Arbitrary Model Assembly for Dynamic Network Device Relationships

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network modeling approaches are limited in representing dynamic and multiple relationships between elements, as they typically require predefined hierarchies and relationships encoded within the model, making it difficult to join and reassemble components in new hierarchies or express changing relationships over the lifecycle of the system.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an arbitrary model assembly that utilizes pointers to data instances in multiple databases, allowing for dynamic representation of relationships and enabling the combination of different models into new hierarchies without modifying existing schemas, supporting multiple types of relationships and hierarchies within hierarchies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional modeling approaches with predefined hierarchies are used, then model structure is stable and simple, but adaptability to represent dynamic relationships and multiple hierarchies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to represent dynamic relationshipsVSAvoidmodel structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the model into two independent parts: the base model (with its own schema and hierarchy) and the assembly model (with pointers to base model instances). This segmentation allows the base model to remain simple and stable while the assembly model provides adaptability for dynamic relationships and multiple hierarchies without modifying the original model structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an assembly model as an intermediary layer between the base model and the user/application. The assembly model contains pointers to base model instances and can define arbitrary relationships and hierarchies without changing the base model itself, thus providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If relationships are encoded within the model itself, then model integrity is maintained, but flexibility to join and reassemble components in new hierarchies is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to join and reassemble componentsVSAvoidease of model modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the relationship definitions from the base model and places them in the assembly model. The base model contains only data instances with their inherent relationships, while the assembly model contains the arbitrary relationships and hierarchies. This extraction allows flexible joining and reassembling of components without modifying the original base model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pointers in the assembly model that reference instances in the base model, effectively creating a lightweight copy mechanism. This allows the same base model instances to be reused in multiple assembly models with different relationships and hierarchies, providing flexibility without duplicating or modifying the original model data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single hierarchy is defined in the model, then model simplicity is maintained, but ability to represent multiple types of relationships simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to represent multiple relationshipsVSAvoidnumber of hierarchies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the assembly model universal by allowing it to contain pointers to instances from multiple different base models and define arbitrary relationships between them. A single assembly model can simultaneously represent multiple types of relationships (parent-child, peer-to-peer, many-to-many) without requiring separate models for each relationship type, thus providing multi-functionality without proportional increase in complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10972359B2Data structures representing models of networking equipment and methods of network management employing thereof

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 CIENA CORP

AI summary

A processor-implemented method implemented to model devices in a network utilizing an assembly providing an arbitrary model includes utilizing one or more first models to represent relationships between devices in the network for control and management thereof, wherein the one or more first models are implemented in an associated database of one or more databases each with an associated schema; defining an assembly to implement the arbitrary model different from the first model, wherein the assembly comprises pointers to data instances in the one or more databases; and utilizing the arbitrary model for control and management of the devices in the network, wherein the control and management via the arbitrary model updates the data instances in the one or more databases representing the first model.