Autonomous edge: the next-gen VPN experience

Autonomous Edge: The Next-Gen VPN Experience reimagines how CSPs deliver and operate complex enterprise services by moving beyond siloed, semi-manual network processes towards cross-domain autonomous operations. The Catalyst connects Service Operations with the Access and Transport resource domains to demonstrate how customer intent can be translated into active services across multiple parts of the network. Rather than automating individual domains independently, the project creates an end-to-end closed loop capable of coordinating service delivery and network operations across domain boundaries. 

At the heart of the innovation is an intent-based approach to service orchestration aligned with TM Forum’s Autonomous Networks architecture. The solution connects the different domains through standardized interfaces, enabling intent to flow from service requirements through to network resources while supporting automated closed-loop operation. This allows the Catalyst to explore how complex enterprise VPN services, which today can require highly individualized implementations and semi-manual processes, could be delivered and managed with significantly greater levels of autonomy. 

The result is a practical demonstration of cross-domain automation targeting Autonomous Network Level 5 for Service Delivery, as measured against the ANLET questionnaire. By extending closed-loop automation beyond individual network silos, the project aims to help CSPs reduce time to market, improve operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction, while demonstrating how intent-based networking and service orchestration can support highly autonomous enterprise services. 

The Catalyst will Explore & Prove how standards-based autonomous networking can be applied to a real enterprise service scenario. Using and contributing to TM Forum assets including GB1502D, GB1502B and IG1502B, the project will showcase ANLET capabilities and contribute practical learnings back into TM Forum’s Autonomous Networks work. By bringing Service Operations, Access and Transport together into a single closed-loop environment, Autonomous Edge aims to demonstrate a scalable path towards more intelligent, efficient and autonomous enterprise service delivery.