Closed Loop Control Automation for Multi-Vendor Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing and integrating multi-vendor closed loops (CLs) due to the lack of standardized application programming interfaces (APIs) for control and exposure interfaces, necessitating manual and labor-intensive management by operators.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop control (CLC) apparatus or platform that automatically identifies and instantiates CL components based on operator requests, utilizing standardized 3GPP SA5 APIs to configure and activate CLs, enabling efficient management of multi-vendor CLs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual management methods are used for multi-vendor closed loops, then operators can manage each component individually, but the operational burden and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the closed loop control apparatus automatically identifies required components, composes closed loops, and configures them without operator intervention. The apparatus autonomously retrieves component information from repositories, establishes connections, and activates closed loops based on operator requests, eliminating manual management overhead while maintaining full control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring component repositories with detailed information about available closed loop components from multiple vendors. Component metadata including interfaces, parameters, and compatibility information are prepared in advance, enabling rapid automated composition and instantiation when operators submit requests, significantly reducing operational time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized APIs are implemented for closed loop control, then integration of multi-vendor components is facilitated, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed loop control apparatus serves as an intermediary layer between operators and multi-vendor closed loop components. It implements standardized 3GPP SA5 API interfaces that abstract the complexity of vendor-specific component implementations. The apparatus translates standardized API requests into vendor-specific configurations, enabling seamless integration of diverse components without increasing operator burden or system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus implements universal functionality by supporting multiple vendor-specific closed loop components through a single standardized interface framework. It can compose closed loops using components from different vendors, manage diverse component types (data collection, analysis, decision-making, execution), and handle various communication protocols, thereby achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If automated identification and composition of closed loop components is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation platform is segmented into distinct functional modules: component identification module, composition module, configuration module, and activation module. Each module handles a specific aspect of closed loop instantiation, making the overall complex process manageable and maintainable. The segmentation allows parallel processing of different tasks and reduces the cognitive load on operators while maintaining high automation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising means for: receiving a request from an operator to instantiate a closed loop for managing a communication system; identifying closed loop components based on the request; and instantiating a closed loop for managing a communication system with the closed looped components.