Automated Network Transformation with Rollback and Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge computing systems face challenges in ensuring resilient, safe, and secure network operations during updates and upgrades, particularly due to the complexity and risk associated with network transformations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a systematic approach that automates transformation procedures, utilizing smart contracts to ensure stability and security, allows for incremental and frequent network transformations without human intervention, enabling self-healing and frequent small changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network transformations are performed manually with human intervention, then stability and security can be ensured through careful testing, but the transformation speed and frequency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork operation stabilityVSAvoidtransformation frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network transformation process is segmented into discrete, automated steps including pre-transformation validation, controlled application of changes, post-transformation verification, and automatic rollback capabilities. Each transformation is broken down into verifiable stages that can be automatically tested and confirmed before full deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions including pre-transformation validation checks, automated testing in staged environments, and verification of rollback capabilities before actual network transformations are applied. This ensures that only validated transformations are deployed to production networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If network transformations are performed frequently and rapidly, then agility and time-to-value are improved, but the risk of errors and outages increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate speedVSAvoidnetwork operation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms through automated monitoring and validation that track network transformation outcomes in real-time. Post-transformation verification automatically detects issues and triggers rollback procedures when thresholds are exceeded, enabling rapid transformations while maintaining stability through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares rollback configurations and recovery procedures in advance before transformations are applied. Automated validation of rollback capabilities ensures that recovery mechanisms are ready and tested prior to deployment, cushioning against potential transformation failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex network transformations are attempted, then functionality and service capabilities are enhanced, but the complexity of ensuring resilient operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice capabilityVSAvoidtransformation management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal automated framework that handles diverse network transformations through standardized validation and verification procedures. The same automated processes manage different types of transformations (hardware, software, configuration), reducing the complexity burden despite enhanced service capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformation management system performs self-validation and self-verification through automated testing and monitoring. The system automatically detects transformation outcomes, validates compliance with operational requirements, and triggers corrective actions without external intervention, reducing the complexity of managing complex transformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12282403B2Stable transformations of networked systems with automation

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Various methods, systems, and use cases for a stable and automated transformation of a networked computing system are provided, to enable a transformation to the configuration of the computing system (e.g., software or firmware upgrade, hardware change, etc.). In an example, automated operations include: identifying a transformation to apply to a configuration of the computing system, for a transformation that affects a network service provided by the computing system; identifying operational conditions used to evaluate results of the transformation; attempting to apply the transformation, using a series of stages that have rollback positions when the identified operational conditions are not satisfied; and determining a successful or unsuccessful result of the attempt to apply the transformation. For an unsuccessful result, remediation may be performed to the configuration, with use of one or more rollback positions; for a successful result, a new restore state is established from the completion state.