Network Element Self-Discovery via Adjacent Broadcast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for self-discovery of network elements, such as manual configuration and DHCP server configuration, are complex, error-prone, and require manual input, leading to inconsistent configurations and increased risk of failures, especially when deploying multiple base stations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a newly established network element imports layout data containing identifier and basic information, and after powering on, sends this information to adjacent network elements to request and retrieve its basic configuration details, with the network manager verifying and storing this information, thereby automating the configuration process and eliminating the need for simultaneous human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used for self-discovery of network element, then the network manager can establish connection with base station, but the configuration process becomes complicated and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The base station automatically performs self-discovery by sending broadcast messages containing its identifier to the network manager, and the network manager automatically responds with configuration parameters. This eliminates manual configuration operations and reduces human error while simplifying the deployment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The network manager pre-stores layout data including base station identifiers and configuration parameters in a database before the base station is deployed. When the base station boots up, it automatically retrieves the pre-prepared configuration information, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing deployment complexity.
2Extent of automation
If DHCP server configuration is used for self-discovery, then automatic IP address assignment is achieved, but the configuration process remains complicated requiring layout data import and coordination between multiple locations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential self-discovery function from the complex DHCP server system. Instead of using a full DHCP server with its associated complexity of layout data import, multi-level configuration, and coordination requirements, the system uses simple broadcast messages and pre-stored layout data to achieve automatic IP address assignment and configuration parameter retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The network manager stores layout data locally in its database at the deployment location. When a base station needs configuration, the network manager retrieves the data from local storage and sends it directly, eliminating the need to import layout data from external sources or coordinate with remote systems, thus simplifying the configuration process.
3Productivity
If manual parameter input is required at both base station and network manager sides, then configuration can be completed, but the process becomes very troublesome when establishing large numbers of base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The base station automatically performs self-discovery by sending broadcast messages containing its identifier to the network manager upon booting. The network manager automatically retrieves the corresponding configuration parameters from its pre-stored layout data and sends them back to the base station. This automated process eliminates manual parameter input operations, making deployment efficient even when establishing large numbers of base stations.
4Reliability
If configurations at base station side and network manager side are inconsistent, then system failure may occur, but manual configuration cannot guarantee error-proof parameter input
Solution Approach 1:
The base station sends a broadcast message with its identifier to the network manager, and the network manager responds with configuration parameters. This bidirectional communication ensures that the base station receives accurate configuration data directly from the network manager, eliminating configuration inconsistencies and ensuring reliability without requiring complex verification procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for implementing self-discovery of network element. The method includes that: layout data (containing identifier information and basic information) of a newly-established network element is imported into a network manager of the newly-established network element; after being powered on, the newly-established network element sends its identifier information to one or more adjacent network elements to request to find its own basic information; and the adjacent network element requests the network manager of the newly-established network element to find the basic information according to the identifier information, and returns the basic information found by the network manager of the newly-established network element and the identifier information of the newly-established network element to the newly-established network element. The disclosure avoids problems of complicated manual configuration and vulnerable, highly risky, and elaborated way of configuration with DHCP in implementation of self-discovery of network element in the related art.