SON Controller Priority Lock for Parameter Conflict Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Self Organizing Network (SON) systems, simultaneous execution of multiple automation processes can lead to system instability due to conflicts over configuration parameter updates, particularly when different processes operate across varying time frames, causing parameter adjustments to become endless loops or system instability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a process priority and parameter setting conflict resolution scheme that locks common parameters to the higher priority application, preventing lower priority applications from updating until the higher priority application terminates, and using separate databases for current and master records to manage parameter changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple SON applications execute simultaneously to optimize network performance, then network optimization capability is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to parameter conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a parameter lock mechanism as an intermediary control system. When multiple SON applications attempt to modify the same network parameter simultaneously, the lock mechanism mediates access by allowing only one application to modify the parameter at a time, preventing conflicts while enabling parallel optimization processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts application priorities and parameter lock states based on real-time conditions. The network controller can change which application has priority access to specific parameters depending on network state, allowing flexible coordination between multiple optimization processes without fixed hierarchical constraints
2Reliability
If higher priority applications lock parameters to prevent conflicts, then system stability is improved, but lower priority applications experience delays in parameter updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic priority reversal where parameter locks are released and re-granted in alternating cycles between competing applications. This allows each application to periodically update its parameters without permanent blocking, reducing overall delay while maintaining stability through structured access control
Solution Approach 2:
Applications perform preliminary parameter updates in their priority time slots before conflicts occur. By preparing parameter changes in advance during periods when they have lock access, applications minimize the impact of delays on overall network optimization performance
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for managing multiple processes simultaneously in a communications network includes running a first application controlling a parameter of a network element, launching a second application, comparing a priority of the first application to a priority of the second application to determine a higher priority application and a lower priority application, determining a common parameter affected by the first application and the second application, writing data from the higher priority application to a current record, writing data from the lower priority application to a master record, and updating the common parameter based on the data written by the higher priority application to the current record.