GB2440378A

GB2440378A - Generating and validating a sequence of network configuration change commands

Info

Publication number: GB2440378A
Application number: GB0614917A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tricia Balfe; Paul Behan; Michael Costello; David Garry; Pat Hourigan; Peter O'connor
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2006-07-26
Filing date: 2006-07-26
Publication date: 2008-01-30
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-26
Also published as: GB2440378B; GB0614917D0

Abstract

A network configuration apparatus for a network of a communication system receives a set of configuration change commands defining a desired network configuration. A configuration rule processor 205 retrieves a set of configuration change rules that define configuration change command sequences for the configuration change commands. A configuration processor 203 generates an output configuration change command sequence by determining configuration change command sequences for the configuration change commands in response to the configuration change rules. A validation processor 209 then retrieves a set of validation rules which define allowable network configuration changes and validates the output configuration change command sequence in response to these. The validation processor 209 may then reorder the change command sequence until it is valid. The validated command sequence is then communicated to the appropriate network element (s) by a network interface. The invention may facilitate and/or improve network (re) configuration.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR NETWORK CONFIGURATION

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for network configuration arid in particular, but not exclusively, for configuration of fixed networks of mobile cellular communication systems such as the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) and the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) mobile cellular communication systems.

:.:::. 15 Background of the Invention * S *5SS

Communication systems, such as cellular mobile communication * systems or data networks, are complex systems involving many ** different network elements which may be configured in many different ways. In order to ensure reliable performance and to exploit the available resource, it is important that the system is configured as optimally as practically possible.

Furthermore, as the current conditions change, for example due to changing communication conditions or the addition or removal of network elements, it is important to update the configuration dynamically.

However, reconfiguration of networks is often cumbersome, difficult, resource demanding and can result in suboptimal configurations. For example, network planners or operators may define an overall configuration change that they want to implement in a given network. However, the network elements often impose many restrictions on how the configuration changes may be applied to the network elements and/or which configuration changes may be implemented. For example, the changes may need to be ordered in a particular way.

Furthermore, the restrictions on the configuration changes may depend on the current configuration or state of the individual network element or of other network elements. In addition, changes to the configurations of the network element may result in service outages or other operational impacts.

Accordingly, in order to implement a configuration change to a network, the network operator must organize the individual * configuration changes taking into account all the restrictions and impacts associated with the current, **.* transitional and final configurations. This results in a very cumbersome and difficult approach with low reliability.

* Furthermore, it requires that the operator generates a very S..

detailed configuration plan which in detail specifies each individual configuration change such that no conflicts * S * . . occur. * S.

Hence, an improved system for configuration of a network would be advantageous and in particular a system allowing increased flexibility, reduced complexity, facilitated configuration, improved reliability, reduced operator input and/or improved performance would be advantageous.

Summary of the Invention

GEl 61 25EP Accordingly, the Invention seeks to preferably mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages singly or in any combination.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a network configuration apparatus for a network of a communication system, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving a set of configuration change commands defining a desired network configuration; means for retrieving a set of configuration change rules, the configuration change rules defining configuration change command sequences for at least some configuration change commands; sequence means for generating an output configuration change command sequence * by determining configuration change command sequences for configuration change commands of the set of configuration S...

change commands in response to the configuration change rules; means for retrieving a set of validation rules for network configuration changes, the set of validation rules defining allowable network configuration changes; validation means for validating the output configuration change command sequence in response to the set of validation rules; and means for communicating at least part of the output configuration change command sequence to at least one network element of the group of network elements.

The invention may facilitate and/or improve configuration (including reconfiguration) of a network. The network configuration apparatus may allow an operator to define a configuration change in terms of a simple set of configuration change commands which define the end configuration by defining basic configuration changes but without considering all restrictions and requirements CE161 25EP imposed by the network and the current configuration thereof. Furthermore, the operator may not need to consider each individual configuration change command or the sequence of these required to implement the desired reconfiguration.

Rather, the network configuration apparatus may automatically generate detailed configuration change command sequences that will ensure that the desired configuration is achieved while taking into account all the individual constraints, restrictions and requirements.

The network configuration apparatus may substantially facilitate and simplify the input required by an operator to specify a configuration change. A more reliable : configuration process and/or reconfigured network may be achieved. S...

S S *SS*

The configuration change commands may relate to one or more * configuration objects and/or to one or more network *5S elements. The means for communicating may be arranged to :.: ** 20 sequentially transmit each of the configuration change commands of the output configuration change command sequence to the network element associated with the configuration change command. The validation rules may specifically comprise rules which depend on a current configuration of the network.

According to an optional feature of the invention, the sequence means is arranged to sequentially replace a configuration change command of the set of configuration change commands by an associated configuration change command sequence defined for the configuration change command by the configuration change rules.

