Media Gateway Configuration Data Consistency via Auto-Provisioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing VoIP networks face challenges with data mismatch and configuration duplication between media gateways (MGs) and media gateway controllers (MGCs, leading to service outages and increased provisioning complexity due to the lack of a standardized configuration protocol and the use of multiple management systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing configuration data using a configuration management module that auto-provisions MGs and MGCs, ensuring data consistency by verifying and storing configuration data formats, and allowing dynamic addition or removal of resources without manual reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate element management systems are used for MG and MGC, then provisioning flexibility is improved, but configuration data mismatch occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration management functions by having the MG request and receive configuration data from the MGC through a standardized interface. This integration ensures data consistency between MG and MGC while maintaining the separate system architecture, resolving the contradiction between provisioning flexibility and data consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the MG verifies received configuration data formats and sends status information back to the MGC. This feedback loop ensures data consistency and allows for automatic correction of mismatches, maintaining reliability while preserving provisioning flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple provisioning protocols are used for MG and MGC, then vendor compatibility is improved, but data entry mistakes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal configuration data format and standardized interface that can be used across different vendors and systems. This universal protocol reduces data entry mistakes while maintaining vendor compatibility, as all systems can interoperate through the common standard rather than requiring multiple proprietary protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized data formats that can be copied and exchanged consistently between different systems. By using a common data representation, the system avoids the errors associated with converting between multiple proprietary formats, while still supporting various vendors through the universal interface.
3Ease of operation
If configuration data is duplicated on MG and MGC, then local provisioning capability is improved, but service outages occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification of configuration data formats before the MG applies the configuration. This preliminary action prevents incorrect configuration from causing service outages while still allowing local provisioning capability, as the MG can independently apply configured settings after validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the MG confirms receipt and validation of configuration data with the MGC. This feedback ensures that only correct, consistent configuration data is applied locally, preventing service outages while maintaining the ability to provision locally without requiring constant centralized control.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual reconfiguration is performed for resource changes, then configuration accuracy is improved, but provisioning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration where the MG automatically requests, receives, verifies, and applies configuration changes without manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains configuration accuracy through automated validation while significantly reducing provisioning time compared to manual reconfiguration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary preparation of configuration data by the MGC before the MG needs it. Configuration changes are pre-validated and formatted correctly, so when the MG applies them, the accuracy is already ensured. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual checking while maintaining high accuracy and reducing provisioning time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing configuration data on a media gateway and a media gateway controller in a next generation network is disclosed. In one embodiment, in a method of managing configuration data on a media gateway (MG) and a media gateway controller (MGC) in a next generation network, it is determined whether all required configuration data is provisioned for the MG by a configuration management module residing in the next generation network upon boot up. If all the required configuration data is not pre-configured, then the configuration management module sends a message to an associated MGC requesting for configuration data. The configuration management module verifies format of the received configuration data upon receiving an acknowledgement and the configuration data by the MG. The configuration management module also stores received configuration data in the MG and provisions the MG upon a successful verification of the configuration data.