Network Entity OAM via Peer-to-Peer Data Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network management systems require high human intervention and bandwidth due to the hierarchical structure, leading to inefficient operation and maintenance processes, especially in managing network entities across multiple levels, where data consistency and fault/performance management are complex and bandwidth-intensive.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where network entities within the same hierarchical level exchange operation and maintenance related data directly via communications links, breaking the strict hierarchical operation and enabling more flexible and automated OAM functionality, reducing bandwidth consumption and processing requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strict hierarchical management structure is used for network entities, then management control and coordination are improved, but bandwidth consumption and processing requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement controlVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monolithic hierarchical management structure by enabling peer-to-peer communication between network entities at the same hierarchical level. This allows OAM data exchange to occur locally between entities rather than routing all communication through upper management levels, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining management control through the preserved hierarchical reporting structure for critical events and decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a strict hierarchical management structure is used for network entities, then management control is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized management functionality into distributed peer-to-peer interactions while preserving the hierarchical framework. Network entities at the same level can directly exchange OAM data without involving upper levels, simplifying the communication paths and reducing system complexity while maintaining hierarchical control for management decisions and event reporting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If direct peer-to-peer data exchange is implemented between network entities, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but management control may be weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth consumptionVSAvoidmanagement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication into two types: peer-to-peer for routine OAM data exchange (reducing bandwidth) and hierarchical for event reporting and management decisions (maintaining control). This dual-mode approach allows bandwidth-efficient local communication while preserving hierarchical management authority for critical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network entities exchanging OAM data peer-to-peer still report relevant events and status changes up the hierarchical chain. This ensures that management control is maintained through continuous feedback loops, allowing upper levels to monitor and intervene when necessary while benefiting from reduced bandwidth consumption in routine operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If hierarchical levels exchange data through multiple intermediate levels, then centralized control is maintained, but processing requirements and time delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized controlVSAvoiddata exchange time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data exchange path by allowing direct peer-to-peer communication for OAM data between entities at the same hierarchical level, eliminating intermediate processing steps and reducing time delays. Centralized control is maintained through selective reporting of events and decisions up the hierarchical chain, combining speed with control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Manufacturing precision

If manual intervention is increased for OAM operations, then operational accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational accuracyVSAvoidOAM efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables network entities to automatically exchange OAM data peer-to-peer without requiring manual intervention for routine operations. This self-service capability increases productivity by automating data collection and exchange, while operational accuracy is maintained through structured event reporting and management decision protocols that preserve human oversight for critical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1947803B1Operation of network entities in a communications system

Publication Date: 2017.07.19 NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to operating network entities in a communications system, wherein a first network entity and a second network entity exchange operation and maintenance related data via a communications link connecting said first and said second network entity, wherein said first and second network entities are comprised in one hierarchical level of a management network of said communications system.