Miguel Ángel Galicia Celemín

When we think of operational efficiency, few industries exemplify it as clearly as aerospace. Many airlines have adopted a straightforward strategy: minimise the variety of aircraft models in their fleet. Why? Because operating a standardised fleet allows mechanics to specialise, pilots to train on specific simulators, and maintenance and operations to be faster, safer and more cost-effective. But an aircraft is not a simple system. It comprises hundreds of thousands of components, sensors, navigation systems, embedded software and a global supply chain involving manufacturers, integrators and maintenance providers. Every element is critical, and proper integration is essential to ensure safety and performance. Private networks share that same nature: they are not monolithic solutions, but rather technological ecosystems that combine hardware, software, spectrum, security and managed services. And just like in aviation, their success depends on precise and consistent orchestration. ■ At Telefónica Tech, we've applied this logic to design our unified private network orchestration platform: a single tool that allows us to deploy, operate and monitor any private network, regardless of the technology provider used. A platform that empowers the Network Operations Center (NOC) Private networks are transforming how companies and institutions manage their connectivity. Their reliability, security and low latency make them the technological foundation of critical environments such as factories, hospitals, ports or university campuses. In this context, our Network Operations Center (NOC) is the heart that oversees, manages and ensures the performance of the 5G private networks we provide to businesses and institutions. However, their complexity demands advanced management tools capable of orchestrating and monitoring every element with maximum efficiency. This raises a key question: how can we manage such advanced networks without making operations overly complex? The answer lies in our unified private network orchestration platform, designed to simplify, automate and optimise every aspect of private network management and maximise its value. This platform acts as a kind of “digital brain” that connects all parts of the network, from radio access to the core, offering capabilities such as: Dynamic orchestration of software-based network functions, whether virtualised (VNF) or containerised (CNF). Automated service lifecycle management, reducing deployment times and minimising errors. Advanced monitoring with real-time analytics and AI-based models for anomaly detection and proactive network performance optimisation. Slice management to adapt the network to different enterprise use cases: massive IoT, ultra-reliable communications or high-bandwidth applications. Automation and AI: real operational efficiency Our platform is built with an automation-first approach. Tasks such as SIM/eSIM provisioning, KPI generation or incident resolution can be performed automatically, reducing time, errors and costs. Moreover, the integration of AI and machine learning enables us to anticipate issues, optimise resources and evolve towards self-managed, self-healing networks. Unlimited observability Another standout feature is its modular architecture based on open source, allowing it to integrate with different vendors and scale from small deployments to large industrial environments. Integration with tools like Grafana enables agile visualisation of key metrics. And most importantly: this functionality is available to end customers, so they can access and manage basic parameters and features of their private networks themselves, without needing to be telecom experts. Sustainability: responsible connectivity Energy efficiency is a fundamental pillar in the design and operation of private networks. Smart resource management not only optimises performance, it also eliminates unnecessary consumption and reduces operational costs. In the coming years, it will be essential to monitor, reduce and manage the carbon footprint across the entire lifecycle of computing and communications projects, from lightweight edge-deployed functions to massive infrastructures in AI data centres. This calls for more efficient architectures, optimised virtualisation, dynamic orchestration and monitoring mechanisms that allow real-time measurement of environmental impact. ■ The function virtualisation capabilities enabled by our platform allow for energy savings of up to 27% compared to a bare metal environment (physical infrastructure). The future of the NOC is already here In short, the Unified Private Network Orchestration Platform has become a solution that combines technological innovation, automation and sustainability to manage complex networks with the same agility and resilience as an airline managing its aircraft fleet. And just as aviation evolves with lighter, more efficient aircraft, hybrid propulsion, stratospheric flights to shorten journey times, and intelligent systems that optimise every phase of travel, private networks are also undergoing constant transformation: the integration of millimetre wave spectrum enables ultra-high-bandwidth industrial applications such as real-time computer vision or interactive digital twins. Image: Freepik. Critical voice and video communications, such as those used in safety operations or industrial emergencies, require prioritised, resilient management. AI-powered dynamic self-configuration of radio designs allows the network to adapt in real time to the changing needs of a factory or industrial campus. The acceleration of open architectures such as Open RAN and intelligent controllers (RIC) is paving the way for networks that are more flexible, interoperable and sustainable. All of this demands a platform that not only connects the components, but understands them, coordinates them and optimises them. A true “digital control tower” that, just like in aviation, ensures that every flight, or every network, takes off safely, efficiently and with a vision for the future. Less complexity, more efficiency, more control; a solution that not only meets today’s challenges, but anticipates tomorrow’s. Connectivity & IoT AI & Data Private Mobile Networks: the key to Industry 4.0 November 14, 2023