Roaming Network Update Automation for Configuration Mismatch Audits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Signal coverage issues and inefficient roaming processes in wireless networks due to degraded Wi-Fi signals, overlapping APs, and mismatched configurations lead to disconnections and performance delays for client devices.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for ingesting and executing roaming partner network updates, utilizing IR.21 information and OMD data to reconfigure network subsystems, perform audits, and apply changes during maintenance windows, leveraging ML for efficient network updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Wi-Fi access points are added to expand coverage, then coverage area is improved, but signal overlap increases causing roaming delays and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering available access points and pre-configuring roaming parameters before client devices need to roam. The network proactively identifies optimal APs and establishes roaming agreements in advance, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing roaming delays when devices move between areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where client devices send probe requests to discover available APs, and the network responds with authentication decisions and roaming parameters. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of roaming behavior based on real-time signal conditions and device capabilities, optimizing the roaming process and reducing performance degradation.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual network configuration updates are performed, then configuration accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration updates where the network automatically discovers available access points, retrieves their parameters, and configures roaming settings without manual intervention. The automated discovery process eliminates the need for operators to manually configure each AP, reducing operational complexity while maintaining configuration accuracy through systematic parameter retrieval and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic systems. Instead of operators manually configuring network parameters, the system uses automated scripts and APIs to retrieve access point information from databases, process configuration parameters, and apply settings automatically. This substitution of manual operations with automated electronic mechanisms reduces both complexity and error rates.
3Speed
If network configuration updates are applied immediately, then responsiveness is improved, but risk of colliding changes and operational errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by validating and preparing configuration updates before applying them to the network. The automated discovery and verification processes check for potential conflicts and ensure compatibility of new configurations with existing network settings. This preliminary validation phase prevents colliding changes while maintaining rapid deployment through automated execution of verified updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A system periodically retrieves roaming network updates associated with at least one mobile network operator (MNO) using an application programming interface (API), and periodically ingests IR.21 information from cloud servers associated with the MNOs. The system retrieves configuration data for at least one network subsystem of a network. The system then performs an event-driven audit of the at least one network subsystem based on the ingested IR.21 information and queries the at least one network subsystem to determine discrepancies between a current network state and the IR.21 information. To rectify the discrepancies, the system determines a change to the network and maps the determined change with a network configuration table. According to the network configuration table, commands are automatically executed to apply the change and rectify the discrepancies. The network change enables user devices to roam on the network.