Network Element Template Configuration for Bandwidth Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing configuration information across a large number of network elements is time-consuming and bandwidth-intensive, particularly when using existing methods to retrieve and update configuration data in network management systems.

Innovation Solution

An element manager method that automatically discovers network elements, retrieves configuration information in multiple stages using IP packets, and schedules retrieval independently to minimize bandwidth usage, allowing for user-configurable stages and parameters, and utilizes template configurations to reduce data retrieval for elements with common settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If configuration information is retrieved from all network elements, then complete network management is achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management completenessVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments configuration information retrieval into multiple stages, where the element manager first retrieves basic configuration data and then selectively retrieves additional data only when needed. This segmentation allows complete network management to be achieved while minimizing bandwidth consumption by avoiding unnecessary data retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by retrieving only the necessary configuration information at each stage rather than all configuration data at once. The element manager retrieves basic configuration data initially and then selectively retrieves additional data only when changes are detected or specific information is required, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining management completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If configuration information is retrieved from all network elements, then complete network management is achieved, but time required for management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management completenessVSAvoidmanagement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides configuration retrieval into sequential stages, allowing the element manager to retrieve basic configuration data first and then selectively retrieve additional information. This segmentation enables complete network management to be achieved progressively, reducing the total time required compared to retrieving all configuration data simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by retrieving basic configuration information upfront before needing detailed information. This allows the element manager to make initial management decisions based on essential data and then retrieve additional configuration details only when necessary, thereby reducing overall management time while maintaining completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If configuration information is retrieved frequently, then network management accuracy is maintained, but network bandwidth is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network elements notify the element manager of configuration changes. This allows the element manager to maintain configuration accuracy by receiving updates only when changes occur, rather than frequently polling all elements, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by retrieving configuration information only when changes are detected or specific information is required, rather than frequently retrieving all configuration data. This maintains configuration accuracy through selective updates while minimizing bandwidth consumption by avoiding unnecessary retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS7720940B1Managing a network element using a template configuration

Publication Date: 2010.05.18 WORLD WIDE PACKETS INC

AI summary

An element manager acquires information identifying a network element. Based on the acquired information, the element manager associates a template configuration with the network element. The template configuration includes configuration parameter values. Subsequent to the associating, the element manager provides configuration information describing a configuration of the network element without retrieving the configuration information from the network element. The configuration information is based on the template configuration. An element manager and programming first determine that a configuration of a network element should match a template configuration. The configuration includes configuration parameter values utilized by the network element. The element manager and programming acquire at least one of the configuration parameter values and determine that the at least one acquired configuration parameter value does not match a corresponding configuration parameter value of the template configuration. Based on this determination, the element manager and programming take an action.