JSON Network Function Configuration Without Orchestrator Dependency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configuration processes are prone to human error, delays, and dependency on network orchestrators, leading to communication network dependability issues, reduced quality of service, and increased costs due to manual generation of JSON configuration files.
Innovation Solution
A configuration manager system that automatically generates and sends JSON configuration files directly to network devices, bypassing the network orchestrator, using a graphical user interface to populate parameter fields and integrate database parameters for accurate configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual generation of JSON configuration files is used, then flexibility in configuration is maintained, but human error and delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables network devices to self-configure by automatically generating and deploying JSON configuration files without requiring manual intervention from network operators. The configuration manager system automatically extracts parameters from data files, populates configuration templates, and deploys configurations directly to network devices, eliminating manual configuration processes and reducing human error while maintaining deployment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with an automated computer-based system. The configuration manager system uses software to automatically process data files, generate JSON configurations, and deploy them to network devices. This substitution of manual operations with automated digital processes eliminates human error, reduces configuration time, and improves reliability while maintaining the flexibility needed for diverse network configurations.
2Reliability
If network orchestrator is used for configuration management, then centralized control is achieved, but dependency and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration management function from the network orchestrator and implements it as an independent configuration manager system. This separation allows the configuration manager to operate autonomously without relying on the network orchestrator for configuration generation and deployment. The system extracts essential configuration parameters from data files and directly deploys them to network devices, reducing dependency on the orchestrator while maintaining centralized control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration manager system acts as an intermediary between configuration data sources and network devices. Instead of network operators directly configuring devices or relying on the network orchestrator, the configuration manager mediates by automatically extracting parameters from data files, generating appropriate JSON configurations, and deploying them to the correct devices. This intermediary role reduces system complexity by providing a dedicated layer that handles configuration management independently.
3Productivity
If automated configuration generation is implemented, then productivity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration manager system is segmented into distinct functional modules: data file processing module, parameter extraction module, configuration template population module, and deployment module. Each module handles a specific aspect of configuration generation, making the overall complex automated system more manageable and maintainable. The segmentation allows for modular development and easier troubleshooting while maintaining high productivity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by dynamically changing parameters based on input data. The configuration manager extracts different parameters from data files depending on the specific network device and configuration requirements. By adapting parameter extraction and configuration generation based on the actual data and device type, the system achieves high productivity without requiring overly complex hard-coded logic for every possible scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes processing a data file including one or more parameters for configuring a network function provided by a network device. The data file is processed to recognize and extract the one or more parameters included in the data file. The method also includes causing one or more of a plurality of parameter fields included in a graphical user interface to be populated with the one or more parameters extracted from the data file according to a mapping between the one or more parameters extracted from the data file and corresponding parameter fields included in the graphical user interface. The method further includes processing parameters included in the parameter fields to generate a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) configuration file. The method additionally includes causing the JSON configuration file to be sent to the network device to implement the network function according to the JSON configuration file.