The complexity of network architectures continues to increase as operators and equipment manufacturers investigate the next generation of technology, migrate to the cloud and leverage both artificial intelligence (AI) and machine leaning (ML). In turn, the process of continuous testing (CT) — in which early feedback and quick identification and resolution of issues are achieved through application testing at every stage of the software development lifecycle — becomes ever more prevalent to provide a unifying perspective on real-world performance.
Yet labs are confronting the dual challenges of more tests and limited head count. Automation has become the key to managing the complexity, scheduling and workforce demands of CT, allowing technicians to efficiently power through hundreds of test cases and to focus on higher-order analysis and problem solving.
The Viavi Automation Management and Orchestration System (VAMOS) is designed to automate campaigns, cases and executions in a single cloud-based platform. Source: Viavi Solutions Inc.Arizona-based test, measurement and assurance technology company Viavi Solutions Inc. brought this perspective to the development of its just-announced Viavi Automation Management and Orchestration System (VAMOS). According to the company, VAMOS is an intelligent automation platform incorporating AI/ML capabilities to support test optimization and quicker response times. It’s designed to reduce operational expenses and accelerate time-to-market for wireless and cloud service providers, network equipment manufacturers and their ecosystems.
Developed as part of the Viavi NITRO Wireless portfolio, the new system brings test campaign automation to a centralized, cloud-based Lab-as-a-Service platform. VAMOS offers customizable workspaces and configurations to streamline the testing process across organizations and lab locations. Shared tool testbeds and individual sandboxes accommodate multiple test needs while the platform’s analytics and reporting help maximize test resource utilization and boost test accuracy.
The company adds that VAMOS will be integrated into the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR) for the lab’s on-demand, cloud-based testing. Designed to manage and support 5G and Open RAN deployments that would benefit from access to tools and expert staff with a minimal ramp-up time, VALOR is funded by the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.
In addition to providing a standalone solution to schedule and run test campaigns based on the NITRO Wireless portfolio, VAMOS also can be integrated with a third-party automation framework. This allows it to interact with a wider range of products and existing test environments. Connection is available via both software and hardware.
“As VIAVI works with leading labs around the globe to integrate wireless, cloud and AI, the need for automation and orchestration has never been clearer,” said Ian Langley, senior vice president for Viavi’s Wireless Business Unit. “In initial implementations at major labs, VAMOS has already demonstrated significant reductions in cost per test-hour and increases in hardware utilization.”
