Imagine a network that not only transmits data but also manages and repairs itself. That's the promise of autonomous driving optical networks (ADONs), and researchers have just achieved a significant milestone by field-testing an AI agent powered by a large language model (LLM) to manage an ADON's entire lifecycle. Think of it like a self-driving car, but for the complex world of fiber optic communication. This AI agent acts as the "brain" of the network, making decisions and taking actions without human intervention. In this groundbreaking field trial, researchers simulated real-world scenarios, including adding and removing wavelengths, handling both sudden fiber cuts and gradual degradation from aging equipment, and optimizing the network's power levels for peak performance. The AI agent successfully navigated these challenges, demonstrating its ability to handle the dynamic and complex nature of optical networks. Using a combination of real-world equipment and sophisticated software, the researchers created a digital twin of the network—a virtual copy that mirrors the behavior of the real physical system. This digital twin played a crucial role in allowing the AI agent to analyze and respond to various situations effectively. This research opens the door to more efficient, resilient, and self-managing networks, paving the way for the future of optical communication.