Abstract: A method performed by a node in a communications network for predicting energy usage in the communications network. The method comprises obtaining values of network parameters for a plurality of nodes in the communications network and corresponding energy usage measurements for the plurality of nodes, and obtaining a subset of the network parameters that are correlated with the energy usage measurements. The method then comprises training a first model using a first machine learning process to take as input the values of the subset of network parameters for the nodes in the plurality of nodes, and output a prediction of the corresponding energy usage measurements.

Abstract: A method of managing predicting anomalies in operation of a communications network. The method includes receiving network performance data, including network performance data received as time series of values representing monitored characteristics. The method also includes detecting a first anomaly in operation of the communications network and, from historical network performance data, determining if an instance of the first anomaly occurred in the past. If this is a first occurrence of the first anomaly, then based on network performance data received before detecting the first anomaly the method includes building a first model for predicting an instance of the first anomaly and deploying the first model to operate. An apparatus implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A configuration controller (60) is provided to make changes to configuration of a communications network (10) having VNFs used in providing services to UEs. If the change could affect a service using a first VNF (30), if made while that VNF is in use, a substitute VNF (32) is instantiated corresponding to that first VNF. The first UE is transferred to use the substitute VNF instead of the first VNF. The proposed change to the configuration is made with respect to either one of these VNFs, while the service to the first UE is maintained using the other one of these VNFs. If needed all VNFs and a service area can be substituted. Thus, such configuration changes no longer need to await a quiet period when few or no UEs are attached, and enable the configuration changes to be made more rapidly, responsive to changing circumstances.

Abstract: A method for allocating radio channels for use in a wireless cellular network is disclosed. The method comprises receiving from a second system an authorization for the wireless cellular network to use radio channels The method also comprises calculating weights for a plurality of combinations of cells of the wireless cellular network with the radio channels from the second system and assigning at least some of the radio channels to at least some of the cells of the wireless cellular network based on the calculated weights. Apparatus and a computer program product for carrying out the method are also disclosed.