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How to Manage OTT Video QoE, Deliver Flawless Streaming Experiences and Capitalize on the Video Opportunity

Video represents a critical opportunity for many operators. More than half of them now associate revenue with OTT video, or plan to do so within the next year. And why not? Video makes up 65% of today’s network traffic, and will exceed 90% in 5G networks by 2024. But failing to deliver a good video Quality-of-Experience could be costly. Operators know that poor video QoE is the leading driver of network-related churn. The trouble is, fixing quality issues is still a stubbornly difficult task, especially since half of the problems originate outside of operator networks and thus are out of their control. With the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the use of video, flawless video experiences have become a baseline expectation, especially as 5G comes online. Failure to properly manage QoE will impact operators’ ability to capitalize on the opportunity that video presents. In this webinar, Light Reading’s Alan Breznick will discuss these issues in depth with Gorkem Yigit, lead analyst for the Cloud Infrastructure Strategies and Media Platforms at research firm Analysys Mason, and Ken Gold, Director of Test, Monitoring and Analytics Solutions at EXFO.

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Monetizing 5G: laying the foundation with network slicing and FlexE

The 5G network architecture requires slicing to efficiently deliver various services within a single network. Each slice will use some of the network’s shared resources to deliver a specific service with a specific service-level agreement (SLA) to specific devices. Different slices will be required for low latency, maximum throughput and massive IOT services, just to name a few. In addition, FlexE (flexible Ethernet) can be implemented to achieve low latency slicing and assign the necessary dynamic bandwidth required for certain applications like live sporting events. The FlexE technology will adjust service bandwidth based on data usage and speed requirements without over-provisioning the network. FlexE bandwidth connectivity can be scaled up or down, as per service requirements. In this webinar, we will cover 5G network slicing concepts, the basics of FlexE technology and how you can monetize your 5G network, slice by slice. Key takeaways: Overview of network slicing Understanding FlexE technology Role of FlexE in efficient network slicing

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Preparing for an automated telco future

The notion of automation in CSP operations is not new. Over the past 20 years, we have seen a steady progression of applications and processes leveraging automation—everything from batch processing to workflow automation. What began as simple scripting exercises, driven internally by a major Tier 1 CSP, has developed into a billion-dollar industry, striving toward the goal of ‘zero-touch’ operations. And today, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The intersection of virtual and cloud networks, with the emergence of 5G and massive IoT, have created a perfect storm. CSP operations teams have been forced to completely rethink their processes and embrace automation in order to survive the complexity of this new world order. Join us as we discuss the challenges facing today’s telco operations and highlight some unique examples of how automation is helping overcome them.

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The most dangerous phrase in fiber optic testing: we've always done it this way

In today’s networks, everything is connected using fiber optics: home, buildings, data centers, antennas, companies, smart cities and so on. It is therefore crucial to test if optical connections are working, if the splices are done properly and that the fiber was not damaged during installation. The telecom landscape is one of constant, rapid evolution. Testing approaches have evolved tremendously over the years. Methods that were acceptable 20 years ago are obsolete today. In this educational webinar, we examine various testing solutions, their strengths and weaknesses, what they cover or lack and where they best fit. The overview will be backed by metrology data as the uncertainty/accuracy of various methodologies are explained. The following questions will be tackled: Tier 1 and Tier 2 testing: is the distinction still applicable? What is “certification”? Is it still relevant? Can I do that with an OTDR? What is the best testing solution: optical source/power meter, OLTS, OTDR or something else? At the end of this session, you will be more confident in selecting the right solution for your specific needs. Key takeaways: Understanding the difference between OTDR and OLTS (S/PM) measurements Understanding testing requirements per network type Selecting optimal test solutions per network type and needs Join Gwenn Amice as he separates facts from feelings when it comes to fiber testing.

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Let there be more light: getting network and service insights right

The need to understand how networks and services perform is far from new. For years, we have been monitoring mobile and fixed-line networks to ensure service quality and optimal user experience. In fact, we have gradually seen a shift from mainly network-centric metrics to QoS (quality of service) and QoE (quality of experience). There has also been a trend towards predictive and preemptive—i.e., not just diagnostic and reactive—insights. But in many cases, the available network and/or service data and insights are not the right ones. Partial and inaccurate insights effectively leave operational teams and executives in the dark. Even worse, they may create the illusion of network and service visibility that can lead to suboptimal decisions with devastating repercussions. 5G and mission-critical use cases in particular require true visibility. They require more network and service “light” through the right data and insights. Attend this webinar and learn: How network and service data can lead to partial and potentially misleading insights What the impact of inaccurate network and service insights can be in practice How we can get data and insights right, for true network and service visibility Our webinar is based on years of industry experience and engagements with network operators and service providers. Join the live webinar for an insightful discussion, and take the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A session.

