XML over TCP Management Protocol with Tunneled Proxy Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management protocols, such as those using TCP/IP and TL-1, are inefficient and unwieldy, requiring static port configurations and dedicated connections for each network element, which are prone to errors and not scalable, especially in large communication networks with many concatenated network elements.
Innovation Solution
An XML-based management protocol running over TCP, utilizing an XML Agent on each network element for tunneled proxy support and connection management, which allows for dynamic delegation of proxy services from Gateway Network Elements to Subtending Network Elements, optimizing connections and eliminating the need for extensive configuration at the Element Management System or intermediate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static port configuration and dedicated connections are used for each network element, then reliable communication is established, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Gateway Network Element (GNE) as an intermediary that centralizes the management of connections to multiple Subtending Network Elements (SNEs). The GNE maintains port configuration mappings and relays management traffic, eliminating the need for the EMS to establish and manage separate dedicated connections to each SNE. This intermediary approach maintains communication reliability while significantly reducing configuration complexity at the EMS and other network elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The GNE performs multiple functions: it acts as a proxy for multiple SNEs, maintains port configuration mappings, relays management traffic, and provides authentication services. By consolidating these functions in a single network element, the system reduces overall device complexity and configuration requirements compared to having each EMS manage separate connections to each SNE.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated connections are maintained for each network element, then management control is precise, but the system becomes unwieldy and non-scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated connections into a single connection between the EMS and the GNE. The GNE then handles communication with multiple SNEs through this single connection, using port configuration mappings to route traffic appropriately. This merging approach maintains precise management control while enabling the system to scale to accommodate numerous network elements without becoming unwieldy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of abstraction by implementing virtual channels or ports within the single EMS-GNE connection. Instead of multiplying physical connections, the system creates logical channels through port configuration, allowing multiple SNEs to be managed through one connection while maintaining individualized control. This dimensional shift from physical to logical connectivity enables scalability.
3Ease of manufacture
If port assignment is configured and maintained by network administrator, then connections can be established, but errors are prone and updates require coordinated configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The GNE performs self-service by automatically maintaining port configuration mappings and managing connection routing. Instead of requiring network administrators to manually configure and update port assignments across multiple devices, the GNE autonomously manages its port mappings and handles the complexity of coordinating configurations. This self-service approach reduces human error and eliminates the need for coordinated configuration updates across multiple network elements.
4Ease of operation
If each SNE device requires separate dedicated connection to EMS, then direct management is achieved, but the number of connections increases unwieldily
Solution Approach 1:
The GNE serves as an intermediary that enables the EMS to manage multiple SNEs through a single connection. The GNE receives management traffic from the EMS, consults its port configuration mappings, and relays the traffic to the appropriate SNE. This intermediary approach maintains the ability to directly manage individual SNEs while reducing the number of connections from the EMS from N (number of SNEs) to just 1.
Data Source
AI summary
Network elements, which are network nodes in a transmission network, implement a proprietary XML agent which supports an XML over TCP network management protocol. The protocol permits tunneling of proxy management traffic, with connection management support, to a privately addressed subtending network element. This tunneling is performed via a publicly addressable gateway network element device without the need for configuration at the element management system software application relative to the subtending network element.