Network Inventory Modeling for Automated Resource Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy network systems struggle with complexity and diversity, making it difficult to modify and incorporate changes in next-generation communications systems, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and deployment.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that uses logical and physical modeling to generate and maintain models of network inventory items, enabling accurate and efficient deployment and configuration of network equipment through computer-executed processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy systems are used to manage network inventory, then existing infrastructure is maintained, but the systems cannot easily incorporate changes required by next-generation communications systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to next-generation communications systemsVSAvoidcomplexity of network inventory management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network inventory management into distinct functional components: discovery processes, modeling layers (physical and logical), and provisioning systems. This segmentation allows each component to be independently updated and adapted to next-generation requirements without redesigning the entire legacy system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary modeling layer that sits between the legacy inventory system and next-generation network services. This intermediary layer translates between legacy data structures and modern service requirements, enabling adaptability without direct modification of legacy systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If isolated legacy systems are used for each network function, then system stability is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of isolated systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple isolated legacy systems into a unified network inventory management platform. By consolidating discovery, modeling, and provisioning functions into a single integrated system, resource allocation efficiency improves while the number of separate systems decreases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal inventory management system that can handle multiple network functions and service types through a common platform. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate isolated systems for different network operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual processes are used for network equipment deployment, then system simplicity is maintained, but deployment accuracy and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of deployment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates logical models as virtual copies of physical network equipment and their relationships. These digital models enable automated discovery and provisioning processes that accurately reflect the physical network state, improving deployment precision through automated rather than manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Loss of information

If comprehensive network inventory tracking is implemented, then resource visibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource visibilityVSAvoidcomplexity of inventory management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a logical modeling dimension to the physical network inventory. By representing network resources in both physical and logical dimensions, the system achieves comprehensive visibility while organizing complexity into manageable hierarchical layers rather than a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250386216A1Using physical and logical modeling of network inventory resources for discovery, assignment and activation

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

The technologies described herein are generally directed to modeling network systems. For example, a method described herein can include receiving request data representative of a planning request for a network equipment project applicable to network equipment that is part of a network. Further, based on the request data and a logical inventory model of resources, the method can include identifying a logical process model for the network equipment project, corresponding to characteristics of service equipment applicable to the network equipment project. The method further includes transforming the logical process model into a physical process model that references the service equipment applicable to the network equipment project, and based on the request data and the physical process model, facilitating, for the network equipment project, the service equipment.