Multi-Tiered Network Function Reconciliation for Scalable Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for managing and deploying network functions in cellular networks are burdensome, time-consuming, and prone to inaccuracies due to the increased complexity and scale of these networks, requiring manual configuration of each function across multiple deployment areas.
Innovation Solution
A configuration management system and reconciliation agents implement a hierarchical configuration model with multi-tiered reconciliation checks to ensure consistency and accuracy of network function configurations, allowing for automated deployment and maintenance across multiple areas using a declarative request and asynchronous reconciliation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration of each network function is performed across multiple deployment areas, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but the deployment process becomes burdensome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration management system segments the deployment process into hierarchical levels (global configuration, regional configuration, local configuration). This allows automated bulk deployment at higher levels while maintaining the ability to manually adjust specific configurations at lower levels, thus reducing overall deployment time while preserving configuration accuracy where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration validation and reconciliation checks before actual deployment. By pre-validating configuration templates and performing dry-run reconciliations, the system ensures configuration accuracy is maintained while avoiding time-consuming manual adjustments during the actual deployment process.
2Measurement precision
If individual configuration of network functions is performed manually, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration management system creates universal configuration templates that can be applied across multiple deployment areas and network function types. These templates encapsulate best practices and validated configurations, enabling automated deployment at scale while maintaining consistency and accuracy across diverse environments through a single manageable interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated reconciliation checks that provide feedback on configuration status across all deployment areas. This feedback mechanism continuously verifies that deployed configurations match the intended templates, enabling scalable automated deployment while maintaining configuration accuracy through systematic verification rather than manual checking.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional deployment methods are used, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but the system cannot handle increased network complexity and scale
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration management system employs a nested hierarchical structure where global configuration templates contain regional configurations, which in turn contain local configurations. This nested architecture allows the system to maintain implementation simplicity at each level while collectively handling complex, large-scale network deployments through layered abstraction and automated propagation of configuration rules.
4Reliability
If manual tracking and management of network function deployments is performed, then detailed control can be maintained, but the process becomes burdensome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration management system implements self-service automated tracking and management capabilities that monitor deployment status, detect drift from intended configurations, and trigger corrective actions without human intervention. This maintains detailed control and reliability of deployments while eliminating the operational burden of manual tracking, as the system autonomously manages the entire configuration lifecycle.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer readable media for managing and maintaining deployments of configurations on network functions in a telecommunications network. In particular, examples herein relate to implementations of a configuration management system and reconciliation agents that cooperatively perform multi-tiered reconciliation of configuration states for deployments of network functions. The systems described herein can perform multiple levels of reconciliation checks on a plurality of network functions to ensure that configurations of the network functions are effectively maintained and consistent with a desired state (e.g., a goal state) of the deployment(s) of network functions.