Orange International Networks Infrastructures & Services (OINIS) designs, deploys, operates, and secures all of Orange’s international networks (transmissions, routing, and services). OINIS comprises over 1,500 network and service experts worldwide, with unique expertise in submarine cables, satellites, terrestrial transmission, IP networks, Telco Cloud, SDWAN CDN, voice and mobile cores, and network automation. OINIS supports the enterprise market through Orange Business and the wholesale market (telecom operators, internet service providers, and hyperscalers). In this context, OINIS has placed AI at the core of its strategy to enhance operational performance and better meet customer needs.
How do you integrate AI into your vast international network?
Over recent years, we have integrated AI to optimize our international network in terms of flexibility, quality, and costs, while improving customer service. Here are four key use cases:
- Capacity Monitoring: Using AI with the Backbone Prediction tool, developed with Orange Innovation, to analyze traffic trends and demand history. This allows us to forecast capacity needs and manage redundancy, saving millions annually in CAPEX.
- Network Monitoring: AI has reduced effective alarms by threefold, decreasing network noise.
- Security and Fraud Prevention: To counter AI-driven attacks, we use AI-powered anti-DDoS systems that detect and protect against threats. Our ORIONIS solution, developed with Orange Innovation, fights voice fraud and secures millions of euros in revenue on our international voice platforms.
- Energy Savings: Sensors between power supplies and equipment analyze and optimize consumption in real-time using AI, leading to 15% energy savings. This project is in partnership with Luxembourg startup Ethernetics.
What about the future? AI generative tools for Network Configuration are there promising medium-term use cases?
Absolutely! We are investing in promising future applications, some of which include:
- Generative AI for Network Equipment Configuration: A prototype enables equipment to be configured via natural language conversations, eliminating the need for technical network language. This simplifies troubleshooting significantly.
- Digital Twins: We plan to use digital twins to automate network management further.
- Software Development Revolution: Generative AI is already producing 10,000 lines of code daily at Orange Wholesale, with plans to double this by year-end. It reduces development costs and accelerates deployment, enabling more autonomous network functions.
What is the potential impact of AI on networks and infrastructure?
From an international network perspective, three key use cases emerge related to AI’s proliferation:
1 – Training :
Long-distance transmission networks must adapt to AI training needs, requiring increased fiber capacity capable of carrying hundreds of terabits per second between data centers. We have recently deployed tens of terabits for hyperscalers and are building petabit-persecond élinks across Europe.
2- Optimization :
Some B2B clients want to optimize LLM algorithms, necessitating short-term capacity bursts of tens or hundreds of Gbps between data centers. Orange Wholesale offers longdistance Ethernet connectivity via our Click platform, enabling clients to purchase capacity for specific periods.
3- Inference :
While there is debate about whether inference will alter network topology, current trends suggest it will not. Traffic on our international backbone has grown about 30% annually over 25 years, driven by text, voice, images, and video. AI demands will not fundamentally change this capacity but will require active application-aware routing, such as segment routing and the new FlexAlgo routing algorithm, to ensure optimal paths for GPU traffic. Private AI infrastructure with GPUs in our data centers will also meet client needs.
What is your view on AI’s impact on employment?
AI will significantly impact the job market, with estimates suggesting nearly half of jobs could be affected by 2030. However, I Believe the overall effect will be positive.
We are in an industrial revolution driven by AI. It should be seen as «augmented intelligence,» helping us save time on repetitive tasks and focus on high-value activities.
For example, operational teams can spend more time engaging with customers and resolving issues rather than fixing backbone failures.
To prepare, we are implementing ambitious training programs. Generative AI experimentation is crucial; tools like Dinootoo by Orange and proper support enable rapid results. At Orange Wholesale, a community of enthusiasts promotes AI literacy and acts as ambassadors. We offer multiple training levels for users and developers.
AI will also create new jobs, especially around building Private AI infrastructures. The opportunities it offers are very promising.
