Automated Network Configuration Updates for Planned Topology Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network transition methods are time-consuming and prone to human error, leading to unnecessary downtime and complexity due to the manual coordination between field technicians and network operators during topology changes, which can result in suboptimal network performance.

Innovation Solution

The system automates configuration changes for network elements by pre-planning and automatically enacting configuration updates when the current topology matches a planned future topology, using Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) for new nodes and calculating delta changes for existing nodes, thereby simplifying the transition process and reducing manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual data-entry process is used for configuration changes, then configuration updates can be applied, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration update time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the network management system automatically generates and applies configuration changes to network elements without requiring manual data entry by operators. The system self-updates configuration settings based on topology changes, eliminating human intervention in the configuration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data entry with an automated electronic system. The configuration management system automatically retrieves topology information, determines required configuration changes, and applies them programmatically, substituting human operators with automated software processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If configuration changes are applied manually during network transition, then changes can be implemented, but network downtime increases and performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork transition speedVSAvoidnetwork performance during transition

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration preparation by pre-determining the configuration changes required for the future topology before the physical network changes are completed. This allows configuration updates to be applied immediately upon topology completion, minimizing network downtime and maintaining performance during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If coordination between field technicians and network operators is required, then physical and management actions can be synchronized, but complexity and communication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination simplicityVSAvoidsystem coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the previously separate roles of field technicians and network operators into a unified automated system. The network management system simultaneously tracks both physical topology changes and manages configuration changes, eliminating the need for complex inter-personnel coordination and communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If configuration changes are delayed during topology transition, then network stability is maintained, but network performance becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network topology and automatically trigger configuration updates when topology changes are detected. This feedback loop ensures configuration changes are applied at the optimal moment - immediately when the new topology is stable and operational, maintaining both network stability and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12081407B2Updating configuration settings of network elements when a network is changed to a planned topology

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 CIENA CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for planning a future network topology with associated configuration settings of existing nodes in a network and enacting changes to the configuration settings after the network has been physically changed to the planned future topology. The method can include, in response to receiving a topology plan to change a network from an initial network topology to a future network topology, determine a configuration plan to change configuration settings of one or more existing Network Elements (NEs) deployed in the network in order to transition the network from the initial network topology to the future network topology, and, in response to discovering that the network has been physically changed to match the future network topology, automatically enact the configuration plan to change the configuration settings of the one or more existing NEs.