Dynamic Network Configuration With Artificial-Life Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communications networks face challenges in configuring alarms that are either too sensitive, triggering false alarms, or not sensitive enough, leading to delayed issue detection and resolution, and current Self-Organizing Network (SON) features are implemented separately, requiring complex algorithms and manual tuning.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a population of machine-learning processes that operate based on diverse data models and decision-making rules to recommend configuration changes by producing individual recommendations, which are then aggregated to form an output recommendation through selection or clustering, and evolve to improve accuracy over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If alarm sensitivity is increased to detect issues earlier, then detection timeliness is improved, but false alarm rate increases reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection timelinessVSAvoidfalse alarm rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The alarm system is segmented into multiple independent machine-learning processes (e.g., detection module, analysis module, decision module) that operate with different data models and decision-making rules. Each segment processes alarm data independently and contributes to the final alarm determination, allowing the system to maintain high sensitivity while filtering false alarms through collective decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes parameters of machine-learning processes based on network conditions and alarm patterns. By adjusting parameters such as detection thresholds, data model configurations, and decision-making rules, the system can adapt sensitivity levels to reduce false alarms while maintaining timely detection of genuine issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple machine-learning processes with diverse data models are used to improve recommendation accuracy, then system intelligence is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecommendation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex system is segmented into multiple independent machine-learning processes, each with its own data model and decision-making rules. This segmentation allows each process to be relatively simple and manageable, while the collective system achieves high accuracy through diversity and aggregation of individual recommendations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple machine-learning processes are merged into a unified recommendation system where individual recommendations are aggregated. The merging process combines outputs from diverse data models through voting or clustering mechanisms, achieving high recommendation accuracy while managing complexity through structured integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual tuning and fine-tuning of configuration parameters is performed to optimize network performance, then performance precision is improved, but operation time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance optimization precisionVSAvoidtuning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service through autonomous machine-learning processes that automatically tune and optimize configuration parameters without manual intervention. The machine-learning processes learn from network data and autonomously adjust parameters to optimize performance, eliminating time-consuming manual tuning while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where machine-learning processes continuously monitor network performance and automatically adjust configuration parameters based on observed outcomes. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic fine-tuning that achieves high performance precision without requiring manual time and effort for parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3729727B1A method and apparatus for dynamic network configuration and optimisation using artificial life
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3729727B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3729727B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3729727B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for recommending configuration changes in a communications network. The method comprises maintaining (102) a plurality of machine-learning processes, wherein an individual machine-learning process operates based on a data model and decision- making rules, and the plurality of machine-learning processes operate based on a plurality of different data models and a plurality of different decision-making rules. The method also comprises obtaining (104) values of Key Performance Indicators, KPIs, from network elements of the communications network and obtaining a goal (106) defining at least one KPI value characterising wanted operation of the communications network. The method also comprises producing (108) by the plurality of machine-learning processes, based on the received values of KPIs and using the data models and decision-making rules, a plurality of individual recommendations; and producing an output recommendation (110) based on the produced individual recommendations. An apparatus realising the above method is also disclosed.