july aug | Page 11

out of the network ,” he says . “ It has an opportunity to use that information to provide services like applicationaware network availability , network optimisation and network security . These are all functions that can be done today , and can be enhanced by ‘ AI ’, whether that be optimisation at the network points in the home , across a Multi-Dwelling Unit , or across an operator ’ s entire network .
“ The Broadband Forum ’ s Technical Report TR-492 , Software-Based Architectural for App-Enabled Services Gateway Design Principles , serves as a model for smart CPE . This type of device utilises the open standard User Services Platform ( USP ) and allows service providers to offer apps like parental controls or streaming capabilities .” INITIATIVES . “ We believe that the GW Edge is becoming more and more important to improve overall customer experience , reduce cloud costs and reduce latency ,” says Charles Cheevers , chief technology officer , CommScope Home Networks . “ Initiatives underway in both prpl Foundation and RDK-B have created new GW software stacks that support the addition of Cloud controlled to GW edge services through downloadable container solutions that can maximise the CPU , Storage and lower latency capabilities in the Gateway . The Gateway is also the first hop in the service request path from the home . We are already seeing the importance of the Gateway to be able to identify the device type connected , the services / applications originating or terminating on the device and the improvements in technologies to support this capability . With the ability for the GW to understand what services the home is requesting and consuming , this can then create a new level of service aware connectivity .”
“ Additionally , we promoted that the STB device should evolve more to a Smart Media device – providing Voice inputs to TV visual outputs . The TV remains one of the most underutilised screens in the home and just as the rise of Amazon Show , Facebook Portal and other visual Smart assistant devices – the integration of Generative AI to the TV visual plane is now even more compelling .”
“ We envision the CPE as a potential intelligence point within the home , with AI capabilities both on the router and in the cloud ,” says Gamgee ’ s Hendricks . “ Where possible , AI should be integrated into the mesh network system to ensure data privacy , reliability , and responsiveness . For instance , AI can identify devices with randomised
“ For service providers , AI can add value to customer segmentation and predictive analytics .” - Paul Hendricks , Gamgee
MAC addresses to enhance device security and control internet access , as well as enable Wi-Fi sensing capabilities for home security systems , elderly care services , and smart home applications . However , in some cases , AI capabilities may need to reside in the cloud , such as anomaly detection for IoT devices and discovery and classification of new internet domains to facilitate proper online content filtering .” HOSTING . “ Intelligent CPE offers the possibility of being the hosting point for the family AI ,” suggests Teresa Cottam , chief analyst , Omnisperience , and author of the TM Forum report , Counter intelligence : using AI to improve customer experience . “ This AI could interface with today ’ s narrow AIs ( such as those found in smart speakers ) to easily control and personalise a wider range of services and functions . This is a great opportunity for vendors and could see today ’ s smart speaker goliaths looking to acquire key CPE vendors .”
“ CPE makes up the central components of home connectivity ,” notes Arnaud Bensaid , marketing committee chair , the prpl Foundation , a diverse community of Service
“ AI will enhance the connected experience by providing personalised improvement .” - Quentin Lebeau , SoftAtHome .
Providers , OEMs , Silicon Vendors , ISVs , and open-source developers committed to open-source software and open APIs to build standardised , carrier-grade CPE . “ The continuous advancements in CPE intelligence should make these the natural home for AI to offer a wide range of functions and enrich the smart home experience . Operators are already incorporating voice assistants into CPE to enable increased interaction between consumers and their home environments , whether through the setting of reminders , controlling smart devices or obtaining answers to their questions . AI can also assist in managing a smart home without human interaction and support new concepts such as smart security and monitoring .” “ By analysing user behaviour and preferences , AI can provide personalised recommendations and generate tailored offers , services , and local optimisation . This includes enhanced energy-saving measures . It can also aid operators in simplifying the troubleshooting process and resolving connectivity issues . This results in a smarter and more efficient home connectivity experience , offering greater efficiency , convenience , and personalisation .” PLATFORM . “ We strongly believe that CPE is well-positioned to be the platform of home services ,” asserts Lionel Gremeau , product marketing director , SoftAtHome . “ The Home Gateway is always up and running to deliver Broadband services . CPU and memory have increased significantly to support new protocols and home Services . Currently , CPE has all the necessary hardware capabilities to host household AI .”
“ The main functions we see for this AI are : Identification of Devices in the HOME LAN ; Identifying the Services running in the HOME and classifying them into main service categories such as Gaming , Streaming , Work-From-Home , Education , and Social Networking ; Identification of technical issues in the home LAN ; Profiling of the household for both technical support and marketing reasons ; Advertisement Targeting ; Support for Voice Assistance ; Identifying Cybersecurity risks by learning from usages and detecting inappropriate traffic behaviours , and many more .”
“ AI consumes massive computing power and , to some extent , data ,” observes Jean Ferré , chief innovation , marketing and strategy officer at Vantiva . “ AI for the home will benefit from being trained on the cloud . This training uses a sizable number of resources and the latest AI-optimised processors to engage with data at scale . However , in the household , ‘ AI for home ’ will preferably leverage
EUROMEDIA 11