APN Subnet Inventory and Mapping for Faster Network Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing APN management systems require extended times to configure due to differing technical requirements and features across various system components, leading to delays in network access provisioning.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for rapid APN deployment that includes an APN inventory system, order interface, and APN mapping system, allowing for the configuration of APN subnets before customer selection, enabling quick provisioning of APN subnets to 50-70 customer devices within 3-5 days, rather than the typical 3-8 months.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional APN configuration processes are used, then system reliability is maintained through component-by-component configuration, but provisioning time increases significantly (3-8 months)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of APN subnets before customer orders are placed. The inventory system pre-generates multiple APN subnets with different technical features and stores them in a database, so that when a customer orders, the pre-configured subnets can be immediately allocated without lengthy configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The APN configuration process is segmented into independent components: inventory management, order processing, and allocation. Each component operates independently - the inventory system manages pre-configured subnets, the order system receives customer requests, and the allocation system matches orders with available subnets, eliminating the need for sequential configuration of all components.
2Productivity
If multiple system components are configured individually, then technical precision is maintained for each component, but overall provisioning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple APN subnets with different technical configurations are merged into a single unified inventory database. The inventory system consolidates subnets from different carriers and technologies (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) into one manageable pool, allowing efficient allocation while maintaining the technical precision of each individual subnet through structured data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter-based classification to manage different APN subnets. Each subnet is defined by specific parameters (carrier, technology type, technical features), and the inventory system stores and retrieves subnets based on these parameters, enabling precise matching of customer requirements with appropriate subnet configurations.
3Reliability
If APN subnets are configured after customer selection, then customization accuracy is improved, but infrastructure delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
APN subnets are pre-configured with various technical features and stored in the inventory database before customer selection. This preliminary preparation ensures that when customers place orders, reliable and tested subnet configurations are already available, eliminating the need for post-selection configuration delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of APN subnet configurations with different technical parameters. Instead of configuring one subnet at a time after selection, the inventory system maintains a library of copied and pre-configured subnets that can be immediately allocated to multiple customers, ensuring both reliability and speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for access point name (APN) management, comprising an APN inventory system operating on a first processor that is configured to load one or more algorithms into working data memory to cause the first processor to generate a data structure that identifies a plurality of unassigned APN subnets. An order interface system operating on a second processor is configured to load one or more algorithms into working data memory to cause the second processor to generate a selection tool to allow a user to select one of a plurality of APN subnet options. An APN mapping system operating on a third processor is configured to load one or more algorithms into working data memory to cause the third processor to associate a customer account number with one of the unassigned APN subnets.