Telecom Network Parameter Change Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of updating parameters in network elements within a telecommunication network is inefficient and prone to human error, especially when dealing with numerous elements, which can lead to conflicts and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A planned event protocol system that automates the parameter change process by using a graphical user interface to input, review, and authorize changes, allowing for scheduled implementation through an entity management system, reducing the risk of errors and conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual parameter changes are performed by field technicians at network element locations, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption increases and human error risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of field technicians physically accessing network elements with an automated software-based system. The automated parameter change system uses software interfaces and network protocols to remotely configure network elements, eliminating the need for physical field visits and manual operations, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining operational flexibility through automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the network management system automatically executes parameter changes without requiring human intervention at each step. The automated parameter change system can independently select target network elements, retrieve configuration parameters, validate changes, and apply modifications through automated workflows, transforming the manual service process into an autonomous system that manages itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual parameter changes are performed by field technicians, then adaptability to specific site conditions is maintained, but the risk of human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated parameter change system incorporates multiple validation feedback mechanisms before executing parameter changes. The system validates selected network elements against predefined criteria, checks parameter compatibility, verifies authorization levels, and provides real-time feedback on potential conflicts or issues. This feedback loop ensures that only appropriate changes are executed, reducing human error while maintaining adaptability through intelligent validation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-validating and pre-checking parameters before actual parameter changes are executed. The automated parameter change system retrieves and validates configuration parameters in advance, checks for conflicts with other network elements, verifies authorization permissions, and prepares execution plans beforehand. This preliminary action phase identifies and prevents potential errors before they occur, maintaining reliability while preserving site-specific adaptability through pre-configured validation rules.
3Ease of operation
If parameters are changed on multiple network elements manually, then flexibility in prioritization is maintained, but conflict risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated parameter change system performs preliminary actions by validating all selected network elements and parameters before execution. The system checks for conflicts between simultaneous changes, verifies authorization levels for each target element, and ensures parameter compatibility in advance. This preliminary validation phase prevents conflicts from occurring during execution, maintaining reliability while preserving prioritization flexibility through configurable execution sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the parameter change process and provide real-time validation. Before executing changes, the system feedback-validates the selected network elements against current network state, checks for potential conflicts with other active changes, and provides authorization feedback. During execution, the system monitors for conflicts and can pause or adjust operations accordingly, preventing conflicts while maintaining operational flexibility through controlled execution workflows.
4Productivity
If automated parameter changes are implemented, then time efficiency improves and human error reduces, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated parameter change system is segmented into distinct functional modules: network element selection module, parameter retrieval module, validation module, authorization module, and execution module. Each module performs a specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable through modular architecture. The segmentation allows the system to handle complexity by breaking down the automated parameter change process into discrete, manageable steps that can be developed, tested, and maintained separately.
5Device complexity
If manual field technician maintenance is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but resource wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated parameter change system enables self-service operation where the network management system autonomously performs maintenance tasks without requiring field technician resources. The system automatically selects target network elements, retrieves appropriate parameters, validates changes, obtains authorization, and executes parameter modifications through automated workflows. This self-service capability eliminates the need for physical field visits, reducing resource wastage while maintaining operational simplicity through automated standard procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical field technician maintenance process with an automated software-based system that performs the same functions electronically. The automated parameter change system uses software interfaces, network protocols, and automated workflows to configure network elements remotely, substituting the mechanical process of physical access and manual configuration with digital automation. This substitution eliminates resource wastage associated with field visits while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized automated procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for creating/initiating a planned event protocol in a configuration manager to implement a parameter change on a network element within a telecommunication network. The planned event protocol is created by a user providing information in a plurality of data fields. Some of these data fields include a network element identifier and a parameter identifier, and the actual network element is updated by updating the parameter which is commanded by an entity management system in communication with the configuration manager. The planned event protocol is reviewed to ensure the information entered into the planned event protocol is correct. The planned event protocol is implemented on a network element(s) resulting in a parameter change of the physical network element within a domain, such that the parameter change impacts user devices, and the service/coverage the user device is able to receive in the domain.