Dynamic Service Group Configuration via Session Attributes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual creation and configuration of service groups in networks are tedious, time-consuming, and prone to errors, requiring two steps: creation of the service group and manual joining of subscriber sessions.
Innovation Solution
A network element dynamically configures a parent circuit through a subscriber circuit's subscriber record on an AAA server responsive to an authorization event, deriving a dynamic service group identifier from subscriber session attributes to automatically create or join service groups, eliminating the need for manual creation and joining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If service groups are manually created and members are manually configured, then service group configuration can be precisely controlled, but the process becomes tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the network element to automatically create service groups and assign members based on subscriber session attributes. The network element autonomously derives service group identifiers, determines matching service groups, and performs creation or joining operations without human intervention, eliminating the tedious manual provisioning process while maintaining configuration accuracy through rule-based automation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-configuring service group templates and membership rules in advance. The network element uses pre-defined criteria to automatically match subscriber sessions with appropriate service groups, performing the configuration work before actual service delivery begins. This pre-establishment of rules enables rapid automated provisioning while ensuring configuration precision through predefined parameters
2Extent of automation
If service groups are manually created and members are manually joined, then configuration control is maintained, but human error increases and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network element performs self-service by automatically deriving service group identifiers from subscriber session attributes, querying for matching service groups, and executing creation or joining operations autonomously. This automation eliminates manual configuration errors while maintaining reliability through consistent application of predefined matching criteria and systematic error handling procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network element continuously monitors subscriber session attributes, compares them against predefined service group criteria, and adjusts service group assignments accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures configuration reliability by verifying attribute matches and providing feedback on service group creation or joining status, allowing for automated correction of any configuration issues
3Productivity
If dynamic service group configuration is implemented, then provisioning time is reduced and automation increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies segmentation by dividing the service group configuration process into distinct modular components: attribute extraction from subscriber sessions, service group identifier derivation, service group matching queries, and creation or joining execution. This modular approach enables automated high-speed provisioning while managing system complexity through clear separation of functions, allowing each component to be independently optimized and maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The network element is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse subscriber session attributes, multiple service group types, and various configuration scenarios within a single unified system. This universal approach improves provisioning efficiency by using a single automated framework for all service group operations while managing complexity through standardized processing logic that can adapt to different attribute types and service group configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Service groups are dynamically created and members are dynamically assigned. A network element receives a request for a subscriber session and transmits an authentication request to a AAA server. The network element receives an authentication reply from the AAA server that includes dynamic service group configuration information that indicates that the subscriber session should be part of a service group and defines the criteria for the network element to dynamically create and join that subscriber session to a service group if an appropriate service group does not exist or dynamically join that subscriber session to an existing service group. The network element derives a dynamic service group identifier from attributes of the subscriber session based on instructions in the dynamic service group configuration information. Based on that dynamic service group identifier and service group attribute information in the configuration information, the network element dynamically creates and joins the subscriber session to a service group if an appropriate service group does not exist or dynamically joins the subscriber session to an existing appropriate service group.