CE161 25EP This may allow a reliable, flexible and/or efficient implementation and/or operation of the network configuration apparatus. The associated configuration change command sequence for a configuration change command may comprise the configuration change command itself.

According to an optional feature of the invention, the sequence means is arranged to iteratively replace configuration change commands of the configuration change command sequences by further configuration change command sequences defined by the configuration change rules.

* ,* This may allow a reliable, flexible and/or efficient implementation and/or operation of the network configuration apparatus. In particular, it may allow an approach where a low complexity processing of configuration change commands can result in an output configuration change command sequence comprising specific configuration change command sequences that are ordered to achieve the desired . configuration changes. The sequence means may iterate until all configuration change commands of the output configuration change command sequence correspond to configuration change commands which cannot be replaced by further configuration change command sequences.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of network configuration for a network of a communication system, the method comprising: receiving a set of configuration change commands defining a desired network configuration; retrieving a set of configuration change rules, the configuration change rules defining CE161 25EP configuration change command sequences for at least some configuration change commands; generating an output configuration change command sequence by determining configuration change command sequences for configuration change commands of the set of configuration change commands in response to the configuration change rules; retrieving a set of validation rules defining allowable network configuration changes; validating the output configuration change command sequence in response to the set of validation rules; and communicating at least part of the output configuration change command sequence to at least one network element of the group of network elements.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

S I *5 *

S p..

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a fixed network for a cellular communication system; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration apparatus in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a method of network configuration in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and CE16125EP FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method of network configuration in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description of Some Embodiments of the Invention The following description focuses on embodiments of the invention applicable to a fixed network for a mobile cellular communication system and in particular to a GSM cellular communication system. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this application but may be applied to many other communication systems and networks. I..

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a fixed network for a GSM cellular communication system. The system comprises a core network 101 which can include network elements such as Mobile Switching Centres (MSCs), Home Location Registers (HLRS), Serving GPRS Support Nodes (SGSN) and Gateway GPRS Support Nodes (GGSN) etc as will be well known to the person skilled in the art. The core network 101 is furthermore coupled to network elements of one or more Radio Access Networks (RANS). FIG. 1 specifically illustrates the core network 101 being coupled to two Base Station Controllers (BSCs) 103, 105 each of which is shown coupled to a base station 107, 109. However, it will be appreciated that in a practical system the core network 101 is typically coupled to a large number of RAN network elements and that each BSC is typically coupled to a plurality of base stations 107, 109.

CE16125EP The system of FIG. 1furthermore comprises a configuration controller 111 which is responsible for implementing new configurations in the network. The configuration controller 111 can reconfigure individual network elements or a group of network elements including both network elements of the core network 101 and of the RAN(s).

The configuration controller 111 receives input data describing the overall desired reconfiguration and from this it automatically generates the detailed configuration change commands which are required to implement the reconfiguration taking into account the restrictions, constraints and requirements which are imposed by the different network elements and the current (and intermediate) network configurations. Specifically, the reconfigurations may have to be performed in a specific order and the configuration * controller 111 automatically generates a configuration change command sequence which meets such requirements.

As an example, a new frequency plan may be desired in an area of the communication system and the configuration controller 111 may control the reconfiguration of the involved network elements to implement the new frequency plan. The input data to the configuration controller 111 may in many embodiments be generated manually or semi-manually by a network operator.

The configuration controller 111 implements an algorithm which enables it to determine what exact configuration changes are required to be applied to each individual CEI6125EP network element in order to achieve the specified configuration changes to the network elements.

For example, in order to change parameter A of a network element, it may be necessary to first lock a configuration object on the network element, then change the parameter, and lastly unlock the configuration object on the network element. The configuration controller 111 can receive input data merely indicating that parameter A should be changed and can in response automatically determine that this requires a sequence of commands which it can further proceed to generate.

:,:::. The approach is based on a set of configuration change rules * .** 15 which define what must happen in order to effect the particular configuration change. Furthermore, the approach : implements a set of validity rules to check that the *** * resulting command sequence does not result in any conflicts : or erroneous behavior. In the example, the approach involves *:*. 20 further reordering of the command sequence until all validity rules are passed.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration controller 111 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

The configuration controller 111 comprises a configuration input processor 201 which receives the input data defining the configuration change. In particular, the input data comprises a list of configuration change commands which specify the final configuration.

CE16125EP The configuration input processor 201 is coupled to a configuration processor 203 which is furthermore coupled to a configuration rule processor 205. The configuration rule processor 205 is coupled to a configuration rule store 207 which stores a number of configuration change rules. The configuration change rules specify a number of restrictions and requirements associated with the different configuration change commands. The rules furthermore specify command sequences that may ensure that these requirements are met.

Specifically, the configuration change rules can specify that a change command for a network element can only be applied if that network element is in a given state. The :.:::. rules can then specify that if the network element is not in 15 this state, a sequence of change commands should be generated which first puts the network element in the S...

required state, then changes the parameter and finally S..

