Network Path Determination for Service Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communications networks with multiple units, staff members face high error rates and low efficiency when searching for and adjusting network connection services due to complex connections between network units.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for determining a network connection path that passes through reference network units, ensuring device configurations meet service requirements, allowing for direct identification of valid paths and efficient service changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If staff members manually search for network units in the communications network, then they can adjust device configurations, but the search process becomes increasingly difficult and error-prone due to complex connections and more network units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a path determining device as an intermediary between staff members and network units. This device automatically determines network connection paths and identifies relevant network units, eliminating the need for manual searching through complex network connections. The path determining device acts as a mediator that translates service change requests into specific network unit identifications, reducing operational difficulty while maintaining awareness of network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The path determining device enables the system to self-identify and self-configure network units without requiring manual intervention. When a network connection service changes, the path determining device automatically determines the affected network units and their configurations, allowing the system to service itself rather than requiring staff members to manually search and adjust each unit individually.
2Productivity
If staff members manually search and adjust network units, then they can implement service changes, but the change efficiency becomes low due to time-consuming search processes
Solution Approach 1:
The path determining device performs preliminary actions by pre-determining network connection paths and maintaining information about network units and their configurations. When a service change is needed, this pre-processed information allows the system to quickly identify affected network units without time-consuming searches. The device proactively determines paths and maintains readiness to implement changes efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual searching process with an automated electronic determination system. Instead of staff members physically searching through network configurations, the path determining device uses electronic processing to automatically identify network units and their paths, substituting human manual operations with automated computational processes that are significantly faster and more efficient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the communications network includes more network units with more complex connections, then more network connection services can be provided, but the difficulty of searching for network units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex network into manageable components by determining specific network connection paths and identifying individual network units along these paths. The path determining device divides the search task into smaller, more manageable segments by focusing on specific paths rather than searching the entire complex network at once. This segmentation makes the detection and measurement of network units more manageable despite the overall network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The path determining device uses feedback mechanisms to continuously update its knowledge of network paths and unit configurations. By receiving information about network unit connections and configurations, the device builds an updated mental model of the network structure. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changes in network complexity and maintain accurate information about network units without requiring manual searching through the increasingly complex network.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining a network connection path that passes through m reference network devices, where m≥1, and the m reference network devices are located in a network domain and are coupled to a device outside the network domain, determining a device configuration requirement of a first network connection service for each of n reference network devices that the network connection path passes through, where m≥n≥1, and determining that the network connection path is one of paths of the first network connection service when the device configuration meets the device configuration requirement.