Telecommunication Node Manager for Distributed Network Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunication networks face difficulties in managing distributed telecommunication functionalities across multiple network elements, as full management of these functionalities within a single node is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing a node split across multiple network elements, utilizing a communication ring with multiple links to couple nodes and a manager that provides a coherent view of the network elements, enabling effective management of telecommunication functionalities by identifying and managing nodes supported by two or more network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telecommunication functionalities are distributed across multiple network elements, then the system achieves greater flexibility and modular deployment, but the difficulty of managing these distributed functionalities within a single node increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manager as an intermediary component that provides a coherent view of multiple network elements from a single node. The manager acts as a mediator between the distributed network elements and the control plane, consolidating management functions and presenting a unified interface, thereby reducing management complexity while preserving functional distribution flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments management functions by separating the control plane (manager) from the data plane (network elements). This segmentation allows different components to operate independently at appropriate levels, enabling flexible functional distribution while maintaining centralized coordination through the manager, thus reducing overall management complexity
2Reliability
If a node contains multiple network elements, then the system can provide redundant functionality and improved reliability, but the difficulty of identifying and managing the node as a unified entity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the views of multiple network elements within a single node through the manager, which provides a coherent unified view. This merging allows the system to treat multiple redundant elements as a single manageable entity, maintaining reliability through redundancy while simplifying node identification and management operations
3Ease of operation
If telecommunication functionalities are contained in a single network element, then the management of the node is simplified and straightforward, but the system loses the ability to distribute functionalities across multiple elements for enhanced reliability and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by operating at two different dimensional levels: the manager provides a simplified single-node view for ease of operation, while underneath this abstraction layer, multiple network elements provide redundancy and distribution. This dimensional separation allows both management simplicity and system reliability to coexist
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunication network includes a communication ring having a plurality of nodes. The communication ring includes a plurality of links wherein each link interconnects one node to another node. Each node includes one or more network elements. Management functions for the nodes, the communication ring, the links, and the network elements are provided by a manager. The manager can discover and define the nodes, the links, and the communication ring and establish more than one network element at a node. The manager provides a coherent view of the telecommunication network despite a node being supported by more than one network element.