NOC optimization in the telecom industry.

A Network Operations Center, or NOC, is the primary workspace engineers utilize to monitor, manage and troubleshoot problems on a telecom network. The Network Operations Center offers oversight of problems, configuration and change management, network security, performance and policy monitoring, reporting, quality assurance, scheduling, and documentation by utilizing sophisticated network management, monitoring and analysis tools.

The NOC provides a structured environment that effectively coordinates operational activities with all participants and vendors related to the function of the network. The NOC technicians typically provide support twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Typical daily processes include:

• Monitoring operations of all backbone links and network nodes.
• Ensuring continuous operation of servers and services.
• Providing quality support for network users.
• Troubleshooting of all network and system related problems.
• Opening tickets to track and document resolution of problems.
• 24 hours a day, 7 days a week supervised operation by network and system engineers.

There are currently two hot topics related to NOCs where we have been involved: 1) NOC’s O&M efficiency and 2) NOC’s Energy management. As we have recently finished one assignment related to the 1st topic I wanted to share some relevant info for those executives working for telecom operator and willing to improve their O&M NOC processes and procedures.

Most of the CTOs in the telecom industry are under pressure to cut costs while raising network service levels. It is therefore key identify the best strategy towards cost optimization, starting with efforts that will result in returns in six months or less. These returns are then re-invested to drive longer-term, transformational projects. Network automation initiatives are among the projects with the fastest return, often in less than two months.

My first assignment in NOC O&M automation and design started in the Middle East in 2004, when we supported MTC (today’s Zain) in defining the e2e O&M strategy for the NOC. Since then, mmC Group has been supporting different operators across Africa and Latin America in similar exercises.

We therefore built experience in designing, building, and installing Command Centers, Control Centers, Network Operation Centers, Network Management Centers, Network Control Centers, Data Centers, Security Operations Centers, Mock Trading Rooms and various other monitoring intensive control facilities.

After four years of processes and procedures redefinition I wanted to share a brief presentation with mmC Group’s O&M framework for telecom operators, highlighting those processes that, in our opinion, are critical for the operation of the network and could bring a significant upside in efficiency when automated.

Hope it helps. Feel free to contact me for a further level of detail. Enjoy the reading, CVA.