Self-configuring Transport Network Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transport network provisioning and configuration in telecommunications networks are time-consuming and costly, requiring manual intervention despite some automated processes, as they lack self-configuring and self-optimizing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A network element with an inventory module and processor that interrogates and stores component characteristics, exchanges information with neighboring elements, and configures components autonomously using in-band signaling, eliminating the need for manual configuration and optimizing network operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual provisioning and configuration is performed for transport equipment, then configuration accuracy and reliability are improved, but provisioning time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network element performs self-provisioning and self-configuration by automatically discovering neighboring elements, collecting their configuration data, and configuring its own components based on received information. This eliminates manual configuration while maintaining reliability through automated consistency checks and validation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration data is collected and prepared in advance during the discovery phase before actual provisioning is needed. The inventory module gathers component characteristics and neighboring element configurations beforehand, so that when provisioning is required, the network element can be quickly activated using pre-prepared configuration data.
2Reliability
If manual configuration is performed for protection schemes and monitoring, then network reliability is improved, but operational expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network element automatically configures protection schemes and monitoring functions by receiving configuration data from neighboring elements and applying it to its components. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual configuration while ensuring that protection and monitoring are properly established through automated validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from neighboring elements to automatically determine appropriate protection schemes and monitoring configurations. Configuration data is exchanged between elements, and each element adjusts its own configuration based on received information, ensuring network-wide consistency and reliability without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If automated neighbor discovery and topology determination are implemented, then provisioning speed is improved, but configuration completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inventory module performs preliminary collection of component characteristics and configuration data during the discovery phase. By gathering all necessary information in advance from neighboring elements and storing it locally, the system ensures that complete configuration data is available before provisioning begins, preventing configuration omissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inventory module serves multiple functions: it discovers neighboring elements, collects their configuration data, stores component characteristics, and provides configuration information to the processor. This multi-functional approach ensures that a single comprehensive data collection process achieves both speed and completeness without requiring separate specialized procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of configuring a network element in a transport network comprising interrogating components of the network element about their characteristic and exchanging information on characteristics of the network element and its components with neighbouring network elements. The network element is configured based on the exchanged information.