The Rise of Intelligent Twins: Revolutionizing Network Management
The increasing complexity of networks – driven by constant software updates, the integration of AI and machine learning (ML), the rise of edge computing, and virtualised architecture – is placing relentless pressure on network operators.
To navigate this complex environment effectively, operators are turning to digital twin technologies. These digital replicas of a physical network, systems and processes mirror real-world network conditions and enable operators to simulate multiple scenarios to predict outcomes, develop new applications, and optimize performance.
In doing so, digital twins provide a safe and controlled environment to test, optimize, and innovate without risking downtime. Of course, the real power of a digital twin lies in its ability to replicate not just the network’s structure but also its dynamic behavior. This includes emulating different topologies, configurations, mobility patterns and traffic profiles on real and synthetic maps. In short, it’s not just digital twins, but intelligent twins that are needed.
VIAVI’s Intelligent Digital Twin Technology
VIAVI’s research and development of digital twin technologies is extensive, developing products and services as well as creating strategic partnerships across the industry.
For example, in April 2024, we introduced a 6G city-scale digital twin and Ai-native air interface based on our 6G Forward program. This uses AI and ML to augment ray tracing for RF propagation modelling, and combines this with ongoing real-world measurement to advance and adapt models with more accurate KPIs.
Additionally, we’ve partnered and collaborated with organizations such as Rohde & Schwarz (on a non-terrestrial network digital twin testbed for LEO, MEO and GEO satellites) and Broadcom (on AI-based digital twins for telecom networks).
Key Components of a Digital Twin Network
Digital twins require a suite of functionalities in order to provide a suitable simulation of the real-world network – mobile networks in particular add complexity with the need to simulate multiple network standards, with device handoffs and network interactions: 4G, 5G, emerging 6G (including flying drone base stations), and non-terrestrial (NTN).
At VIAVI we start with the emulation of mobile devices (in their thousands), using the TM500 wireless network tester to emulate the use of these devices across networks. The TM500 has been proven through use with virtually all manufacturers operating in the mobile network sector and ensures the digital twin is realistic.
Next, system level RAN behaviors need to be simulated, with the RAN twin mirroring real network conditions and system behaviors. Here, systems such as the TeraVM AI RSG (RAN Scenario Generator) can emulate a wide range of topologies, configurations, mobility patterns and traffic profiles on both real and synthetic maps to create large volumes of real-world traffic and enable the comprehensive testing / training of AI engines and applications.
NITRO Location Intelligence can be leveraged to analyze every interaction between subscriber and IoT devices and the network. Contextual information regarding subscribers and devices enables a precise understanding of where the problems are and how to best optimize the network. In a digital twin scenario, NITRO Location Intelligence powers customers with the analytics needed to transform network data into actionable insights.
To separate signal from noise, we need live network-traffic capture solutions that can complement the network digital twin and make it a more realistic solution – and tools such as VIAVI’s Cloud-Native NITRO AIOps (AI for Network Operations) platform operate within the RSG to enable this through the collection and aggregation of extensive data, before applying AI to it in order to identify the root causes of any issues.
Within the RSG is VIAVI’s AI-powered Ray Tracing tool, which enables ray tracing channel generation and 3D network planning capabilities for massive-MIMO optimization and indoor modelling.
Finally, in order to streamline and automate the testing of campaigns, cases, and executions, and make the testing less prone to error, automation management and orchestration systems, VIAVI offers the VIAVI Automation Management and Orchestration System (VAMOS).
Applying Intelligent Twins to 6G R&D – The 6G City-Scale Digital Twin
These tools and technologies can be seen in VIAVI’s 6G city-scale digital twin (mentioned above), which is a vital tool for training all elements of the network.
This system incorporates AI and ML, and applies them to RF propagation modelling, which is essential for large-scale network simulations. Additionally, the digital twin is implementing an AI-Native Air Interface (AI-AI) which uses trained AI models for signal processing.
This research is critical for creating networks that can dynamically adapt to different environments and conditions.
VIAVI at MWC Barcelona 2025
VIAVI will be at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona in 2025 from March 3 through 6 at Hall 5, booth A18, with all products mentioned above forming part of our AI-based digital twin demonstration. Click here to learn more.
As we have seen, digital twins will form a critical element in the research and development of 6G networks and we would love to talk with you and see how we can partner with you.
