ENUM Service Activation via Network Agent Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mechanisms for service activation and deactivation in IP networks, particularly in ENUM systems, are inefficient and require extensive modifications to BIND syntax, making them error-prone and time-consuming, especially when dealing with large numbers of service records.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize an agent communicating with fault, configuration, accounting, and security modules to automatically determine the status of services and enable or disable them, eliminating the need for manual modifications to BIND code and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual modifications to BIND code are used for service activation/deactivation, then service control is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice activation/deactivation processVSAvoidtime required for service record modifications

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical modification of BIND zone files with an automated software-based system. The agent communicates with network elements (CSCF, HSS, HLR) to automatically activate/deactivate services without requiring manual BIND code modifications, thus eliminating the time-consuming and error-prone manual process while maintaining service control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation where the agent automatically monitors service status through communication with fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security modules, and autonomously activates or deactivates services based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention in BIND file modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If BIND syntax modifications are performed for each activation/deactivation, then service status changes are achieved, but complexity and error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice status managementVSAvoidBIND code modification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex mechanical process of manual BIND syntax modifications with an automated agent system that communicates with network elements through standardized interfaces. This replacement eliminates the need to understand and modify BIND syntax while achieving the same service status management functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The agent acts as an intermediary between the service management system and the network elements. Instead of directly modifying BIND files, the agent communicates with CSCF, HSS, HLR, and other network elements to achieve service activation/deactivation, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If extensive file modifications are made for programmatic changes, then service records can be updated, but the process becomes increasingly slow with numerous records

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice record management speedVSAvoidnumber of service records

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of extensive file modifications with an automated agent system that communicates with network elements through standardized interfaces. This substitution enables rapid service record management without the performance degradation that occurs with manual BIND file modifications, especially when dealing with tens of millions of records

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The agent performs preliminary actions by establishing communication with network elements (CSCF, HSS, HLR) and retrieving service status information before executing activation or deactivation. This preliminary communication and status verification enables efficient service record management without requiring extensive file modifications, even when dealing with large quantities of records

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12034697B2Systems and methods for providing ENUM service activations

Publication Date: 2024.07.09 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

An apparatus having an agent that includes a processor and a memory coupled with the processor and communicates with at least one of a fault, configuration, accounting, performance, security module. The processor effectuates operations including determining that a service is operating properly. The processor further effectuates operations including if the service is operating properly and the service is disabled, enabling the service. The processor further effectuates operations including if the service is not operating properly, generating an alarm and if the service is enabled, disabling the service.