OSS/NMS VNF Lifecycle Configuration via EMS Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional network management systems are inadequate for managing configuration information of virtualized network functions (VNFs) due to their lifecycle nature, which requires dynamic configuration management that the existing systems cannot effectively provide.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that enable the operation support system/network management system (OSS/NMS) to receive lifecycle operation completion messages from VNFs and send management information object instance operation requests to the element management system (EMS), allowing timely and effective management of application layer configuration information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional network management systems are used to manage VNF configuration information, then the existing system architecture can be maintained, but the systems cannot effectively provide dynamic configuration management throughout the VNF lifecycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration management capabilityVSAvoidlifecycle management effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration management by enabling the network management system to receive lifecycle operation completion messages from VNFs and send management information object instance operation requests to the EMS. This dynamic interaction allows the system to adapt configuration management to different VNF lifecycle stages (instantiation, termination, scaling, updating), resolving the contradiction between maintaining existing system architecture and achieving effective lifecycle-based configuration management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If network functions are implemented on universal servers through virtualization, then capital expenditure and operating expense are reduced, but the management architecture becomes more complex requiring coordination between multiple systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice deployment costVSAvoidmanagement architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the OSS/NMS acts as a mediator between the VNF lifecycle management and the EMS configuration management. The OSS/NMS receives lifecycle operation completion messages from VNFs and translates them into management information object instance operation requests for the EMS. This intermediary approach coordinates the complex multi-system architecture while maintaining cost benefits of virtualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the network management system directly manages VNF configuration without lifecycle integration, then system simplicity is maintained, but configuration information cannot be managed timely throughout the VNF lifecycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration management timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network management system receives lifecycle operation completion messages from VNFs, indicating the current lifecycle state. Based on this feedback, the system automatically sends appropriate management information object instance operation requests to the EMS for timely configuration management. This feedback loop maintains relative system simplicity while ensuring timely configuration management throughout the VNF lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10270648B2Configuration information management method, device, network element management system and storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A method for managing configuration information is disclosed including: an operation support system (OSS)/network management system/(NMS) receiving a lifecycle operation completion message of a virtualized network function (VNF); and sending a management information object instance operation request message corresponding to a lifecycle operation of the VNF to an element management system (EMS) according to the received lifecycle operation completion message of the VNF. A method and device for managing configuration information, an element management system (EMS) and a storage medium are also disclosed.