AI/ML in 5G

Advanced
Arjun Parekh – BT Distinguished Engineer
Contents

Introduction to BT Labs
Building Blocks for AI
Where can we use AI/ML
Why should we use AI
3GPP R18 and Beyond
Introduction to BT Labs
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Mobile Networks Research, supporting the award-winning EE Network

Self-
Learning
Networks

Wireless
Research

Core
Network
& Services

Smart
Network
Defence
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Building blocks for AI

AI Lifecycle Management Governance
Data quality and availability Provenance and audit
On-demand access to tooling Bias and Correctness
and compute infrastructure Explainability
AI Applications
Frictionless introduction of tools Ethics
Interoperability

Data, AI Tools &

Business & Technical Infrastructure
training
Executive awareness AI Skills, AI Standards, Research Labs
Ethical foundation Training ethics & Partnerships with global
& Awareness management
research
Culture of experimentation
AI Evolution

4
Where can we use AI/ML
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Increasing productivity in our processes

Plan
New Sites Build
Upgrades Field Force coordination Operate
Decoms Digital Twin Zero-Touch Operations

New Services Downtime coordination to Security

minimise Customer Impact
Energy Efficiency
Intent-based Services
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Why should we use AI

Observability & Customer Experience
Observability is about turning Network Telemetry data into
Actionable Insight
The most fundamental question to an operator should be an
understanding of Customer Experience (CX).
Traditional OSS metrics have often not been granular
enough to get a detailed view. As telemetry improves and
AI/ML is used to combine multiple data sources, a full view of
CX can be provided, and decisions can be made for the
greatest benefit to the customer.
Why should we use AI
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Efficient use of CAPEX and OPEX

Performance Softwarisation

ML models can significantly The current direction in

outperform traditional Networks is towards
rules-based algorithms disaggregation and
particularly in problems softwarisation. As more of
with high dimensionality the network becomes
and large quantities of data. virtualised there is a larger
control surface for AI to
The adoption of ML for
work with.
network optimisation will
drive improved
performance, making the
best use of costly resources.
3GPP Release 18 (5G Advanced) and Beyond
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5G Advanced Beyond 5G

Key changes in Release 18 AI for the Air Interface

are improvements to
Ubiquitous AI throughout
signalling such as support
the network
for predictive messaging
from neighbouring nodes.
Specific implementations of
AI/ML at the node will be
down to Vendors
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Summary

AI is already in use in the majority of

networks, and its use will only accelerate.
Operators must look at all processes to
understand the potential for AI driven
automation
Success of AI deployments will live or die
by data quality