Artificial intelligence, otherwise known as AI, is “a discipline aiming to make a machine imitate human cognitive abilities”*. To build and operate digital networks, for several months Axione’s technicians and its operator partners have been using an artificial intelligence tool to connect subscribers to street cabinets.

This innovative solution aims to connect street cabinets… thereby ensuring the durability of digital infrastructures in the regions! So why did we use this solution? How does it work? What are the impacts for users? The answer in 3 points:

#1: Improving efficiency and operational performance

Our mandate is to monitor the quality of connections made in street cabinets in the regions by commercial operators. Using multiple contractors in these different stages leads to technical malfunctions (overcrowding, crossing of fibre optic cables) which impair the quality of the network (network disruption).

The artificial intelligence tool allows technicians to report in real time on the connections made in a street cabinet using photos taken live on the platform. 📱 This solution then identifies potential anomalies by analysing various parameters that it has been told to recognise. It used to take our analysts 10 days to check 4,000 photos, now we do it in seconds! This saves time and allows workers to solve the problem on the spot. In the past, without this tool, Axione’s Operations Department was unable to monitor all street cabinets. We are making the telecoms sector more professional through improved reliability and performance.

#2: Ensuring the long-term operation of digital infrastructure

Progress can already be seen! In just a few months, more than 4,400 street cabinets have already been checked. The AI checks on our street cabinets cover several types of defect :

  • Twisted wires
  • Unconnected wires
  • Loose distribution trays
  • Cleanliness of the street cabinet (liner on the floor)

AI’s contribution is therefore not confined to the defect detection phase. Indeed, our AI-based work can also recognise wire colours, which allows us to identify and inform Commercial Operators of faults for which they are responsible, and to request that they be corrected through action on site.

AI also allows us to check the quality of photos sent by Commercial Operators and their subcontractors. On the basis of photo quality, we can detect :

  • The presence of duplicate photos
  • Photos that do not show the required components ( street cabinet and optical connection point)
  • Poor photo resolution

Futhermore, similar technology could be applied to radio infrastructure (high points) deployed for mobile connectivity, such as masts and antennas, or to other parts of the infrastructure network, such as fibre optic boxes on masts closest to the subscriber.

#3: Providing users with access to a quality network

This technology guarantees a lasting and optimal distribution of the network in the regions. The network is a shared resource for all stakeholders in a region. Protecting the network by operating it with a view to its longevity guarantees reliable very high-speed internet. This will enable users to benefit from a wide range of digital home and business services (e.g. teleworking, access to streaming platforms, remote healthcare), whether they are in the city or in the countryside !

Source* : Conseil de l’Europe ( https://www.coe.int/ )
Examples of checks carried out:

: