Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1192126
January/February/March 2020 I 13 Performance How can the ICT industry ensure that the existing fiber infrastructure is 5G-ready? This is a concern and not just for aging fiber networks that will have to be upgraded. In addition, how can it be ensured that fiber performance is not compromised? Any issues would also compromise the performance of 5G. If such issues occur at launch, the negative impact on the success of 5G would be immeasur- able. But even after the 5G launch, it is vital to monitor the performance of fiber, take swift action when issues occur and, if possible, predict and prevent such issues from occurring. Be Aware of Tradition and the Basics While 5G brings new challenges for fiber networks, traditional fiber issues should not be ignored; such issues include dirty connectors, macro-bends, bad splicing, and cuts/breaks. Interestingly, the number of fiber network failures attributed to connectors can be significant due to manufacturing defects, inappropriate handling, and environmental factors. Standard practices, such as inspec- tion, link characterization, and validation protocol, will remain key in ensuring that the fiber infrastructure is strong enough and ready to support 5G. FiberG AUTOMATION 5G accentuates the need for automation in network/ service deployment and operations. Multitudes of auto- mation use cases from simpler repetitive process automa- tion to more complex ones (e.g., dynamic network slice orchestration) have been discussed in the context of 5G. Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have been dominating this discussion. Automation is crucial for fiber networks too, both in testing and monitoring. As a matter of fact, automation is essential for FiberG today. • Essentials of Data Center Projects, First Edition • BICSI 009-2019: Data Center Operations • ANSI/BICSI 002-2019: Data Center Design The Complete BICSI Data Center Design Consultant™ (DCDC™ ) Program NEW DC TOOLS FOR NEW DC KNOWLEDGE bicsi.org/dcdc TM Trust the new BICSI DCDC Program to teach you the evolving skill set of an expert data center designer. • DC101: Introduction to Data Center Design • DC102: Applied Data Center Design and Best Practices • DCDC Test Prep Flash Cards • DCDC Credentialing Exam Further your knowledge. Further your career.