Summary - Q.4081 (01/2026) - Methods and metrics for monitoring machine learning/artificial intelligence in future networks including IMT-2020

Monitoring machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the continuous, real-time tracking and observing an ML/AI system's in production environments. Monitoring ML/AI evaluates the performance of an ML/AI model to determine whether it operates effectively. When the ML/AI model experiences some performance degradation, appropriate maintenance measures should be taken to restore performance.
ML/AI models are trained based on historical data and assumptions about the operational environment. However, the environment is dynamic. These dynamics can lead to model degradation – a decline in predictive accuracy or decision quality over time – caused by phenomena such as data drift and concept drift. Therefore, the environment and running state of the ML/AI model should be monitored in order to determine whether the model should be updated or not.
To overcome various issues that result in performance degradation, a set of parameters and events should be defined and monitored. As a result, choosing appropriate monitoring strategies based on the specific use case, data characteristics, and business requirements is a critical step in ensuring the longterm reliability and effectiveness of ML/AI systems.
Recommendation ITU-T Q.4081 provides guidance and a reference of monitoring ML/AI methods and metrics.