Network Element Auto-Recovery from Remote Config Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many network elements in telecommunication networks cannot self-correct or revert to a previous configuration after incorrect remote configuration changes or certificate updates, leading to costly and time-consuming site visits for restoration.
Innovation Solution
A method that remotely configures network elements, detects connection failures, and automatically reverts to a previous or standard configuration, including loading a previous IPSec certificate, to ensure network accessibility and facilitate self-healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote configuration changes are performed on network elements, then network element functionality can be updated and improved, but the network element may become inaccessible if the configuration is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The network element stores multiple configuration versions in advance (current configuration and at least one alternative configuration). When a configuration change is made, the alternative configuration is already available as a backup, allowing automatic recovery if the new configuration causes inaccessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares compensatory measures in advance by maintaining alternative configurations. If the current configuration becomes invalid or causes connection failures, the pre-stored alternative configuration serves as a cushion to prevent complete system failure and maintain network accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If incorrect configuration changes are made to network elements, then the network element may fail to connect properly, but manual site visits are required to restore functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The network element automatically detects connection failures and restores functionality by switching to an alternative configuration without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors its own operational status and performs self-repair by selecting a previously stored configuration that maintains network accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element continuously monitors connection status and provides feedback on whether the current configuration is working. When connection failures are detected, the system uses this feedback to automatically switch to an alternative configuration, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains operational reliability.
3Reliability
If automatic fallback to previous configuration is implemented, then network accessibility is maintained after configuration failures, but additional complexity is introduced to the configuration management system
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration management system is segmented into distinct components: configuration storage (maintaining multiple versions), configuration selection (choosing appropriate configurations), and configuration application (implementing selected configurations). This modular approach manages complexity by dividing the fallback mechanism into manageable, independent functions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention provides method for operating a remote controlled network element in a telecommunication network comprising a first step of remotely configuring the network element, a second step of measuring if a network connection failure between the network element and a network management system of the telecommunication network exists after the network element has been remotely configured in the first step and a third step of setting the network element automatically to a former configuration and establishing a network connection between the network element and the network management system using the former configuration when a network connection failure has been detected in the second step.