Intent State Management for Network Resource Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In intent-based network management, network resources are wasted when intents are continuously executed without knowing if the conditions for achieving them are satisfied, leading to inefficient use of resources.
Innovation Solution
A method for intent state management where a first network element monitors network parameter values corresponding to an intent and suspends its execution if the conditions are not met, allowing the intent to enter a sleep state. When conditions are satisfied or the intent is modified, the intent enters an active state, optimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ENI continuously executes intents without checking condition satisfaction, then intent execution continuity is maintained, but network resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the ENI receives notification messages from the intent creation device about condition satisfaction status. This feedback loop allows the ENI to adjust its execution behavior - continuing to execute intents when conditions are satisfied but suspending execution when conditions are not met, thereby avoiding waste of network resources while maintaining productivity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the intent execution state dynamic by introducing a sleep state that can be transitioned to/from the active execution state. The ENI dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time condition satisfaction status, switching between executing intents and suspending execution, thus optimizing the balance between continuity and resource efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the ENI suspends intent execution when conditions are not satisfied, then network resources are saved, but intent execution delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of condition satisfaction status. The ENI periodically checks whether conditions for suspended intents become satisfied and can resume execution. This periodic action ensures that intents are not permanently delayed but can be quickly resumed when conditions change, balancing resource savings with minimal execution delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains context information of suspended intents in advance, preparing them for quick resumption when conditions are satisfied. This preliminary action of retaining intent context allows the system to minimize delay when transitioning from suspended to executing state, as the intent framework is already in place and ready for immediate execution.
3Loss of time
If the ENI maintains context information of suspended intents, then intent can be quickly resumed, but memory resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of intent context based on execution state. For active intents, full context is maintained for immediate execution. For suspended intents, a condensed context representation is maintained that preserves essential information for resumption while using minimal memory. This selective depth of context storage optimizes the balance between resumption speed and memory consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An intent state management method, network element, and system are described. A first network element obtains a first network parameter value corresponding to an intent; and determines, based on the first network parameter value corresponding to the intent, that a condition for achieving the intent is not satisfied. In accordance with the determination, the first network element suspends execution of the intent, sends a first notification message to a second network element, where the first notification message notifies the intent to enter a sleep state; and sets the sleep state to an active state when the condition for achieving the intent is satisfied or the intent is modified. Network resources of the first network element can be saved. When the condition for achieving the intent is satisfied or the intent is modified, the intent enters the active state, so that a state of the intent can be adjusted in time.