Network Device Management via Universal O&M Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunication network operators face challenges in managing network devices from multiple vendors due to the complexity and cost of maintaining unique Operation and Maintenance (O&M) solutions for each device, leading to a need for a generic and cost-effective management system that can handle devices from various manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A management server system that transmits request messages to an object server to retrieve management objects, which include command strings for performing device management actions, allowing users to manage network devices without requiring expertise in each device's specific O&M mechanisms, and enabling a unified interface for multiple vendors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a network operator uses multiple discrete O&M solutions for devices from different vendors, then each device can be managed with vendor-specific functionality, but the complexity of management increases and maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal O&M platform that can manage network devices from multiple vendors through a single interface. The system uses vendor-specific O&M components that are dynamically selected and loaded based on the device type, allowing the platform to provide vendor-specific functionality while maintaining a unified management interface. This resolves the contradiction by making the management system versatile enough to handle different vendors while keeping the overall structure simple and unified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an O&M server as an intermediary between the network operator and vendor-specific network devices. This server acts as a mediator that translates generic O&M requests into vendor-specific commands, allowing operators to manage diverse devices through a single interface without needing to understand each vendor's specific O&M mechanisms. The intermediary layer handles the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to users.
2Reliability
If a network operator retains teams of high competent O&M resources to manage multiple vendor devices, then proper maintenance can be achieved, but operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where the O&M system automatically discovers device types, loads appropriate vendor-specific components, and executes maintenance tasks without requiring manual intervention from specialized engineers for each vendor. The system performs automated device discovery, component selection, and task execution, reducing the need for highly skilled O&M personnel while maintaining reliable maintenance quality through automated processes.
3Ease of repair
If equipment manufacturers develop easy-to-maintain O&M solutions, then device maintainability improves, but development time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring vendor-specific O&M components and storing them in a database before runtime. During device management, the system quickly retrieves and loads the appropriate pre-prepared components based on device identification, avoiding the need for manufacturers to develop complex runtime decision-making logic. This approach allows manufacturers to invest in developing comprehensive vendor-specific components upfront, which then can be reused across multiple deployments, reducing long-term development costs while improving maintainability.
4Ease of operation
If a generic O&M platform is implemented to support multiple vendors, then management simplicity increases, but the ability to handle vendor-specific functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the O&M system into a generic platform layer and vendor-specific component layers. The generic platform provides unified management interfaces and common functionality, while vendor-specific components are separated into distinct modules that can be independently selected and loaded. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a simple generic interface while incorporating specialized vendor functionality through modular components, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a method for managing a network device. The method includes a management server transmitting to an object server a request message comprising information about the network device and receiving a management object from the object server. The method includes the management server receiving the management object, where the management object comprises: i) information identifying a device management action and ii) a command string for use in commanding the network device to perform the device management action. After receiving the management object, the method includes the management server displaying an action menu comprising a menu item associated with the network device and with the device management action. The method further includes the management server receiving an indication of selection of the menu item. The method also includes the management server, after receiving the indication, transmitting to the network device the command string.