Automated Fiber Capacity Identification Using EMS Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying used and unused fiber capacity in optical fiber networks are manual, error-prone, and require extensive site surveys, making them inefficient and unreliable, especially in large-scale networks where field surveys are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that overlays logical links data from Element Management Systems (EMS)/Network Management Systems (NMS) onto physical inventory management systems to identify used and unused fiber capacity between locations, using a Capacity Utilization Pipeline System (CUPS) to determine lit, unlit, used, and unused fiber strands, and provide tabular, schematic, and map views without the need for field surveys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to identify fiber capacity, then field surveys can be conducted to verify connections, but the process is time-consuming, error-prone, and not feasible for large-scale networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual field survey methods with an automated electronic system that uses network management data to identify fiber capacity. The system automatically discovers logical links, traces physical paths, and calculates fiber usage without requiring physical site visits, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated identification system as an intermediary between the physical fiber network and the information needed about capacity. This system uses network management data and physical inventory data as intermediaries to derive fiber capacity information without direct human intervention in field surveys.
2Loss of information
If manual methods are used to update connections between equipment and fiber distribution panels, then detailed tracking is possible, but the process is entirely human-dependent and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network management system to automatically track and update connection information without human intervention. The system self-updates connection data by discovering logical links from network management systems and automatically tracing them through the physical inventory to identify fiber usage, eliminating human errors while maintaining complete tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the automated system continuously discovers logical links, traces physical paths, and updates fiber capacity information. This closed-loop process continuously verifies and updates connection data, improving both reliability and completeness of connection tracking.
3Measurement precision
If field surveys are conducted to verify fiber connections, then accurate capacity identification can be achieved, but the cost and complexity increase significantly for large networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal automated system that handles fiber capacity identification across entire network scales without requiring different approaches for different network sizes. The system uses existing network management data and physical inventory systems, making them work together to provide accurate identification without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Loss of information
If extensive field surveys are performed to map optical fiber networks, then complete physical inventory can be obtained, but the process is tedious and involves thousands of man-hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering logical links from network management systems and pre-tracing physical paths through the inventory system before any field verification would be needed. This preliminary automated data collection and matching significantly reduces the need for subsequent field surveys while maintaining inventory completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides automated solution for identification of spare fiber capacity with minimal manual intervention thereby eliminating the errors and ensure reliability and scalability and implemented by independent modules to provide Tabular, Schematic and Map view available for depicting route-side fiber capacity (total/used/unused). The method includes automatically enrichment of logical links data discovered by EMS/NMS systems which provide the logical paths/links between two equipment with port details along with host name of the equipment and identifier of the port. The method further includes, enriching the EMS/NMS links data, based on host name and inventory mapping, within logical network inventory management system thereby resulting in the availability of links inventory data in ‘From site-from equipment-rom port’ and ‘to site-to equipment-to port’ format.