AI/ML in Broadband Networks: the Role of Standards

Earlier this year a new initiative to create standards for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the cable telecommunications industry was launched. The working group, which draws members from both inside and outside of cable including giants like IBM, is exploring how AI and ML can be leveraged to make the network more efficient. Using machine learning to solve this challenge, an algorithm considers multiple variables including service load and cost to provide an actionable and prioritized report for the cable operator to act on. By applying ML to automate node splits, the network will run more efficiently, and customers will continue to receive their high-speed services without interruption as the network grows. The working group is also looking at creating standards to control video piracy by applying artificial intelligence on the network that detects signatures of bad actors.