Network Topology Navigation for End-to-End 5G Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobility network connectivity is complex due to the interoperation of three different segments (radio access network, transport network, and core network) requiring end-to-end visibility and automation, which is hindered by fragmented inventory and difficulty in discovering passive elements like cables and fibers, leading to high development costs and time for network service support solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for network navigation using 3GPP 5G system architecture with control plane routing algorithms to provide topological navigation, enabling end-to-end network service topology visualization, troubleshooting, and automated processing of network events and alarms, leveraging cloud-based inventory and network routing algorithms to integrate and visualize network configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network navigation is implemented using traditional methods, then network connectivity is maintained, but network troubleshooting and automation are hindered by fragmented inventory and lack of end-to-end visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fragmented network inventory data from multiple sources (RAN, transport network, core network) into a unified inventory structure. This consolidation enables end-to-end visibility by integrating previously siloed network segments into a single navigable framework, allowing operations personnel to trace connectivity across the entire network path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network navigator as an intermediary component that mediates between operations personnel and the complex network infrastructure. This navigator provides automated discovery and visualization of network paths, acting as an intermediary that translates fragmented network data into coherent end-to-end connectivity information.
2Extent of automation
If detailed network inventory is maintained for automation, then automated processing capability is improved, but development cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network inventory into standardized hierarchical components (RAN elements, transport network elements, core network elements) with defined relationships. This segmentation enables automated processing by providing a structured framework that software can systematically traverse and manipulate, reducing development complexity through consistent data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal inventory structure that serves multiple functions: it supports automated event processing, provides end-to-end visibility, enables troubleshooting, and facilitates network navigation. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity by using a single unified framework rather than separate systems for each function.
3Ease of operation
If network topology visualization is implemented, then troubleshooting ease is improved, but data integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy or representation of the physical network topology in the unified inventory structure. This graphical or data-based copy enables easy visualization and troubleshooting without requiring direct manipulation of the complex physical network, while the standardized copying process manages integration complexity through consistent data models.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device, including: a processing system including a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations of identifying a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier associated with a communications network; determining a tracking area code (TAC) range of a plurality of cell sites in a radio access network (RAN) associated with the PLMN identifier; identifying transport network circuits of a transport network connecting the plurality of cell sites with a core network of the communications network; and displaying a user interface comprising a graphical representation of the core network, the transport network and the RAN. Other embodiments are disclosed.