Network Resource Allocation for Deferred Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network elements often terminate functionality when redundant resources fail before maintenance can be performed, especially due to natural or man-made disruptions, and periodic manual tuning is hindered by delayed maintenance actions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allocate resources to provide a subset of network functionality even when resources operate in a state of reduced, nonzero functionality, employing fault recovery, overload control, and deferred maintenance strategies to select and allocate resources for continued operation and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant resources are used to provide functionality until failed resources can be replaced, then network functionality is maintained temporarily, but functionality terminates if redundant resources fail before maintenance can be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively identifying resources operating in reduced functionality states and automatically allocating resources before complete failure occurs. The maintenance system continuously monitors resource health and pre-arranges resource allocation, rather than waiting for catastrophic failure and then attempting recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element performs self-service by automatically detecting when resources operate in reduced functionality states and autonomously allocating alternative resources without requiring external intervention. The system monitors its own resource health and self-manages the failover process, eliminating the need for manual crafts person intervention for immediate recovery.
2Manufacturing precision
If periodic manual tuning is performed by crafts persons, then network parameters are optimized, but functionality degrades when crafts persons cannot arrive at the site
Solution Approach 1:
The network element performs self-service maintenance by automatically monitoring resource performance parameters and detecting when tuning is needed. The system autonomously identifies resources operating in reduced functionality states and triggers automatic resource allocation, eliminating the need for periodic manual visits by crafts persons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of resource operational parameters and performance metrics. When parameters indicate reduced functionality or degradation, the feedback loop automatically triggers resource reallocation and maintenance actions, replacing the manual inspection and tuning process with automated closed-loop control.
3Reliability
If resources are marked as dead when they fail, then faulty resources are identified, but network functionality terminates immediately without extended operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of waiting for resources to be completely marked dead, the system performs preliminary action by detecting reduced functionality states before total failure. Resources are identified as needing attention while still partially operational, allowing for graceful degradation and continued network operation during the transition to failover.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts resource status classification, moving beyond static dead/alive states to recognize intermediate reduced functionality states. This dynamic classification enables graduated responses, allowing the network to maintain operation with degraded resources while preparing failover, rather than immediately terminating functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A deferred maintenance mode for network elements is described, wherein upon failure of one or more resources in a network element, redundant resources are used to preserve functionality. Upon subsequent failure of the redundant resources, function can revert to the first set of resources if those resources have a higher level of functionality. This deferred mode is valuable in situations where it may not be possible to repair failed elements in a timely manner, or if there is a limit upon the amount of backup power available.