Agent Apparatus Network Event Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated network functions, such as self-X functionalities, reduce network transparency for operators by executing tasks without providing clear information on their activities, making it difficult for network management systems to understand the reasons behind network configuration changes or faults.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for detecting and recording the execution of automated functions within a communication network, using an Agent Apparatus to determine the type of automated function and write this information to a storage area, allowing a Management Apparatus to access and understand the reasons for network changes through predefined messages and data structures based on 3GPP standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated functions (self-X functionalities) are implemented in the network, then productivity and automation of network management are improved, but network transparency and operator visibility of network activities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (event detector, information writer, management apparatus) that mediates between automated network functions and operators. This intermediary captures execution information of automated functions and makes it visible to operators without interfering with the automated operations themselves, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where execution information of automated functions is continuously captured, stored, and provided to operators and management systems. This feedback loop enables operators to monitor and understand automated network activities while maintaining the productivity benefits of automation.
2Ease of operation
If automated functions execute tasks without human intervention, then ease of operation is improved, but understanding of network configuration reasons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an information writer and management apparatus as intermediaries to capture and preserve the reasons behind automated configuration changes. These intermediaries record execution information including the type of automated function and its impact, making the rationale for changes visible to operators without requiring human intervention in the execution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing and storing execution information of automated functions at the time of execution. This ensures that information about the reasons for configuration changes is recorded before operators need to understand it, preventing information loss while maintaining automated operation benefits.
3Loss of energy
If self-X functionalities are deployed, then operational expenditure (OPEX) is reduced, but visibility of network activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lightweight intermediary components (event detector, information writer) that provide visibility into self-X functionality activities without significantly increasing operational expenditure. These intermediaries capture essential execution information and make it available to operators and management systems with minimal additional cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of execution information from automated function activities and stores them in a separate information structure. This copying approach enables visibility of network activities without interfering with the efficient operation of self-X functionalities, maintaining low OPEX while improving transparency.
Data Source
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AI summary
An Agent Apparatus (100) is described comprising a Detecting Device (104) for detecting the execution of an automated function within a communication network. The Agent Apparatus further comprise a Type Determining Device (105) for determining the type of the automated function and a Writing Device (108) for writing information representing the type of the automated function in a predefined storage area (113) of a record carrier (103).