Network Topology Discovery Engine for Telecommunications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications network management systems face challenges in accurately updating network topology configurations, leading to inaccurate database representations, which can result in delayed equipment failure identification, incorrect customer billing, and improper element updates or replacements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for remotely discovering network topology through addressable elements, requesting operational attributes, calculating replacement costs, and notifying administrators when costs exceed a threshold, utilizing a network topology discovery engine and obsolescence tracker to maintain accurate database information and identify obsolete elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If provisioning databases are used to store network configuration data, then network configuration information can be stored and accessed, but the database becomes inaccurate when network changes are not updated or are updated incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The network elements automatically update the provisioning database with their own configuration information and operational status. Each network element acts as a self-reporting unit that transmits its operational attributes and configuration data to the database, eliminating the need for manual updates and ensuring real-time accuracy without additional time overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where network elements continuously report their operational status and configuration changes to the provisioning database. The database receives real-time updates from network elements about their state, ensuring the database always reflects the current network topology and configuration without requiring manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If manual identification of network connections is performed, then the provisioning database can be updated, but the process becomes painstaking and time-consuming due to the vast number of connections
Solution Approach 1:
Network elements automatically identify and report their connections and operational attributes to the provisioning database without human intervention. Each element transmits its configuration data, operational status, and connectivity information autonomously, transforming a manual painstaking process into an automated high-speed operation that maintains full accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of identifying and tracking network connections is replaced with an automated electronic information exchange system. Network elements electronically transmit their configuration and operational data to the database, substituting the slow manual process with rapid automated data collection that maintains precision while dramatically increasing productivity.
3Reliability
If an inaccurate provisioning database is used for network analysis, then equipment failure identification is delayed and problems cannot be quickly resolved, but the database cannot be easily updated to reflect current network state
Solution Approach 1:
The provisioning database receives continuous real-time feedback from network elements about their operational status, configuration changes, and connectivity state. This automated feedback loop ensures the database always contains accurate current network information, enabling rapid equipment failure identification and resolution while managing complexity through systematic automated data collection from all network elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present disclosure involve an apparatus and/or method for a network topology discovery engine that detects one or more network elements and/or one or more connections between a plurality of network elements. The network topology discovery engine transmits a request for operational and connection information from at least one network element. In response, network topology information is received by the network topology discovery engine by one or more elements of the network that provide information on the topology and operational state of the telecommunications network. The received information may then be stored in a network topology database. This network topology database may be utilized by the network or a related component for information or maintenance of the telecommunications network, such as an obsolescence tracker to detect one or more network elements that could be replaced or upgraded.