Hierarchical Network Automation Control via Distributed Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network automation systems, particularly in Cognitive Autonomous Networks (CAN), face challenges in coordinating and controlling distributed functions across different domains and vendors, leading to inefficiencies in achieving end-to-end network performance objectives due to the limitations of centralized coordination and the need for frequent signaling.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves splitting the Control, Coordination, and Configuration Functionality into a hierarchical structure with distributed and centralized components, allowing for coordinated control between domains through a service-based management interface, where distributed functions manage local network elements and centralized functions oversee network-wide performance, enabling independent operation and reduced reliance on a single centralized coordinator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized coordinator is used to control all network automation functions, then coordination of conflicts among functions is achieved, but the coordinator does not have full visibility over distributed functions and cannot control or supervise them appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized coordinator into multiple distributed control functions, each responsible for specific network elements or domains. This segmentation allows each control function to have full visibility and control over its local scope while maintaining coordination with other control functions, resolving the visibility and control limitation of centralized architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the control architecture, with multiple levels of control functions (e.g., end-to-end control, domain control, local control). This dimensional change allows coordination to occur at multiple levels simultaneously, enabling both global coordination and local autonomy, thus solving the contradiction between centralized control reliability and architectural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cognitive functions are deployed from multiple vendors, then network automation capabilities are enhanced, but coordination and control among these functions become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a universal service-based interface that enables different control functions from multiple vendors to interact through standardized mechanisms. This universal interface layer abstracts the heterogeneity of different vendor implementations, allowing them to coordinate effectively while maintaining their individual capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between enhanced automation capability and coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces service-based interfaces as intermediary layers between control functions from different vendors. These interfaces act as mediators that translate and harmonize control commands and information exchange, enabling seamless coordination among multi-vendor functions without requiring direct integration between each vendor's system, thus reducing coordination complexity.
3Reliability
If a centralized control function oversees all network elements, then network-wide performance objectives are achieved, but frequent signaling between centralized and distributed functions increases overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function into hierarchical levels (end-to-end control, domain control, local control), where each level handles control tasks appropriate to its scope. This segmentation reduces the need for frequent signaling between centralized and distributed functions, as local control functions can autonomously handle routine operations, thus reducing signaling overhead while maintaining network-wide performance through coordinated control at higher levels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If distributed control functions are used to manage local network elements, then autonomy and adaptability are improved, but coordination among distributed functions becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to distributed control, organizing control functions into multiple levels (end-to-end, domain, local). This dimensional organization provides a natural coordination framework where each level has defined responsibilities and interaction protocols, making distributed coordination more manageable while preserving local autonomy at the lowest level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where distributed control functions report status and performance information to higher-level control functions, which then provide coordination directives. This feedback loop enables autonomous distributed functions to operate independently while maintaining coordination through structured information exchange, reducing coordination complexity compared to fully decentralized approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a method, comprising monitoring if a generic objective for a network is received; translating the generic objective into specific objectives based on a behavioral matrix if the generic objective is received, wherein each of the specific objectives is specific for a respective network element; requesting, for each of the specific objectives, an automation function of the respective network element to achieve the specific objective, identifying, for each of the specific objectives, based on a stored association table, a distributed control function controlling the automation function of the respective network element; informing, for each of the specific objectives, the identified distributed control function on the specific objective for the respective network element; supervising if a feedback is received from one of the distributed control functions, wherein the feedback indicates to which degree one of the specific objectives is achieved; adapting the behavioral matrix based on the feedback.