Automatic Time-Based Routing Rule Administration in Network Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual updating of routing tables in network routing nodes is time- and labor-intensive when service agreements expire, especially with multiple agreements simultaneously, as existing methods require manual re-provisioning of routes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing automatic time-based routing rules in network routing nodes, such as signal transfer points, where routing data is stored with associated time periods, allowing messages to be automatically inhibited when agreements expire, reducing the need for manual updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual updating of routing tables is used when service agreements expire, then routing rules can be updated to reflect current agreements, but the process becomes time- and labor-intensive especially when multiple agreements expire simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring expiration dates and times for routing rules. Before manual intervention is needed, the system has already prepared the routing rules with their validity periods, enabling automatic enforcement when the time comes without requiring manual updates at expiration moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing system serves itself by automatically checking the current time against stored expiration times and autonomously disabling or removing routing rules that have expired. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual monitoring and updating of routing tables, reducing both time and labor requirements while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If manual re-provisioning of routing tables is performed when multiple service agreements expire simultaneously, then all expired agreements can be addressed, but the complexity and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple individual routing rule management operations into a single unified automatic process. Instead of handling each expired agreement separately through manual procedures, the system combines all expiration checks and enforcement actions into one automated routine that processes multiple agreements simultaneously, reducing administrative complexity while ensuring compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the current time is continuously compared against stored expiration times, and the system automatically responds by enabling or disabling routing rules based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures agreement compliance without requiring complex manual administration, as the system self-regulates based on time conditions.
3Productivity
If automatic time-based routing rules are implemented, then the time and labor required for administering routing agreements is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of routing rule management from manual state changes to automatic time-based state changes. By storing expiration dates and times as parameters and using these parameters to automatically control routing rule validity, the system improves productivity while the added complexity is limited to the time-checking mechanism rather than complex control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for automatic time-based routing rule administration are disclosed. According to one method, routing data for routing messages between a source address and a destination address is stored in a network routing table. A time period is associated with the routing data based on agreements between service providers. Messages are routed between the service providers during the time period. Outside of the time period, routing of messages between the source address and the destination address is automatically inhibited.