases

In fulfilment use-cases such as reserving and allocation of available resources, SunVizion’s solution can support full (or partial) automation of service fulfilment. Its ability to merge plans created by different planners and detect errors is critical in coordinating resources and workforce for fulfilling customer orders efficiently and effectively.