The Role of Cognitive Autonomy in “5G and Beyond” Communications Networks

Abstract:
This paper motivates the importance of cognitive autonomy in network management automation in communication networks of the fifth generation (5G) and beyond. Briefly outlining the evolution of automated network operations, the paper elaborates on the continuously increasing need for formalizing the notions of both cognition and autonomy. A taxonomy for distinguishing different levels of machine cognition and autonomy and a cognition workflow for perceiving, reasoning, and acting are presented. The application of these theoretical concepts is illustrated by two case studies, one regarding a service optimization scenario in the seaport of the City of Hamburg, the second one on anomaly detection in cellular radio access networks. Abstracting and generalizing the findings of these case studies, the most important gaps towards fully cognitive and autonomous network operations are summarized and way forward is outlined.