Telecommunications Network Configuration Management via Data File Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configuration management systems in telecommunications face challenges in determining what data to cache, optimizing data exchange, and verifying configuration information, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor and analyze data files containing managed object attributes, identifying created, varied, or deleted objects to manage network configuration, optimize caching, and detect errors, by intercepting uploads via the north-bound interface and storing information in a database for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If caching policies are based on expected network application usage, then the caching system can be configured in advance, but the actual usage patterns may differ leading to suboptimal caching performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors actual data access patterns and usage behaviors from third-party applications, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust and optimize caching policies. This closed-loop approach ensures caching strategies reflect real-world usage rather than predictions, resolving the contradiction between ease of configuration and actual performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The caching system transitions from static pre-configured policies to dynamic adaptive policies that automatically adjust based on observed usage patterns. The system continuously learns from actual data access behaviors and modifies caching strategies in real-time, maintaining optimal performance without manual reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If bulk style interfaces are used for configuration management, then data exchange is simplified, but the interfaces are not cognisant of data in payload preventing optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of data access patterns and payload characteristics before executing bulk data exchange operations. By pre-processing and understanding the data structure and usage patterns, the system can optimize transfer strategies, predict required resources, and apply appropriate caching mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts data exchange parameters such as batch sizes, compression levels, and transfer protocols based on the specific characteristics of the payload and observed performance metrics. This allows the bulk interface to adapt to different data types and usage scenarios, optimizing efficiency without sacrificing operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party applications directly create and upload configuration data, then application flexibility is maintained, but verification of configuration information becomes difficult leading to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary verification layer between third-party applications and the network configuration system. This mediator automatically validates configuration data against predefined rules, constraints, and best practices, catching errors before they reach the network elements. Third-party applications maintain their flexibility while the intermediary ensures reliability through automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary validation and error prevention measures to configuration data before it is processed by the network. By checking for common errors, conflicts, and invalid configurations in advance, the system prevents harmful configurations from being applied, thereby maintaining both application flexibility and configuration reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing the configuration of a telecommunications network, the method comprises remotely creating a data file containing attributes of managed objects for one or more network elements of the network, uploading the data file to a management system of the network, inspecting the data file and identifying managed objects having attributes which have been created, varied or deleted, producing a database of the identified managed objects and the values thereof, and analysing the data in the database to manage the configuration of the telecommunications network accordingly. Also disclosed are an apparatus for performing the method, a management system incorporating the or apparatus and a telecommunications network incorporating the management system.