Ad-hoc Network Element Integration Toolkit for EMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional network element management system lacks flexibility in integrating new network element types, requiring significant time for software updates and resulting in network downtime and disruption during installation.
Innovation Solution
A method for integrating new network element types with an Element Management System (EMS) by retrieving and integrating their definitions and alarm definitions without the need for a new software release, allowing for ad-hoc deployment and management without downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new EMS software release is developed and installed to support a new NE type, then the EMS can manage the new NE type, but the EMS must be taken out of service causing network interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the NE type support capability into separate downloadable packages that can be independently installed without replacing the entire EMS software. This allows specific new NE type support to be added while the rest of the system remains operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary downloading and preparation of NE type support packages before they are needed in production. The packages can be retrieved, validated, and staged in advance, allowing for smooth offline installation when ready without disrupting network operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional software update process is followed to add new NE type support, then the EMS gains support for new NE type, but it requires six to twelve months for development and testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables NE type support packages to be downloaded and prepared in advance from a repository, allowing network operators to obtain new NE type support immediately without waiting for formal software release cycles. This preliminary retrieval action eliminates the 6-12 month development and testing wait time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary package repository that stores pre-validated NE type support packages. This intermediary allows direct access to new NE type support capabilities without going through the traditional EMS vendor software release process, significantly reducing deployment time.
3Ease of manufacture
If the EMS is taken out of service for software installation, then new NE type support can be installed, but network disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software update process into separate, independent NE type support packages that can be installed individually without requiring full system downtime. This granular approach allows installation during brief maintenance windows without prolonged network disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and installs copies of NE type support packages into the running EMS system without replacing the main system software. These copied packages are integrated into the existing operational system, allowing updates without taking the EMS offline and thus avoiding network disruption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for integrating a new Network Element Type (6) with an Element Management System (3) in a substantially ad-hoc manner. A Network Element Type Integration Toolkit (5) retrieves and integrates a definition of the Network Element Type (6) and an alarm definition of the Network Element Type (6) with the Element Management System to enable the new Network Element Type (6) to be supported by the Element Management System (3).