* returns the network element to the original state. * . * . S

The configuration processor 203 is arranged to generate an output configuration change command sequence which can be applied directly to the network elements. The configuration processor 203 achieves this by stepping through each change command of the received input data, and for each command requesting appropriate configuration change rules from the configuration rule processor 205. The configuration rule processor 205 identifies and retrieves the required rules from the configuration rule store 207 and feeds these to the configuration processor 203. The configuration processor 203 then evaluates the rules and if required it replaces the change command with a sequence of change commands specified by the configuration change rules.

CE16125EP As a specific example, a configuration change rule may specify that in order to change a frequency of a base station cell, the base station cell must be locked and a neighbour list must be updated. When evaluating a change command to change the frequency of a base station cell, the configuration processor 203 first evaluates whether the base station cell is locked. If not, it proceeds to include a lock cell command prior to the frequency change command and an unlock cell command after the frequency change command.

In addition, it detects if the neighbour list is empty. If not it proceeds to include an empty neighbour list command prior to the frequency change command and a rebuild neighbour list command after the frequency change command. *

15 Thus, the network planner may simply input a command reflecting that the frequency of the base station cell should be changed and taking into account the current S..

* configuration and conditions, the configuration processor 203 automatically generates an ordered sequence of change commands which are required to achieve the frequency change.

The configuration processor 203 is coupled to a validation processor 209 which is further coupled to a validation rule store 211. The validation rule store 211 comprises a number of validation rules which for each configuration change command specifies the requirements that must be met for this to be valid. The validation processor 209 sequentially evaluates each command of the output command sequence of the configuration processor 203, checks if all commands are valid and allowable at the time they are carried out. In the example, it furthermore corrects the command sequence by CE16125EP reordering the commands until all commands are valid and allowable at the time they are carried out.

In the specific example, the validation processor 209 is furthermore coupled to a network configuration model 213 which is a model of the configuration of the model and which allows the actual configuration of the network at the time of the command to be determined and thus allows the validity check to take the exact configuration into account.

Thus, the validation processor 209 ensures that there are no commands in the output command sequence which are in conflict with other commands or which cannot be carried out at the time the command is included in the sequence. This *,* 15 ensures that any conflicts introduced by the sequential and individual expansion of the input commands to change command sequences by the configuration processor 203 are detected and corrected. * * * * * *** *

*:*. 20 In the example of FIG. 2, the validation processor 209 is coupled to an optional impact processor 215 which is capable of evaluating the impact of the configuration change and specifically can evaluate the temporary operational impact of the transition to the desired configuration.

In some embodiments, the impact processor 215 is coupled to a network statistics processor 219 which can provide performance statistics which can be used to determine the operational impact. The impact processor 215 can further be coupled to a user interface 221 through which the determined operational impact can be presented to an operator of the configuration controller 111. The user interface 221 may CE16I25EP also be able to receive a user input and specifically it may allow the user to continue or abandon the network re-configuration based on the operational impact.

If the operator continues the reconfiguration, the validated output command sequence is fed to a network interface 217 which interfaces to the core network 101. The network interface 217 proceeds to transmit the ordered sequence of configuration change commands to the appropriate network elements to effect the configuration change.

The exemplary operation of the configuration controller 111 will be described in more detail in the following with reference to the method illustrated in FIG. 3. * .

*:::: The configuration controller 111 operates on configuration * objects. Each configuration object is a collection of S..

* characteristics and parameters for one or more network elements. For example, a configuration object may correspond to a single network element or a single network element may be represented by a plurality of configuration objects.

The method initiates in step 301 wherein the configuration input processor 201 receives the input configuration change commands. These commands may for example be provided as a sequential list of commands.

Step 301 is followed by step 303 wherein the configuration input processor 201 validates the received list to ensure that the end configuration defined by the commands is a valid configuration. The configuration input processor 201 rejects the received list if the end configuration is not CE16125EP valid. The validation may be a part validation and may specifically ignore commands which may be invalid but which can be corrected by the actions of the configuration processor 203 when applying the configuration rules.

Step 303 is followed by step 305 wherein the received configuration change commands are reordered in accordance with a preferential order.

Specifically the configuration controller 111 performs a first pass reordering of the configuration change commands such that the network elements will apply delete operations first, then create operations, then modify operations and :,:::. finally will apply operations related to an operational * *** 15 state of the network element/configuration object. This in effect results in splitting the list of change commands into different sections, i.e. a delete section, a create section, a modify section and a state related operations section. * S S. *

Furthermore, based on this ordered list of change commands, the configuration controller 111 further reorders the contents of the delete, create, modify and state sections according to a network element specific provisioning hierarchy. The provisioning hierarchy reflects the order in which the network element configuration objects are generally configured. For example, subracks will generally be configured before boards, and cells will generally be configured before neighbours.

