Network Meta-Data Library for Vendor Model Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in cost-effectively managing version control and developing new network element models, particularly due to vendor-specific meta-data and management information models, which require efficient transformation and analysis to ensure consistency and compatibility with operations support systems (OSS).
Innovation Solution
A network meta-data library that receives changes to models, compares them to stored versions, generates audit trails, and develops new models using common meta-meta data definitions, ensuring version control and compatibility with OSS, while also simulating operations to validate proposed changes without interrupting network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific meta-data models are used for different network elements, then each network element can be managed according to its specific requirements, but the complexity of transforming and managing these models increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediation unit as an intermediary component that sits between network elements and operations support systems. This mediation unit automatically transforms vendor-specific meta-data models into a common normalized model, eliminating the need for manual transformation and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining vendor-specific model support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a universal normalized meta-data model that serves as a common language for all network elements regardless of vendor. This single universal model replaces multiple vendor-specific models, enabling the system to handle diverse network elements through a unified framework and significantly reducing transformation complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple versions of models are maintained for version control, then changes can be tracked and managed, but the cost and complexity of managing these versions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mediation unit automatically performs version control operations by comparing new model versions against existing ones and generating audit trails. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual version tracking and reduces management complexity while maintaining reliable version control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the mediation unit automatically compares model versions, identifies changes, and generates audit trails. This feedback loop enables automatic version control and reduces manual management efforts while ensuring reliable tracking of model changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual model development and transformation is performed, then flexibility in model creation is maintained, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mediation unit performs self-service transformation of models from vendor-specific formats to the normalized common model. This automated process maintains the flexibility to handle various vendor models while dramatically reducing operational costs and time consumption associated with manual transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes of model transformation with an automated mediation unit that uses structured algorithms. This substitution maintains the flexibility to handle diverse model formats while significantly improving productivity and reducing operational costs through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Network meta-data libraries act as repositories of evolving management information models (MIM) and management information based (MIB) models. Changes to the models may be originated using the libraries or tracked by the libraries. In addition, the libraries may be used to generate and store transformation models used by mediation units to transform changes made to network elements, such as routers, into normalized meta-data that can be understood by an operations support system.