How Telecom Networks Can Prevent Outages and Boost Resilience

Telecommunications networks are integral to modern life, forming the backbone of essential services such as communication, commerce, travel, and governance. However, these networks are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions that can cascade through interconnected systems, creating widespread disturbances. In this article, we explore the root causes of telecom outages and strategies to mitigate their impact, with insights from Reuben Koh, Director of Security Technology & Strategy at Akamai.

Understanding the Roots of Network Outages

Many large-scale outages begin with classic culprits like misconfigurations, software bugs, or hardware failures. What has changed is the level of interconnectedness, which allows minor issues to escalate into national or global problems. According to Koh, “Major internet outages often stem from recurring root causes like misconfigurations during routine updates, software bugs, and hardware failures.” These failures now ripple through shared cloud regions, centralized routing systems, and common identity frameworks, expanding their blast radius and leading to longer downtimes.

Adding to the complexity, a significant portion of digital infrastructure is concentrated on a limited number of cloud and SaaS platforms. Centralized systems create fewer, yet more enticing, points of failure for attackers and exacerbate service disruptions when issues arise. Koh emphasizes the need for telecom operators to reassess their dependencies and implement distributed designs to enhance network resilience.

The Promise of Edge Computing and Distributed Architectures

One of the solutions Koh highlights is distributed compute and edge infrastructure. Shifting compute workloads away from centralized nodes to smaller, autonomous units can limit how far outages spread. Each node operates independently, meaning failures in one area won’t cripple the entire network. Koh explains, “A simpler method is to redesign the deployment of compute functions in a globally distributed edge infrastructure.” This approach also reduces latency for time-sensitive services, such as gaming and financial transactions, while improving security by bringing controls closer to the user.

Beyond technical advantages, distributed networks offer a strategic buffer against regulatory risks. Telecom regulators worldwide are scrutinizing reliance on hyperscalers and emphasizing the importance of diversified providers. Countries like Singapore, Australia, and Japan are introducing stricter guidelines around third-party cloud risks, while European and U.S. policymakers push for contingency plans for cloud platform failures.

Tackling Emerging Threats: APIs and AI Attacks

The rise of API usage and AI-driven automation introduces new risks. APIs serve as the glue between various systems, but they also represent a significant attack surface. Koh warns, “Industry evidence increasingly shows APIs are becoming a dominant attack vector.” An exploited API can disrupt interconnected telecom services, triggering chain reactions across networks. Additionally, AI-driven bot traffic has surged, complicating efforts to secure systems against phishing, impersonation, and fraud attacks.

To safeguard their systems, telecom operators must adopt robust API discovery methods, advanced bot management tools, and comprehensive protection mechanisms for AI-powered systems. Koh also underscores the importance of human intervention, especially during critical incidents, to ensure AI-driven processes remain predictable and under control.

Building Resilient Networks for the Future

No network is entirely “outage-proof,” but careful planning can reduce the impact of technical failures. Koh advocates for a strategy focused on “graceful degradation,” where systems continue functioning at reduced capacity rather than suffering a complete breakdown. This entails leveraging distributed network designs, diversifying service providers, and performing regular stress testing to identify potential points of failure.

As telecom operators bear more responsibility for carrying the core functions of society, the need for robust, resilient networks becomes more critical. By embracing agile operational habits, bolstering defenses against emerging threats, and preparing for the unforeseen, operators can build networks capable of adapting to the challenges of tomorrow’s interconnected world.