Network Management Randomization for Resource Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network management systems face inefficiencies due to redundant management functions, incomplete real-time views, and resource overloads in dynamic networks, leading to increased resource consumption and network traffic.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a randomization process to selectively activate and deactivate management functions on network elements based on probability distributions influenced by configuration, function type, and internal/external information, reducing redundant execution and optimizing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all network elements run management functions to accumulate and process network management information, then the real-time view of the network is more complete, but resource consumption and network traffic increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of network viewVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by having only a subset of network elements run management functions at any given time. Instead of all elements executing management functions continuously, the system randomly selects specific elements to perform these functions, thereby reducing overall resource consumption while still maintaining adequate network visibility through the combined observations of multiple elements over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the execution of management functions probabilistic and time-varying. Network elements dynamically adjust their participation in management functions based on random selection, allowing the system to adapt resource usage to changing network conditions while maintaining functional coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If all network elements run management functions to export information simultaneously, then the central sink receives complete data, but the central sink gets overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidcentral sink processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by having network elements export management information at different times rather than simultaneously. Through random selection, elements are staggered in their information export operations, creating a periodic rather than continuous load on the central sink, which prevents overload while still collecting complete data over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements skipping by having the central sink selectively process information from different network elements at different times. Instead of processing all incoming data simultaneously, the sink skips certain elements at certain times based on their random selection status, thereby reducing peak processing load while maintaining overall data collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Use of energy by moving object

If management functions are deactivated on some network elements to reduce resource consumption, then resource efficiency improves, but the network management view becomes incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork management information
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the probability parameters that control which network elements run management functions. By adjusting these probability parameters, the system can optimize the balance between resource consumption and information completeness, allowing flexible adaptation to different network conditions and requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the collected management information to adjust the random selection process. The system monitors which elements are running management functions and uses this information to ensure adequate coverage, creating a feedback loop that maintains information completeness while optimizing resource usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2294760B1A method for managing a network and a network
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 NEC CORP
  • EP2294760B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2294760B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2294760B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For providing a significant reduction of resource consumption and network traffic within a network a method for managing a network is claimed, the network including: a plurality of network elements, each of which being able to run at least one network management function and to store management information being necessary for running the at least one management function, the method being characterized by randomly activating and deactivating the at least one management function on one or more of the network elements by a randomization process. Further, an according network is claimed, preferably for carrying out the above mentioned method.