Network License Auto-Upgrading for Traffic Resiliency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network licensing systems fail to automatically restore traffic with minimal human intervention when alternative paths exceed the reach constraints of existing licenses, leading to traffic interruptions and low Quality of Experience for users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow for automatic upgrading of licenses from restrictive to less-restrictive agreements in real-time, enabling communication paths to adapt to changes without manual operator intervention by analyzing communication paths and upgrading licenses to accommodate longer reaches when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual license acquisition and modem reconfiguration is performed to extend reach beyond current license constraints, then communication can be restored along alternative paths, but traffic interruption occurs during the manual process and operator intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when alternative paths exceed current license reach constraints and autonomously acquires additional licenses from the license server, then reconfigures modems without operator intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by eliminating manual operation requirements while maintaining traffic resiliency through automatic license management and path restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively monitors path availability and license constraints, and before traffic interruption occurs, automatically initiates license acquisition and modem reconfiguration processes. This preliminary action ensures that alternative paths are ready for immediate use when primary paths fail, improving traffic resiliency without requiring reactive manual intervention.
2Reliability
If manual license acquisition process is initiated to extend reach constraints, then communication can be restored, but traffic is stopped between nodes during the process resulting in low Quality of Experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors for path failures and immediately triggers automatic license acquisition and modem reconfiguration upon detecting that alternative paths are needed but currently exceed license constraints. This preliminary automated response eliminates traffic interruption by pre-preparing alternative paths before primary path failure occurs, or by rapidly restoring traffic immediately after failure without manual delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system independently manages the entire license acquisition and path restoration process without operator involvement, significantly reducing the time traffic remains interrupted. The system self-manages license server communication, modem reconfiguration, and path switching, eliminating the time loss associated with manual license acquisition and configuration procedures.
3Device complexity
If conventional licensing systems are used with fixed reach constraints, then license management is simple, but alternative paths cannot be used when they exceed reach constraints even if primary path fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms static license constraints into dynamic, adaptable parameters. When primary paths fail and alternative paths are needed, the system automatically adjusts license reach constraints by acquiring additional licenses to match the actual path requirements. This dynamic adaptation maintains operational simplicity while enabling flexible path selection, as the license management system automatically responds to changing network conditions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reach parameter of licenses dynamically based on actual communication path requirements. When alternative paths with longer reaches are needed due to primary path failure, the system automatically acquires licenses with extended reach parameters, allowing the same license management infrastructure to support both simple fixed constraints and flexible adaptive constraints as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatically upgrading a license in a communication network are provided. In one embodiment, a network device in communication with a license server may be configured with a processing device and a memory device configured to store a computer program having instructions that, when executed, cause the processing device to analyze a communication path between first and second nodes of a communication system and analyze a first license agreement having a first set of constraints regarding communication between the first and second nodes. Responsive to determining that the communication path is not allowable under the first set of constraints of the first license agreement, the instructions may further cause the processing device to upgrade the first license agreement to a second license agreement having a second set of constraints that are less-restrictive than the first set of constraints regarding communication between the first and second nodes.