Fusion Architecture in Telecom: Real-Time Data Collection, Testing, and Performance Management Explained
Introduction: The Shift Toward Fusion Architecture in Telecom
The telecom sector is quickly moving toward cloud-native and software-defined environments. With the rise of 5G, IoT, and edge computing, operators are facing more complexity than ever. Traditional network monitoring and testing tools, which once worked just fine, now find it tough to keep up with the scale, automation, and real-time needs of these new systems.
This is where Fusion Architecture steps in. The framework shown in the diagram provided illustrates how virtualized agents (vAgents), test controllers, real-time data collectors, and external analytics platforms come together to form a cohesive, intelligent testing and monitoring system.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Fusion Architecture, explore its main components, see how data flows through the system, and discuss the advantages it offers to those in the telecom field.
What is Fusion Architecture?
Fusion Architecture is a complete testing and performance management (PM) framework designed to offer end-to-end visibility, automation, and control across telecom networks.
It combines several functions into one unified ecosystem:
Testing and validation with tools like the VIAVI Tester.
Real-time data collection for monitoring KPIs and performance metrics.
Performance management (PM) control for setting up and orchestrating tasks.
Integration with external SDN controllers and analytics platforms to enhance automation and insights.
The outcome is a closed-loop system that can dynamically identify and resolve network issues.
Core Components of Fusion Architecture
- vAgent, vCPE, and Servers
At both the edge and core of the network, vAgents and vCPE (virtual Customer Premises Equipment) are key players.
vAgent: A lightweight software instance designed to inject test traffic and gather performance data.
vCPE: This replaces traditional hardware CPE, allowing tasks like routing, firewalling, and performance monitoring to function as virtualized services.
Servers: These provide the computational power needed to host agents and testers.
These virtualized elements ensure scalability and flexibility, minimizing reliance on expensive hardware.
VIAVI Tester
The VIAVI Tester serves as the main testing engine of the system. It supports essential standards such as:
L2/L3 Y.1564: For testing service activation for Ethernet.
L3 TWAMP (Two-Way Active Measurement Protocol): To measure delay, jitter, and packet loss.
TWAMP Light PM: A more lightweight and scalable approach to performance monitoring.
This capability helps operators validate SLAs, ensure service quality, and catch issues before they escalate.
Real-Time Data Collector
The Real-Time Data Collector is responsible for gathering performance metrics and test results from the agents and testers.
Its functions include:
Collecting KPI data like latency, throughput, and packet loss.
Storing test and PM results.
Sending insights to external analytics via APIs.
By using Netconf/YANG streaming DB interfaces, it ensures real-time telemetry for today’s programmable networks.
- Test and PM Controller
The Test and PM Controller is in charge of orchestrating network tests and performance monitoring.
It configures and schedules testing processes.
It interfaces with external SDN controllers to facilitate automation.
It guarantees centralized control of testing functions across distributed agents.
Think of this controller as the brains of the operation, balancing automation with operator oversight.
- External Controller (e.g., SDN)
Fusion Architecture works closely with SDN (Software Defined Networking) controllers.
Automation: It automatically sets up testing sessions and allocates resources.
Closed-loop control: It detects issues and makes real-time adjustments.
Programmability: It utilizes Netconf/YANG for smooth integration.
This results in a self-optimizing network that minimizes the need for manual intervention.
- External Data Analytics
The data collected becomes much more valuable when analyzed by analytics platforms.
It uses Data Exchange APIs to share KPIs and test results.
It employs AI/ML algorithms to foresee faults, optimize traffic, and enhance planning.
It offers visual dashboards to aid in decision-making.
In this way, raw performance data is transformed into actionable business intelligence.
Control and Data Reporting Flows
The Fusion Architecture diagram shows two separate flows:
Control Interfaces (Red Lines): Carry configuration commands from controllers to testers and agents.
Data Reporting (Blue Lines): Transport KPIs and results from agents to collectors, analytics platforms, and controllers.
Together, these flows provide precise control and real-time visibility.
Supported Protocols and Interfaces
Fusion Architecture utilizes industry-standard protocols for optimum interoperability:
Netconf/YANG: For configuration and streaming telemetry.
TWAMP (Two-Way Active Measurement Protocol): For assessing delay, jitter, and loss.
Y.1564: For service activation and SLA validation.
Data Exchange APIs: For connecting to analytics and OSS/BSS systems.
This standards-based method ensures compatibility across multi-vendor environments.
Benefits of Fusion Architecture
End-to-End Visibility * Real-time monitoring spanning both virtualized and physical setups. * Unified KPI collection delivers consistent insights.
Automation and Orchestration * Cuts down manual effort through SDN integration. * Implements closed-loop automation for quicker fault resolution.
Scalability and Flexibility * Virtualized components grow alongside network expansion. * Cloud-native design accommodates distributed setups.
Service Assurance for 5G and IoT * Validates low-latency SLAs for URLLC. * Ensures reliability for extensive IoT connections.
Cost Efficiency * Removes the need for several physical probes. * Centralized orchestration lowers OPEX.
Example Use Case: Enterprise 5G Deployment
Picture a telecom operator rolling out private 5G for an enterprise campus:
Setup: The PM Controller gets vAgents and testers configured throughout the site.
Validation: The VIAVI Tester performs Y.1564 to validate service activation.
Monitoring: TWAMP tracks latency and jitter continuously.
Data Collection: Results are streamed into the Real-Time Data Collector.
Automation: The SDN controller spots packet loss and reroutes traffic automatically.
Analytics: External platforms generate SLA dashboards for enterprise IT managers.
This guarantees high reliability and transparency for critical enterprise services.
Table: Fusion Architecture at a Glance
Component | Role | Key Benefit
vAgent / vCPE / Server | Deployable test/monitoring agents | Flexibility, reduced hardware needs
VIAVI Tester | Standards-based testing (Y.1564, TWAMP) | SLA validation, performance testing
Real-Time Data Collector | Collects KPIs and test data | Real-time insights, API integration
Test & PM Controller | Orchestrates testing and monitoring | Centralized automation and setup
External Controller (SDN) | Automates configuration and optimization | Closed-loop control
External Analytics | AI/ML-driven insights from test data | Predictive maintenance, dashboards
Conclusion: Fusion Architecture as the Future of Network Assurance
Fusion Architecture signifies a major shift in telecom testing and monitoring. By integrating virtualized agents, real-time data collectors, SDN controllers, and analytics platforms, it establishes a closed-loop, intelligent assurance system.
For telecom professionals, embracing Fusion Architecture means transitioning from reactive troubleshooting to proactive, automated assurance. As demands for higher performance escalate with 5G, IoT, and edge computing, adopting Fusion Architecture isn’t just an option—it’s essential for building future-ready networks.