Edge Cloud Connectivity Provisioning via Gateway Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing connectivity between an edge layer and a cloud layer for asset devices is difficult and time-consuming due to the complexity and architecture of typical networks, especially in industrial networks with thousands of assets.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising one or more processors and a memory that receives an API payload to facilitate network provisioning for industrial assets. The system maps subscription domain features to application content features and generates a gateway profile to configure connections between industrial networks and cloud platforms, executing this profile via a gateway device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional network provisioning methods are used for industrial networks, then connectivity can be established, but the process is difficult and time-consuming due to network complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network provisioning process into distinct functional components: edge layer (industrial network system), gateway layer (network node), and cloud layer (cloud platform). This segmentation allows each layer to be configured and provisioned independently through standardized interfaces, reducing the overall complexity of establishing connectivity across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary component between the edge layer and cloud layer. This gateway acts as a mediator that receives configuration requests from the cloud layer and translates them into appropriate edge layer configurations, simplifying the provisioning process by providing a standardized interface between heterogeneous network components.
2Loss of time
If manual configuration methods are used for edge-to-cloud connectivity, then connectivity can be established, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the gateway device with standardized profiles that define the necessary connectivity parameters and security settings before actual provisioning occurs. The gateway stores template configurations that can be automatically applied to new edge devices, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each connection detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device performs self-service provisioning by automatically receiving configuration requests from the cloud layer, translating them into appropriate edge layer configurations, and applying them without human intervention. The system includes self-provisioning capabilities where the gateway manages its own configuration state and coordinates connectivity establishment autonomously.
3Ease of operation
If detailed configuration parameters are provided for each connection, then connectivity can be established, but the complexity of configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal configuration profiles that can be applied across multiple different edge devices and network scenarios. These profiles contain standardized parameters that work for various device types and deployment configurations, allowing a single configuration template to serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for device-specific detailed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages configuration complexity by providing a standardized set of parameters that can be dynamically adjusted rather than requiring custom configuration of each individual parameter. The gateway translates high-level configuration requests into specific parameter values appropriate for the target edge device, abstracting away the complexity of individual parameter settings from the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein relate to provisioning edge layer to cloud layer connectivity for asset devices. In an embodiment, an application programming interface (API) payload to facilitate network provisioning related to a set of industrial assets within an industrial network system is received. Additionally, a set of subscription domain features included in the API payload is mapped to a set of application content features associated with a cloud platform and a gateway profile for configuring a connection between the industrial network system and the cloud platform is generated based at least in part on the set of application content features. Execution of the gateway profile via a gateway device implemented as a network node between the industrial network system and the cloud platform can also be caused.