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Testing the network’s fiber foundation to support 5G, IoT and more

Fiber is going deeper everywhere. It is a key enabler of the upcoming 5G technologies that are going to need a rock-solid foundation. The high density of fiber rollouts ahead means a lot of outsourced field jobs. The challenge which outsourcing brings is reduced visibility and control over the network infrastructure. How will you keep on top of things in an age where you need valuable insights to act quickly? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. High working force turnover is taking its toll on field expertise. How do you keep frontline technicians updated on best testing practices when it comes to fiber optics? Discover a new approach to testing that will empower technicians to go further in guaranteeing a more reliable fiber foundation, all that without breaking the bank but by investing smartly in what amounts to lower total costs of ownership. Benefits In this webinar, you will learn how to: Speed up installations without compromising quality or incurring further costs Upskill frontline technicians and curb the learning curve Speed up ROI via leaner methods of procedures Get real visibility into the network’s fiber foundation

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WiFi 6 and beyond: the impact of wireless broadband on optical access networks

Technological progress is accelerating. WiFi 6 is here and the outlines of WiFi 7 (802.11be) are already being sketched! But let’s take a step back. What are WiFi 6 and WiFi 7? How will these next-generation multi-gigabit wireless broadband standards impact the optical access networks that feed them? How will WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 WLANs co-exist with 5G WANs? What test tools will be needed to assure a smooth transition into this wireless broadband future? Join this expert webinar for insights into the imminent future of wireless connectivity. Key takeaways: Latest WiFi technologies and the methods to achieve the new bit rates Impact on optical access networks The potential synergy between WiFi, 5G and optical access networks

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Ethernet OAM: keep an eye on your network

Get up to speed on Ethernet Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) standards. As networks become increasingly sophisticated, effective management capabilities become a necessity. Reliability, availability, fast failover and recovery testing are all very important parameters that service providers and carriers rely on to ensure service-level agreements (SLA). By injecting OAM data packets into the normal stream at layer 2, it is possible for endpoints to process them and assess performance. This webinar covers all aspects of troubleshooting, connectivity fault management and performance monitoring functionality as specified in the IEEE 802.3ah, 802.1g and ITU-T Y.1731 standards. Networks must be properly configured to support all the features offered by OAM. However, this can only be achieved by thoroughly testing all the parameters mentioned herein. Key takeaways: How to efficiently troubleshoot network performance issues The importance of monitoring network performance Understanding Ethernet Service OAM What do the ITU-T Y.1731 and IEEE 802.3ah standards define The basics of Carrier Ethernet

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Can mobile operators make money with 5G enterprise services?

The mobile industry is setting its sights on new 5G revenue streams from enterprise customers. But, GSMA Intelligence conducted a global study to assess whether mobile operators are ready to successfully monetize this new vertical, and found significant gaps between the 2,000 enterprises surveyed and operators’ expectations. In this webinar, Peter Jarich, Head of GSMA Intelligence, and Scott Sumner, Director of Commercial Insight at EXFO will explore the key findings of the study to: Highlight the importance of network and service performance visualization to the 5G business model Showcase the current lack of ability, among mobile operators, to deliver on this visibility imperative Detail how the industry can move forward and what’s needed to solve this challenge

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Everything you wanted to know about CPRI and eCPRI fronthaul

This webinar will delve into the new network requirements of 5G fronthaul networks. As 5G is taking shape, we will take a closer look into the network evolution and why CPRI and eCPRI technologies exist—and how they differ. We will explain why CPRI and eCPRI alone cannot break the proprietary nature of fronthaul networks and what is needed to make this transition. In doing so, we will address the current state of both CPRI and eCPRI implementations, testing best practices for validating fronthaul networks and the future evolution of the fronthaul network. Key takeaways: Why do we need CPRI and eCPRI? Understanding the differences between the two technologies Why can I not implement multi-vendor solutions? How will CPRI and eCPRI technologies evolve in the future?

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