The University of Ottawa and Ciena, a leading communications tech giant, have joined forces to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) solution for network issues in Canada’s largest tech park. This collaboration aims to proactively identify and troubleshoot problems that cause network quality issues and interruptions.
The partnership between the University of Ottawa and Ciena began over five years ago through a funding program provided by Mitacs, which supports industry-academic research collaborations. Dr. Shervin Shirmohammadi, a computer and software engineering professor at the university, worked closely with Ciena to explore how AI can be utilized to stabilize video streaming services like YouTube and Netflix.
The initial project was a resounding success, prompting Ciena to recognize the potential of this solution for larger networks. To progress towards commercialization, the two entities applied for an NSERC Idea-to-Innovation grant, which offers financial support for this stage of the collaboration.
The development of this AI solution is particularly timely given the recent Rogers network outage in 2022, which reportedly resulted from a maintenance upgrade issue. The advanced AI tools being developed by Ciena and the University of Ottawa could provide telecom service providers with new analytical options to proactively identify and address similar problems in the future.
Both parties have greatly benefited from this collaboration. For Ciena, it has allowed them to discover industry-relevant solutions and tap into the unique infrastructure and expertise offered by the University of Ottawa. Dr. Chris Barber, senior data science manager at Ciena’s Blue Planet division, highlighted the importance of collaborating with the university for driving innovation and exploring curiosity-based research.
The University of Ottawa, on the other hand, has had the opportunity to contribute to solutions that address specific industry needs, while creating and sharing knowledge. Additionally, graduate students have gained valuable hands-on experience by working closely with industry partners, enhancing their skills and employability.
The success of this collaborative work is evidenced by Ciena’s intention to incorporate the intellectual property generated from the project, including three patents, into their product offerings. This will make their communications infrastructure more robust and stable on a global scale.
The University of Ottawa has also enhanced the impact of its research by actively working to solve industry problems, leveraging research grants that support industry-academia collaborations, and providing unique training opportunities for students. The ability to contribute to real-world issues through research collaborations has been greatly facilitated by the university’s partnership with organizations like Ciena.
Dr. Shirmohammadi expressed his excitement about the AI technology developed during the collaboration, highlighting that it provided a solution that a human engineer may never have considered. This innovative approach resulted in improved network stability and performance, offering telecom service providers new options for optimizing their networks.
The collaboration between the University of Ottawa and Ciena exemplifies the power of academic-industry partnerships in driving innovation, solving complex problems, and preparing talented individuals for successful careers in the private sector. The successful application of AI technology in network issue resolution highlights the potential for leveraging cutting-edge solutions in various industries.
Companies like Ciena recognize the value of collaborating with academic institutions like the University of Ottawa to access unique expertise, infrastructure, and funding opportunities that support long-term innovation and growth. Similarly, universities benefit from industry collaborations by contributing to real-world solutions, expanding their research impact, and equipping their students with practical skills.
For organizations looking to partner and innovate with the University of Ottawa, the uOttawa Kanata North team is available to explore collaborative opportunities. This partnership may lead to the development of groundbreaking solutions and mutually beneficial outcomes for both academia and industry.
