Automated Ethernet Provisioning via Centralized Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Provisioning Ethernet services is a tedious and error-prone process due to the need for manual programming of multiple network elements, which can lead to resource contention and performance issues, especially when handling high-bandwidth services like voice, video, and streaming media.
Innovation Solution
A centralized controller, such as a digital network administrator (DNA), automates the provisioning of Ethernet services by selecting a master endpoint, managing circuit data, and synchronizing configurations across network elements, ensuring data consistency and handling partial configuration failures, thereby reducing the complexity of programming multiple network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual programming of multiple network elements is used for Ethernet service provisioning, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but provisioning time and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service provisioning where the network elements automatically discover each other and configure themselves without manual intervention. The DNA controller orchestrates this by automatically selecting master endpoints, distributing configurations, and synchronizing state across the network, eliminating the need for manual programming of each network element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual programming process with an automated electronic system. The DNA controller uses electronic communication to automatically provision Ethernet services by selecting master endpoints, distributing configuration data, and synchronizing states across network elements, substituting the manual mechanical process with automated electronic control.
2Ease of operation
If manual programming of multiple network elements is used for Ethernet service provisioning, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but the complexity and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the provisioning process into distinct roles: the DNA controller handles high-level orchestration including master endpoint selection and configuration distribution, while network elements handle local configuration and state management. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by dividing the provisioning task into manageable segments with clear responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The DNA controller acts as an intermediary between users and network elements. It receives provisioning requests, selects master endpoints, distributes configurations automatically, and synchronizes states across the network. This intermediary role eliminates the need for users to directly manage multiple network elements, reducing operational complexity significantly.
3Productivity
If automated provisioning with master endpoint selection is implemented, then provisioning time is reduced, but additional control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where network elements report their states to the DNA controller, which then synchronizes configurations and resolves conflicts. This feedback loop enables automated provisioning while maintaining control through state synchronization and conflict resolution protocols, balancing productivity improvement with manageable control complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple network elements are programmed manually, then configuration consistency can be verified, but resource contention and performance issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The DNA controller performs preliminary actions by selecting master endpoints before provisioning begins and establishing the configuration hierarchy in advance. This preliminary master endpoint selection and configuration distribution prevents resource contention by coordinating all network elements from the start, eliminating the need for manual verification while ensuring consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A centralized network administrator may automatically provision an Ethernet circuit between network elements by storing and managing circuit data (managed objects) in one of the network elements (master node) and synchronizing the circuit data among the network nodes in the Ethernet circuit path. In addition, multiple network administrators may provision multiple Ethernet circuits using the overlapping network elements by managing access to the circuit data in the Master node.