Eight Best Practices to Follow for Efficient Telecom Infrastructure Management

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Daria Batrakova, Director Business Line Telecom Solutions at FNT Software

In today’s dynamic telecommunications landscape, operators face increasing demands for better connectivity, faster service delivery, and higher network reliability. Managing telecom infrastructure effectively is critical to meeting these requirements while also ensuring scalability for future growth. Let’s explore key best practices to optimize telecom infrastructure management and address the complexities inherent in modern networks:

1. Centralize Infrastructure Data

A centralized data model forms the backbone of effective telecom infrastructure management. Telecom networks often comprise multiple domains, such as fiber access, backbone equipment, and even data center resources. These elements are managed by different systems, which can lead to data silos and inconsistencies. Centralizing infrastructure data involves consolidating documentation from various systems into a single repository that provides a “single source of truth.” This enables operators to maintain an accurate and comprehensive view of the network.

For example, during network expansion or upgrades, having a centralized database allows operators to quickly assess current infrastructure, identify available capacity, and plan new deployments efficiently. This approach helps eliminate the time-consuming process of retrieving data from disparate sources and reduces the risk of errors in documentation. It also facilitates faster onboarding of new services, as network operators can easily access all relevant information for service provisioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

2. Implement Unified Resource Management

Managing telecom infrastructure requires visibility across all network segments. This means integrating not only the management of telecom resources, but also cloud and data center domains under a unified system. Unified resource management provides a holistic view of the entire infrastructure, encompassing both physical, logical and virtual assets, to streamline operations.

For instance, network operators that manage both fixed-line and wireless services benefit from unified resource management by ensuring that their infrastructure can adapt to fluctuations in demand across different service areas. This approach allows for more strategic allocation of resources, reducing instances of underutilization or overprovisioning. Moreover, unified management supports better planning for future network expansions, ensuring that all network elements are seamlessly integrated without creating bottlenecks or service interruptions.

3. Prioritize Data Accuracy with Structured Reconciliation Processes

Accurate and up-to-date data is critical for managing telecom infrastructure. However, maintaining data integrity is challenging due to the constant changes in network configuration, such as equipment upgrades, new installations, or service migrations. Structured reconciliation processes play a pivotal role in ensuring data accuracy. These processes involve regular verification and updating of infrastructure documentation to reflect the actual state of the network.

Automating reconciliation tasks can significantly reduce manual workload and improve data consistency across systems. For example, telecom operators can implement automated tools that regularly compare network data with network inventory assets and flag any discrepancies for review. Such processes not only help maintain data quality but also enable more reliable service impact analysis, which is essential for planning maintenance activities and addressing network issues proactively.

4. Foster Integration Across Systems

Telecom infrastructure management often involves integrating a variety of systems, such as operational support systems (OSS), business support systems (BSS), network management tools, and data analytics platforms. Ensuring these systems can work together seamlessly is crucial for maintaining a unified view of the network and enhancing operational efficiency.

System integration is especially important when dealing with multi-vendor networks, where different components may use varying technologies and protocols. For example, integrating network monitoring tools with inventory management systems allows operators to receive real-time updates on equipment status, which helps in detecting and resolving issues quickly. Additionally, integrating service desk tools  with network inventory platforms enables service providers to correlate customer issues with network events, providing a better understanding of service disruptions and enhancing customer support.

Successful system integration requires a robust framework that supports bidirectional data exchange, automated updates, and flexible interfacing capabilities. This can be achieved through the use of open APIs, standardized data formats, and middleware that bridges the gap between disparate systems. The goal is to reduce manual intervention, ensure data consistency, and enable real-time insights into network operations.

5. Leverage Data Analytics and AI for Proactive Management

Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming telecom infrastructure management by enabling more predictive and proactive approaches. Analytics tools can process vast amounts of network data to identify patterns, forecast potential issues, and optimize performance. For example, by analyzing historical traffic data, operators can predict network congestion and take preemptive measures, such as rerouting traffic or upgrading network capacity, to prevent service degradation.

AI-powered algorithms can also be used to automate network monitoring and fault detection. For instance, AI can analyze equipment performance metrics to identify anomalies that may indicate an impending failure, allowing operators to address the issue before it affects service. Predictive maintenance powered by AI helps extend the lifespan of network equipment, reduce repair costs, and minimize downtime.

Moreover, data analytics can aid in customer experience management by correlating network performance with customer feedback. Operators can use this insight to prioritize network improvements in areas where customers are experiencing the most issues, thereby enhancing overall service quality.

6. Optimize Planning and Deployment Through Automation

Automation is a key enabler of efficiency in telecom infrastructure management. Automated processes can streamline workflows across various stages of network planning, deployment, and maintenance. This includes automating tasks such as network provisioning, service activation, and configuration management, which are traditionally time-consuming and prone to human error.

For example, when deploying a new fiber-optic network, automated planning tools can generate optimal routes based on factors such as distance, cost, and existing infrastructure. This speeds up the planning phase and ensures that resources are allocated effectively. During the deployment phase, automated provisioning of network equipment can reduce the time it takes to activate new services, allowing operators to respond more quickly to market demands.

Automation can also improve maintenance planning by scheduling regular system checks and updating network documentation automatically. This reduces the risk of service disruptions and ensures that the network operates at peak performance.

7. Address the Challenges of Legacy Systems

Managing legacy systems poses a significant challenge in telecom infrastructure management. Older systems often lack the flexibility and integration capabilities needed to support modern network operations. However, replacing legacy systems entirely can be costly and disruptive.

One approach to overcoming this challenge is to adopt a phased integration strategy that gradually migrates functionalities from legacy systems to modern platforms. This allows operators to maintain continuity while upgrading their infrastructure incrementally. Implementing middleware solutions can help bridge the gap between legacy and new systems, enabling data exchange and functional interoperability. Additionally, investing in training programs for staff can facilitate the transition to newer technologies and minimize operational risks.

8. Strengthen Security and Compliance

Telecom infrastructure is a critical component of national and economic security, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. As networks become more complex and interconnected, the need for robust security measures and regulatory compliance to directives like NIS2 increases. Best practices in this area include implementing network segmentation, conducting regular security audits, and applying encryption to sensitive data.

Telecom operators should also stay informed about the latest regulatory requirements and industry standards, ensuring their infrastructure management practices align with these guidelines. This involves not only adhering to data privacy laws but also complying with technical standards for network equipment and software. Automated compliance monitoring tools can help detect any deviations from regulatory requirements and prompt corrective actions.

Long-Term Operational Excellence

Overall, effective telecom infrastructure management is essential for delivering high-quality services, maintaining network reliability, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. By adopting best practices such as centralizing data, implementing unified resource management, ensuring data accuracy, fostering system integration, leveraging data analytics, automating workflows, addressing legacy system challenges, and strengthening security, telecom operators can optimize their operations and prepare for future growth. These strategies not only enhance operational efficiency but also support continuous improvement, innovation, and resilience in the face of evolving technological demands.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daria Batrakova is Director Business Line Telecom Solutions at FNT Software. She has worked in network operation, OSS integration and solution advisory roles in the telecommunications field for over 20 years.

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