Network Configuration Automation via Standardized Data Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication network configurations lack efficient mechanisms for automated modification, addition, creation, and deletion, leading to increased development time and resource requirements for handling various configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a network configuration device with a processor and memory to create a data object from input data, retrieve executable instructions based on logical rules, and perform requested changes to the network configuration, enabling mechanized modify/add/create/delete (MACD) operations through a normalized request data body and a single software rule-set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration modification methods are used, then flexibility in handling various configuration changes is maintained, but development time and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration change system that handles multiple types of network configuration changes (modify, add, create, delete) through a single standardized interface and processing mechanism. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate development efforts for each configuration change type, thereby reducing development time while maintaining flexibility across different change scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter-based configuration changes where all configuration modifications are represented as structured data objects with standardized parameters. This parameterization allows the system to handle diverse configuration changes through consistent processing logic, improving productivity by avoiding custom development for each change type while preserving the ability to handle specific configuration requirements.
2Productivity
If automated configuration change mechanisms are implemented, then development time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration change system that sits between the user/request and the actual network configuration. This intermediary layer standardizes and simplifies the automation process by providing a unified interface for all configuration changes, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simple external interface. This mediator approach reduces perceived system complexity while enabling automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized data object templates and instruction formats that can be copied and reused across different configuration change scenarios. By creating reusable templates for configuration change requests, the system reduces complexity through standardization while maintaining automation capabilities. These copied templates eliminate the need to develop unique processing logic for each configuration change type.
3Productivity
If a normalized request data body and single software rule-set are used, then resource requirements are reduced, but adaptability to new change types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rule-set system that can adapt to new configuration change types while maintaining the efficiency of a standardized processing framework. The system allows rules to be updated and extended without requiring complete system redesign, enabling resource-efficient processing of new change types through incremental rule additions. This dynamic approach preserves resource efficiency while improving adaptability to emerging configuration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration change system is segmented into modular components including standardized data objects, separate processing rules, and executable instruction sets. This segmentation allows the rule-set to be extended with new rules for additional change types without affecting the core resource-efficient processing framework. Each segment can be independently developed and maintained, preserving resource efficiency while enhancing adaptability to new requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for mechanized modify/add/create/delete (MACD) for network configuration are provided. A method can include creating a data object from input data relating to a requested change to a target network configuration, the data object comprising a first parameter indicating a type of the requested change and a second parameter identifying the target network configuration; retrieving, from a repository according to a group of logical rules, executable instructions associated with the type of the requested change, as given by the first parameter of the data object, and the target network configuration, as given by the second parameter of the data object; and performing, further according to the group of logical rules, the requested change to the target network configuration, the performing of the requested change comprising executing the executable instructions retrieved from the repository.