OB-CAS project to stimulate open innovation for the broadband industry; calls for involvement of application providers in data analytics and network automation software

OB-CAS project to stimulate open innovation for the broadband industry; calls for involvement of application providers in data analytics and network automation software

The OB-CloudCO Application Software Development Kit (OB-CAS) project is set to create a network management application ecosystem for the broadband industry. The project will develop an open platform software environment to foster open innovation. Access to a broader pool of expertise enables ISPs to select fit-for-purpose applications from a community of independent software vendors. This allows ideas to be developed faster and ensures faster time-to-market of new products or services. Software application providers will be able to integrate their cloud application running in a CloudCO environment.

As networks grow in complexity, automation is key for ISPs to scale and operate. ISPs need to be able to operate their networks in an efficient way. Reactive and pro-active monitoring play a key role for improved maintenance and utilization of the network. Use cases range from service and network optimization, trend analysis, pro-active anomaly detection, network planning, and root cause analysis. Depending on the use case, the data analysis – with optional support from AI – and potential action(s) triggered by the result of the analysis can enable closed loop network automation, as described in the Automated Intelligent Management (AIM) specifications suite (TR-436 and TR-486).

The project team will initially select from existing open-source APIs, with applications accessing resources and (telemetry) data through these APIs. A sandbox environment will be created consisting of an App SDK, network device simulators and an access domain controller platform that leverages the OB-BAA reference implementation.

Management/ data analysis software application providers are invited to join the project to help shape the API requirements and test the SDK to see how their applications can operate in a CloudCO environment.

To learn more about the OB-CAS project’s ongoing work, please see: https://wiki.broadband-forum.org/display/OBCAS/OB-CAS+Home