VoIP Network Element Management via Automated Data Collection

Solution Overview

Problem

VoIP communication systems in large enterprises present challenges in monitoring, diagnosing, and updating network elements due to their complex architecture and varied communication protocols, requiring technically skilled personnel and substantial time and cost for troubleshooting and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A processor-based apparatus that communicates with multiple network elements over a packet-switching network, querying and storing data from various elements, and allowing remote access and analysis to address system issues, using pre-programmed modules to simplify communication and data retrieval across different protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual querying and analysis of network elements is performed, then detailed system monitoring and diagnosis can be achieved, but substantial time and cost investment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem monitoring capabilityVSAvoidtroubleshooting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service monitoring and diagnosis through automated data collection from network elements. The processor automatically queries multiple network elements, retrieves status information, and generates reports without requiring manual intervention by technicians, thus achieving detailed monitoring while reducing time investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that acts as a mediator between network elements and technicians. This processor collects data from various network elements using different protocols, standardizes the information, and presents it in a unified format, eliminating the need for technicians to manually query each element with protocol-specific commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different communication protocols are used to query network elements, then comprehensive data can be obtained from diverse elements, but the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The processor is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols (FTP, SSH, Telnet, and proprietary interfaces) through a single unified system. This universal approach allows comprehensive data collection from diverse network elements while maintaining ease of operation, as the complexity of protocol-specific interactions is abstracted away from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that acts as a mediator between network elements and technicians. This processor collects data from various network elements using different protocols, standardizes the information, and presents it in a unified format, eliminating the need for technicians to manually query each element with protocol-specific commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If technically skilled personnel are deployed for network element management, then accurate diagnosis and updates can be performed, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service monitoring and diagnosis through automated data collection from network elements. The processor automatically queries multiple network elements, retrieves status information, and generates reports without requiring manual intervention by technicians, thus achieving detailed monitoring while reducing time investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback loops where the processor continuously monitors network elements, compares status against expected parameters, and generates diagnostic information. This automated feedback mechanism maintains high diagnosis accuracy while reducing the need for expensive technical personnel intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8203959B2Apparatus for remotely managing network elements of A VoIP communication system and an associated method and computer program product

Publication Date: 2012.06.19 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

An apparatus is provided for remotely managing various network elements of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication system. In general, an apparatus is described for communicating with different network elements of a VoIP communication system, receiving data from each network element, and storing the data. The apparatus includes a processor that communicates with different network elements of a VoIP communication system over a packet-switching network and queries the network elements for particular information. The processor receives and stores the data regarding each network element. In this way, data from multiple different network elements of a VoIP communication system may be remotely accessed and stored, and the data may be analyzed or manipulated to address system problems or monitor conditions of the system from the remote location. A method and computer program product are also provided for remotely managing various network elements of a VoIP communication system.