Coping with the demands of network management by autonomic functionalities and training

Abstract

Telecommunication has experienced a rapid expansion with a huge increase in the amount of users, content, and utilized technologies. Consequently, the management of telecom networks has become more challenging. In this study, we have investigated what the demands of the domain are from the perspective of the professionals managing the network. Specifically, we have studied how the demands could be coped with by introducing autonomic network management functionalities or advanced training. The study is based on an extensive interview material about the demands of the telecom network management domain. We conclude that the challenges of the domain are originating both from humans and technology and the remedies vary accordingly. Autonomic functionalities and training could, however, mitigate several challenges found in the domain.