On Tuesday, Ericsson launched a new set of network services aimed at simplifying the processes for introducing Internet of Things (IoT) applications onto enterprise networks and managing their operations as well.

The services will help also businesses design and optimize their network for use with IoT devices. To better suit the heterogeneous nature of IoT networks, users will get assistance with network modelling, design development, scenario assessment, and “developmental appraisal for massive IoT networks,” the release stated.

SEE: How CXOs should plan their approach to IoT (Tech Pro Research)

To better handle incident management, new automated machine learning tools will be coming to Ericsson’s Network Operations Centers (NOCs), the release noted. In a test run by Ericsson, the machine learning correctly identified 80% of all incidents, without any human help, and was correct in identifying 77% of root causes.

Ovum principal analyst Jamie Moss said in the press release that, when it comes to networking, technologies like AI and machine learning are “not just buzzwords.” Instead, he said, they are innovative new tools that will provide real help in managing large IoT deployments.

According to the press release, the services will be made available for Cat-M1 (LTE-M) and Narrow Band IoT (NB-IoT) tech.

New IoT software features are also being introduced. Voice over LTE (VoLTE) support for Cat-M1 will allow users to experiment with new use cases for voice in IoT, the release said, for security products, wearables, and more.

“We anticipate IoT devices will surpass mobile phones as the largest category of connected devices as early as 2018 and, according to Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report, there will be 18 billion connected IoT devices in 2022,” Peter Laurin, head of business area managed services for Ericsson, said in the release. “This massive uptake requires a different approach to network planning, design, operations and capabilities than traditional mobile broadband networks.”

Ericsson’s new network services and VoLTE for IoT software support are available now.

The 3 big takeaways for TechRepublic readers

  1. Ericsson has launched a new set of IoT network services that aim to simplify the process for deploying and managing the operations of a host of IoT devices.
  2. Machine learning will also be used to help with incident management, as Ericsson trials indicated an 80% success rate in identifying incidents without human intervention.
  3. New Voice over LTE (VoLTE) will give operators more options for leveraging voice in their IoT deployments as well.