Network Automation Function Setup via Operational Profile Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network automation systems lack an efficient method for automated, dynamic setup of multi-level, multi-domain network automation functions, particularly in complex and changing environments, which hinders their adaptability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Network Automation Function (NAF) Setup Function (NAF-SeF) that evaluates the description of new NAFs against stored knowledge and operational profiles to determine their operational profiles, facilitating automated setup and management across multiple management domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual setup of network automation functions is used, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but setup time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining operational profiles for different NAF types and pre-establishing knowledge bases about network domains and functions. When a new NAF needs to be deployed, the system retrieves pre-prepared operational profiles and applies them automatically, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of operational profiles from existing NAF configurations. Instead of manually creating new configurations, the system copies operational parameters from similar existing NAFs and adapts them to the new deployment context, significantly reducing setup time while preserving configuration accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of multi-level NAFs is performed, then configuration precision can be maintained, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the configuration process into distinct operational profiles that can be independently selected and combined. Each profile represents a specific NAF type or function with its own predefined parameters. The system composes these segmented profiles to create complete configurations, reducing overall complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer in the form of an automated configuration system that mediates between high-level deployment decisions and low-level configuration parameters. This intermediary automatically translates deployment requirements into precise configuration settings, reducing operational complexity while maintaining configuration precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing NAF setup methods are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing network environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability by allowing operational profiles to be automatically adjusted based on current network conditions. The knowledge base continuously updates with information about network domains, and the system dynamically selects and modifies profiles to match changing environments, maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where deployment outcomes and network conditions are fed back into the knowledge base. This feedback enables the system to learn from previous deployments and automatically adjust future configurations, maintaining implementation simplicity while significantly improving adaptability to changing environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A setup function for network automation functions is implemented. The setup function is associated with a management domain of a network management system of a mobile communications network. The management domain comprises one or more network automation functions and is associated with a specific level of a management domain hierarchy of the network management system. Information indicating a description of a network automation function which is to be set up in a management domain of first management domains associated with a level L-1 is acquired (S701), an evaluation of the information against at least one of stored first information and stored second information is performed (S703), an operational profile of the network automation function is determined based on the evaluation (S705), and the network automation function is set up (S707) in the management domain associated with the level L-1 by applying the operational profile to the network automation function. The first information indicates descriptions and operational profiles of one or more first network automation functions of one or more first management domains of the network management system, which are associated with the level L-1 of the management domain hierarchy. The second information indicates management domain knowledge about one or more second management domains of the network management system, which are associated with a level L of the management domain hierarchy, and about the one or more first management domains.