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Date

29 Apr 2025

50 XX Attendees

Apologies

Meeting Agenda

Confirmed Speakers & Topics

• Zhaoxing (CAICT)
  Topic: IETF AN Standardization: Network Management Agents Driving L4+ High-Level Autonomous Networks

See

...

TMF-IETF standardization progress-Xing.pdf

• Marco Carugi (ITU-T SG13 Q20 Rapporteur)
  Topic: Update on AN Activities in Progress within ITU-T SG13 (Q20)

See  ITU-T_SG13_AN activities_update-Marco Carugi.pdf

• Luigi Licciardi (Huawei, OCG AN)
  Topic: AI for the Evolution of Autonomous Networks

See  ETSI_OCG_ANMSDOLuigi29425.pptx

• Yi Lin (Huawei, F5G Technical Manager)
  Topic: Autonomous Network Levels Classification and Evaluation for Fixed Networks

See ETSI ISG F5G AN updates v2 (Yi Lin).pptx

• Standing Items (time permitting)
• Agree Schedule for Next Meeting(s) - ALL
  • Tuesday July 29th 
  • Tuesday October 28th
• Deferred to next meeting
  • Updates on  Agent Work from TM Forum / AN Topic Matrix Discussion - Kevin McDonnell 
  • Liaison Closures:  Dave Milham 
    • IETF NMOP Terminology
    • 3GPP SA5 R19 – Intent-Driven Management
• Agree Next Meeting(s) - ALL

Call for IPR Declaration – IPR Statements for Use in Meetings

Call for IPR Declaration

Meeting notes

Meeting Recording

IETF AN Standardization Progress: Xing Zhao from CAICT discussed the status of IETF autonomous network standardization. He highlighted the progress made in defining concepts and frameworks for autonomic networking and intent-based networking. Xing also mentioned the introduction of AI into network management and the challenges that need to be addressed. He presented a draft on AI-based network management, which proposes a standardized common architecture for AI network management. The draft aims to provide a framework for AI network management, clarify its relationship with existing controllers, and define functional requirements for different scenarios. Xing concluded by stating that the standardization of AI agents in IETF is still in its early stages and needs to be accelerated in the future. Xing presented on the ongoing discussions about network management and the importance of natural language in the process. Jörg raised questions about the realization of the intent northbound API and the role of natural language in network management. Wadii suggested the use of reasoning capabilities in LLMs for troubleshooting and network management.

Update on AN Activities in Progress within ITU-T SG13 (Q20): Marco provided an update on the activities of Study Group 13, focusing on AI and ML. He highlighted the group's work on autonomous networks and the integration of AI capabilities in networks to make them more efficient. Marco also mentioned ongoing projects, such as the development of a knowledge management system for autonomous networks and a focus group on native telecom networks. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and the potential for reciprocal collaboration with other SDOs. Marco also mentioned a correspondence group on data sets, which aims to provide guidelines for using data sets for ML in networks. Marco and Paul discussed the architecture framework for autonomous networks, addressing questions about its compatibility with other architectures. They explained that the framework is conceptual and aims to create control loops for network adaptation. They also touched on the topic of trust in AI models, emphasizing the need for a framework to assess model trustworthiness. Jörg raised concerns about the lack of a framework for verifying AI model quality and correctness. Paul mentioned ongoing work on explainability and trust services in AI networks. The team agreed on the importance of collaboration on these topics.

AI for the Evolution of Autonomous Networks: Luigi discussed the coordination group, OCG, which facilitates the exchange of results and deliverables for autonomous networks. He highlighted the importance of identifying synergies, best practices, and common requirements. Luigi also mentioned the role of artificial intelligence in autonomous networks and the need for continuous dialogue with the European community. He presented a white paper on the evolution of autonomous networks, focusing on the role of AI and the challenges and opportunities of level 4 evolution. The white paper is scheduled for release on July 25.

Autonomous Network Levels Classification and Evaluation for Fixed Networks: Yi discussed the Fixed Network Autonomous Level Classification and Evaluation based on the TMF. He explained the concept of F. 5G, the 5th generation of fixed networks, and how it has evolved over time. Yi also introduced the Intelligent FTTR (Fiber to the Room) and AI for Optical Networks white papers. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between different standard organizations for the development of autonomous networks, particularly for the fixed optical network. The conversation ended with the proposal of two more meetings scheduled for July 29th and October 28th.

Action List

•  MSDO Attendees to update the topic matrix with their respective organization's work and contributions. MSDO AN Topic Matrix
•  Jörg Niemöller to follow up with Marco on mapping ITU-T autonomous network architecture to other SDO architecture
•  Marco Carugi to explore potential collaboration opportunities with Jörg on the trust and explainability aspects of AI in the network
•  ETSI OCG AN to release white paper on AI's role in autonomous networks by July 25, 2025
•  IGSF 5G to publish white paper on AI for optical networks by the end of 2024.
•  Alan Pope to send meeting invitations for the next coordination meetings on July 29 and October 28.

Next Meeting details

Scheduled Date:

...

29 Jul 2025 

Link to Project Calendar:

Apologies for next week’s meeting: 

Requested topics for next meeting agenda: 

1. IEEE INGR Future Networks Systems Optimization WG (Ranganai Chaparadza). Updates regarding the White Paper on "Towards Development of a Standardized Blueprint of Common Operational Principles for Autonomic / Autonomous Networks (COPAAN) for Use Across Various Autonomous Networks Architectural Frameworks and Systems".