Network Element Self-Configuration via Field Data Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile network operators face challenges in reducing operational expenditures (OPEX) and efficiently managing and configuring network elements, particularly in dynamic and modern radio access networks, where conventional methods are slow and labor-intensive, failing to adapt quickly to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A centralized dynamic self-configuration method that compares network status data with field data to generate and distribute tailored configuration parameters, such as IP addresses, frequencies, and radio configuration parameters, allowing for autonomous network adjustments and reducing human intervention through a management apparatus that acts as a standalone system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual configuration methods are used for network elements, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through human review, but operational costs increase and configuration speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network element performs self-configuration by automatically comparing its stored configuration data with actual field data, identifying differences, and generating updated configuration parameters without human intervention. The system autonomously determines which network elements are affected by changes and distributes updated configuration data only to those elements, enabling rapid scaling while maintaining accuracy through automated validation.
2Ease of operation
If centralized configuration management is implemented to reduce operational costs, then the complexity of managing configuration data across the network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration management system divides the network into autonomous segments where each network element independently manages its own configuration by comparing field data with stored data. The centralized manager only coordinates high-level changes and distributes updates to affected elements, rather than managing every configuration detail centrally. This segmentation reduces centralized complexity while maintaining cost efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If configuration data is distributed to all network elements whenever changes occur, then configuration consistency is maintained, but network bandwidth is wasted transmitting unnecessary data
Solution Approach 1:
Each network element maintains local configuration data and performs local comparison with field data to determine what updates are actually needed. The centralized manager identifies affected elements based on change propagation analysis and distributes configuration updates only to those specific elements rather than broadcasting to all elements. This selective distribution maintains consistency while minimizing bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a network element involves receiving via a first interface field data from a communication network. The field data is compared with available network status data such, that a difference between network status data and field data can be determined. A configuration data is generated such that the configuration data are adapted to align the network status data and the field data. Then, a corresponding network element for receiving the configuration data is determined and the configuration data is distributed via a first interface to a corresponding network element.