Communication Node Function Identification for Automated Vendor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of communication devices from different vendors into a 5G network is costly due to the need for extensive verification and profile updates, especially when adding new devices, as each vendor's functions and profiles differ, leading to increased construction costs and potential interoperability issues.

Innovation Solution

A communication system and device addition method where lower-level nodes transmit function identification and profile information to upper-level nodes, enabling or disabling functions based on compatibility, conducting automatic verification tests, and adjusting profiles as needed to ensure seamless integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices from different vendors are connected using standard interfaces (e.g., O-RAN architecture), then interoperability is improved, but the cost of constructing and maintaining the communication system increases due to extensive verification and profile updates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring function identification information and profile data in devices before they are connected to the network. When a device is added, the upper-level node automatically retrieves and compares this pre-stored information to determine compatibility, eliminating the need for costly post-deployment verification and profile updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated compatibility verification and profile management. The upper-level node automatically performs function comparison, compatibility determination, and profile updates without requiring manual intervention from operators, thereby reducing construction and maintenance costs while maintaining interoperability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual verification processes are performed when adding new devices to ensure correct operation, then system reliability is improved, but the time and cost required for device addition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation correctnessVSAvoiddevice addition time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification processes with automated electronic comparison and determination systems. The upper-level node automatically compares function identification information using electronic data processing and determines compatibility through algorithmic logic, significantly reducing device addition time while maintaining or improving verification accuracy and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the upper-level node continuously monitors device functions, automatically detects compatibility issues, and triggers profile updates when needed. This closed-loop feedback ensures system reliability is maintained without requiring time-consuming manual verification at each device addition step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive profile updates and verification tests are conducted when adding devices from different vendors, then compatibility is ensured, but the complexity of the device addition process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevendor compatibilityVSAvoidaddition process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complexity of compatibility verification and profile management from the device addition process by implementing an automated upper-level node that handles these tasks independently. This node extracts and compares function identification information, determines compatibility, and manages profile updates automatically, thereby simplifying the overall device addition process while ensuring vendor compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper-level node is designed with universal functionality to handle compatibility verification, profile management, and device addition tasks for multiple vendors simultaneously. This multi-functional approach consolidates various vendor-specific procedures into a single unified process, reducing addition process complexity while maintaining broad vendor compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4124120B1Communication system, communication process device, and device addition method
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 FUJITSU LTD
  • EP4124120B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4124120B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4124120B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication system includes: a first node; and a second node that is located at a lower level of the first node and connected to the first node. The second node includes a transmitter that transmits, when the second node is connected to the first node, function identification information for identifying functions installed in the second node, and the first node includes a receiver that receives the function identification information transmitted from the second node, and a processor that is connected to the receiver. The processor executes a process including deciding, based on the function identification information, a function to be enabled or disabled out of the functions installed in the second node, and selecting at least a test item used for verifying the function that is decided to be enabled.