In recent times there has been an explosion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) – and consequently an increase of interest in AI-related topics. On the other hand, AI has rapidly evolved from a niche area of computer science into a transformative force in all areas – including network management. In order to address the need of research and education institutions to learn about AI, a new AI Training Programme has been launched in the Network eAcademy. The content can be found here:
The AI training programme includes paths on both AI as a technology and how to use it from a Network Manager’s point of view. The learning units are organised from Predictive AI to Generative AI, with sections on Robotics, Classical Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Transparent and Explainable AI Systems, and Generative AI Systems. It also leaves space for learning units on specific use cases, organised through the lenses of the well-known network management FCAPS framework categories: Fault management, Configuration Management, Accounting Management, Performance Management, and Security Management. Such learning units on use cases should help those who need tangible examples of how to introduce AI into their networks.
Some units on the AI Training Programme in the Network eAcademy have already been published, while others are being produced, and some links to external content, such as documents or the SoBigData Academy are included. Artificial Intelligence was already present in the Network eAcademy for the Network Automation training programme, which still has a section on Intelligence Management following the TM Forum Open Digital Architecture blueprint. As this section grew extensively, this new AI learning track was created in the Network eAcademy, detaching the AI content from the existing Network Automation eAcademy and including more content. However, both sections are still closely tied and link to each other.
As before, the Artificial Intelligence Training Programme is presented visually – in the style of a Metro map that presents the units in Moodle as stations with a circle; and external documents, websites and collaborations as stations with a square. The interactive Metro map is constantly updated to ensure it remains current – and the latest version can be viewed online here:
About the Network eAcademy
The Network eAcademy is a community-driven service designed to support research and education (R&E) institutions in advancing their knowledge, skills, and capabilities in network technologies and services. Developed by the community, for the community, it provides a comprehensive set of resources that foster digital transformation, interoperability and skill development across the GÉANT and the National Research and Education Network (NREN) ecosystem. Initially established with a strategic focus on Orchestration, Automation and Virtualisation (OAV), the Network eAcademy delivers digital architecture analyses, training programmes, a structured digital transformation maturity model, and shared terminology to support the adoption of advanced digital network practices.
Building on the success of the initial OAV / Network Automation training programme, the Network eAcademy expanded to address additional emerging and strategically important domains. As well as Artificial Intelligence, dedicated training programmes have been introduced for Quantum Technologies, and Optical Time and Frequency Networks (OTFN), with further tracks planned in response to evolving community needs.
All Network eAcademy outputs are openly accessible through the NETDEV Wiki and related portals. Through continuous development, community engagement and dissemination activities, the Network eAcademy plays a central role in strengthening skills, alignment, and innovation within the R&E networking community.
The learning units under the Network eAcademy are published through the GÉANT Learning And Development (GLAD) platform, which is based on Moodle. Direct access to the learning materials is available both through the Network eAcademy Training Portal and the GLAD eAcademy portal. Access to these portals is granted to those with eduGAIN, SSO and social network credentials.
