Network Element Status Identification via Service Model
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems face challenges in identifying and addressing network element status issues in real-time, particularly in software-defined networking (SDN) environments, where dynamic changes in network paths and lack of transparency about underlying hardware can lead to service disruptions without customer notice.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for identifying network element status by retrieving path information and configuration data from an inventory mechanism, using a quality request that includes service information and a time value, allowing for dynamic adaptation of network paths and rerouting to maintain service quality, with components like inventory operators, analysis engines, and SDN controllers working together to infer and manage network element status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network management systems use traditional element-by-element status checking, then comprehensive network status information can be obtained, but real-time identification capability is lost due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of accessing multiple network elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service model as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex network infrastructure. This service model abstracts and represents the state of multiple network elements (end devices, access points, switches, routers) in a unified manner, allowing status identification without directly querying each element individually. The service model acts as a mediator that consolidates information from various network elements, enabling comprehensive status monitoring with reduced time and complexity.
2Reliability
If network paths are dynamically changed in SDN environments, then service quality can be maintained through rerouting, but transparency about underlying hardware status is lost making it difficult to identify problematic network elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the service model continuously monitors and reflects the state of network elements even when paths are dynamically changed. When network elements are reassessed or when path changes occur, the service model updates its representation to maintain visibility into the underlying hardware status. This feedback loop ensures that while paths can be dynamically rerouted for service continuity, the service model retains transparency about network element conditions, allowing identification of problematic elements without compromising service reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a set of path information may be retrieved from an inventory mechanism based on a service. A set of configuration information may be received from the inventory mechanism based on a network element. The network element status may be identified based on the set of configuration information.