Metadata-Driven State Translation for In-Service Network Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-service software upgrade methods for network elements require explicit knowledge of state data format and content differences between old and new software, leading to time-consuming and error-prone translation processes, especially when rebooting network elements that handle high volumes of data traffic.
Innovation Solution
A metadata-driven approach that translates active state information from old software to new software format using metadata generated from data definition language, allowing for automatic conversion and minimizing the need for specific translation routines by describing the structure and fields of active state data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network element reboots to install software upgrades, then the new software can take effect, but the service is disrupted and state information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by synchronizing state information from the active network element to a standby network element before the software upgrade is performed. This ensures that when the active element reboots, the standby element already has the necessary state information to maintain service continuity, thus resolving the contradiction between software upgrade reliability and network service continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standby network element as an intermediary to maintain service during software upgrades. The standby element receives synchronized state information and can take over when the active element reboots, acting as a mediator that preserves service continuity while allowing the active element to perform the upgrade without disruption
2Productivity
If state information is synchronized during software upgrade, then service continuity is maintained, but translation complexity increases without metadata
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary layer between the old and new software state formats. This metadata describes the structure and fields of state information, enabling automatic translation without requiring complex manual mapping routines, thus reducing translation complexity while maintaining service continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic state translation using metadata-driven approaches. The system automatically generates and applies translation rules based on metadata descriptions, eliminating the need for manual translation routine development and reducing complexity while maintaining productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If manual translation routines are created for state data, then format conversion is achieved, but time consumption and error likelihood increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically generate translation routines from metadata descriptions. Instead of requiring manual creation of translation routines, the system automatically processes state data format conversions based on metadata, significantly reducing upgrade time while maintaining translation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by representing state data formats through metadata parameters that describe structure and fields. By changing the representation from hardcoded translation routines to parameterized metadata descriptions, the system achieves both accuracy and efficiency in state data conversion
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a metadata-driven upgrade of a network element is described. A network element comprises an active and backup controller card and receives new software to be installed on that network element. In addition, the network element installs the software on the backup controller card and synchronizes the active state of the network element to the backup controller card. Furthermore, the network element uses metadata to translate the active state to the format used by the new software.