Whenever you have an issue with your phone or internet, you would contact technical support. They’ll usually tell you they’ll have a technician “look at it,” and this process could take a day or a couple of days, depending on how serious it is. However, it looks like AT&T has figured out a way to fix network issues faster, thanks to the power of AI.
AT&T leverages AI to fix network issues
The carrier has rolled out a system called the AT&T Wireless Geo-Modeler, which is now live nationwide. This generative AI system uses something called a Network Foundation Model to simulate and predict network coverage under changing conditions. Basically, it can spot problems before they become actual issues for customers and automatically fix them in seconds.
The Geo-Modeler uses ray tracing technology to create a virtual model of AT&T’s mobile network. It simulates radio transmissions in complex environments and constantly monitors the network. If a cell tower goes down during a storm or some other unexpected situation, the AI analyzes what’s happening within seconds and figures out how nearby towers can be adjusted to fill in the coverage gap.
The system isn’t just for emergencies either. It can make everyday tweaks to improve network performance, like adjusting radio antennas and boosting signal strength in specific areas. It can also recommend where to deploy additional equipment.
A taste of 6G
Currently, we’re using 5G networks. 6G is expected to arrive in the next few years. Other than faster speeds, it is also supposed to be more intelligent. In a way, AT&T’s Wireless Geo-Modeler system gives us a taste of that.
One of the expectations of 6G networks is that they are designed to be intelligent from the get-go. This includes the ability to self-heal networks when they run into a spot of trouble. The main difference here is that 6G networks are supposed to come with these features built from the ground up. AT&T’s system feels more like it’s been added retroactively.
However, the concept still applies. It harnesses the power of AI to make changes and fix networks without needing human intervention. This will help save a lot of time and resources, especially in emergencies where time is of the essence.