Logical-Physical Network Inventory Modeling for Legacy Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy network systems struggle with complex and diverse network implementations, particularly in next-generation communications, as they often cannot be easily modified to accommodate changing network service requirements, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and deployment.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for logical and physical modeling of network equipment using configuration equipment that includes components for receiving requests, identifying models, transforming models, and provisioning network equipment, utilizing logical and physical process models to automate and standardize network deployments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy systems are used to manage network equipment, then existing infrastructure can be maintained, but the systems cannot be easily modified to accommodate changing network service requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate changing network service requirementsVSAvoidease of modification of legacy systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments network inventory management into distinct logical components: physical inventory data, logical process models, and service requirement specifications. This segmentation allows each component to be independently modified and updated without affecting the entire legacy system, enabling adaptability while maintaining stability of existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of logical process models that act as mediators between legacy systems and new network service requirements. These models serve as a buffer that allows modification of service requirements without directly altering the legacy system architecture, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If isolated legacy systems are used for network equipment management, then system stability is maintained, but resource allocation and deployment efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidresource allocation and deployment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universal logical process models that can serve multiple network services and equipment types simultaneously. These models are designed to be multi-functional, allowing a single model framework to handle diverse network service requirements, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining system stability through a unified approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where logical process models continuously receive information about network service requirements and performance metrics, then adjust resource allocation and deployment strategies accordingly. This feedback loop enables efficient resource management while maintaining system stability through controlled, data-driven adjustments rather than radical changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex network implementations are supported, then network service capabilities are enhanced, but system complexity and difficulty of management increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork service capabilitiesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs copying by creating standardized logical process model templates that can be replicated and instantiated multiple times for different network services. Instead of building complex systems from scratch for each service, the same proven model templates are copied and customized, thereby enhancing service capabilities while keeping management complexity low through reuse of established patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12425878B2Using physical and logical modeling of network inventory resources for discovery, assignment and activation

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

The technologies described herein are generally directed to modeling network systems. For example, a method described herein can include receiving request data representative of a planning request for a network equipment project applicable to network equipment that is part of a network. Further, based on the request data and a logical inventory model of resources, the method can include identifying a logical process model for the network equipment project, corresponding to characteristics of service equipment applicable to the network equipment project. The method further includes transforming the logical process model into a physical process model that references the service equipment applicable to the network equipment project, and based on the request data and the physical process model, facilitating, for the network equipment project, the service equipment.