Synchronized Timer Network Command Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunication networks, the timing differences (command skew) when sending network commands to multiple devices can lead to unreliable results and resource contention due to simultaneous execution requirements and repeated commands for system updates.
Innovation Solution
A method using synchronized timers across devices to execute network commands at predetermined times, ensuring all devices execute commands simultaneously and report results staggered to avoid resource congestion, by determining time-to-execute and time-to-report values based on current timer values and network delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network commands are sent to multiple receiving devices simultaneously, then network management operations can be performed across multiple devices, but command skew causes unreliable execution results due to timing differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by including a time-of-execution indicator in the command message before transmission. This allows receiving devices to pre-process the command and schedule its execution at the precise intended time, eliminating command skew effects. The OSS sends the command with embedded timing information, and each NE executes it at the specified time rather than immediately upon receipt, ensuring simultaneous execution across all devices.
2Measurement precision
If commands are repeatedly sent to multiple NEs for frequent updates, then system attributes can be kept current, but resource contention increases due to simultaneous response transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by including a time-of-reporting indicator in the command message that specifies when responses should be transmitted. This allows the OSS to schedule response collection at optimal times, preventing resource contention. The NEs hold their responses until the specified time, at which point they transmit simultaneously or in a controlled sequence, rather than immediately upon command completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by establishing a controlled response mechanism where the OSS specifies both when commands should be executed and when responses should be reported. This creates a feedback loop with timing control, allowing the OSS to manage resource contention by coordinating response times from multiple NEs, rather than allowing uncontrolled simultaneous responses.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for executing a network command using synchronized timers. The method includes obtaining, by a first device, a first current time value from a first timer of the first device, determining, by the first device, a time-to-execute value based on the first current time value, sending, from the first device to a second device, a first network command message including the network command and the time-to-execute value, repetitively obtaining, by the second device, a second current time value from a second timer of the second device, comparing, by the second device and in response to receiving the first network command message, the second current time value to the time-to-execute value extracted from the first network command message, and executing, by the second device and in response to the second current time value matching the time-to-execute value, the network command, wherein the first timer and the second timer are synchronized.