Automation Agent for RAN Configuration via DMaaP Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automation approaches for configuring radio access network (RAN) equipment in 5G and subsequent generation cellular communication systems are not adequately streamlined, particularly in the context of network automation platforms conforming to ONAP standards, leading to inefficiencies in network equipment configuration and management.

Innovation Solution

An automation agent is introduced within a network automation platform that monitors communication channels for network equipment configuration communications, creates interface update files, and deploys them to RAN equipment using protocols like NETCONF, enhancing the automation and efficiency of network configuration updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If current automation approaches are used for configuring RAN equipment, then basic configuration functionality is provided, but the configuration process is not streamlined and requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of RAN equipment configurationVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automation agent enables the network configuration system to serve itself by automatically monitoring communication channels, creating interface update files, and deploying configurations to RAN equipment without requiring manual operator intervention, thus achieving self-service automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automation agent acts as an intermediary component between the network automation platform and RAN equipment, bridging the gap by translating high-level configuration requests into specific interface update files that can be deployed to RAN equipment, thereby streamlining the configuration process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional configuration methods are used, then configuration updates can be applied, but the speed and accuracy of network updates are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of configuration updatesVSAvoidtime for manual configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automation agent performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring communication channels for configuration communications and automatically creating interface update files before they are needed, eliminating waiting time and accelerating the overall configuration update process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automation agent maintains continuous operation by constantly monitoring communication channels and continuously processing configuration updates without interruption or manual intervention, ensuring uninterrupted and accelerated configuration deployment to RAN equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If manual configuration processes are used, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through human review, but the overall efficiency of network operations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of network operationsVSAvoidaccuracy of configuration updates

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automation agent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring communication channels for configuration communications and using this information to automatically create and deploy interface update files, ensuring accurate and timely configuration updates without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automation agent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic monitoring and file generation systems, substituting human operators with an automated agent that maintains or improves accuracy while significantly increasing operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11784883B2Automation agent for network equipment configuration

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

The described technology is generally directed towards an automation agent for network equipment configuration. The automation agent can be incorporated into a network automation platform. The network automation platform can include, inter alia, a communication channel, such as a data movement as a platform (DMaaP) communication channel, which is used by various components of the network automation platform. The disclosed automation agent can monitor the communication channel for network equipment configuration communications generated by other components of the network automation platform. In response to a network equipment configuration communication, the automation agent can create an interface update file comprising the updated interface configuration data, and send the interface update file to a network equipment configuration update service for deployment to the network equipment.