The create and modify sections follow the provisioning hierarchy order. The delete section is given the opposite ordering. For example, boards are generally deleted before CE16125EP the subracks are deleted. For the state section, the operations can be in the order they were received.

Ordering the commands in this way may facilitate the process and can in particular reduce the chance of conflicts between the commands. It may also provide a more efficient command sequence. For example, it may reduce the probability of first modifying parameters of a configuration object which is later deleted.

Step 305 is followed by step 307 wherein the configuration rule processor 205 retrieves the configuration change rules from the configuration rule store 207. * ** * * * *e** *** S

*,, 15 Step 307 is followed by step 309 wherein the configuration processor 203 proceeds to generate the output command sequence based on the ordered list of input change commands S..

* and the corresponding configuration change rules. %.. *

Specifically, as previously mentioned the configuration processor 203 steps through each command of the ordered list of input change commands and replaces the commands by a sequence of commands determined from the configuration change rules. It will be appreciated that the command sequence which replaces a given command may include the command itself.

Specific examples of suitable configuration change rules and corresponding command sequences will be described later.

In some embodiments, the configuration processor 203 may process the command sequence in several iterations.

CE1 61 25EP Specifically, in the first iteration, the input commands may be replaced by command sequences as appropriate. In the second iteration, the configuration processor 203 may step through the expanded sequence and expand any appropriate commands which were introduced by the first operation. Thus, the system may progressively expand the command sequence until all commands are commands at the lowest level where no further expansion is appropriate or required.

Thus, the configuration processor 203 not only applies the configuration change rules to the initial commands but also applies the rules to the commands introduced by the : application of the configuration change rules themselves. S.. S...

15 Step 309 is followed by step 311 wherein the validation processor 209 retrieves the validation rules from the validation rule store 211. S..

S

Step 311 is followed by step 313 wherein the validation ** 20 processor 209 validates the change command sequence in response to the set of validation rules.

Specifically, the validation processor 209 sequentially steps through each command and applies the validation rules to the commands. If no commands are found to contradict the validation rules, the command sequence is considered valid and ready for distribution to the network elements.

An example of a validation rule is a requirement reflecting that, for a specific parameter change to be implemented by a specific network element, it is necessary for the parameter to be less than a value derived from the value of other CE1 61 25EP parameters on the network element. Thus, if the validation processor detects a change command to which this rule applies, and the parameter value after the change command is not less than the value derived from the value of other parameters on the network element, the validation processor 209 considers the command invalid.

In the specific example of FIG. 2, the configuration controller 111 implements a network configuration model 213 which is used to validate the change commands. Specifically, the configuration controller 111 can generate a network configuration model 213 which represents the configuration : of all the network elements which are being managed. S...

.... 15 Initially, the network configuration model 213 is setup to represent the original configuration of the network. The * validation processor 209 then proceeds to sequentially S..

consider each change command of the command sequence. For each command, the corresponding change is applied to the network configuration model and it is determined if the validation rules are met. Furthermore, as the commands are applied to the network configuration model 213 in the same sequence as they will be applied to the network, the network configuration model 213 is continually updated to represent the actual configuration for each command. Thus, when determining if a network element parameter that is being changed by a configuration command will be less than a value derived from the value of other parameters on the network element, the network configuration model 213 will reflect the values of the other parameters after the previous change commands have been applied.

CE16125EP In the specific example, a change command which fails the validation check is not simply deleted or the entire command sequence declared as invalid. Rather, the validation processor 209 removes the command and enters it into a list of pending commands. When the validation processor 209 has finished checking the command sequence, the list of pending commands is appended to the end of the command sequence which is then validated. The validation may include the entire sequence or only the appended commands.

Thus, the validation processor 209 automatically moves invalid commands to the end of the command sequence. In many cases, the command may be invalid due to the intermediate configuration not being appropriate for the specific 15 command. However, by moving the command to the end of the sequence, it is highly likely that the command will be valid for the end configuration and that the command therefore can be included in a valid command sequence. If the command is not valid still, it will be moved once more. This reordering will continue until all commands are valid. Because of step 303 that ensured that the end configuration is valid, it is guaranteed that a valid sequence will eventually be found.

Thus, the validation processor 209 may iteratively validate the change commands by initially moving invalid commands to the end of the sequence and then re-validating the command.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for validatingthe command sequence in accordance with such an approach.

CE1 61 25EP Step 313 is followed by step 315 wherein the optional impact processor 215 proceeds to determine an operational impact of the reconfiguration of the network.

For example, the impact processor 215 can step through the command sequence and evaluate how often and for how long the individual carriers of the base stations are unavailable.

For example, each time a network element supporting a given base station or carrier is locked, this carrier may not be available for air interface communications of the base station. The impact processor 215 can for example determine simplified characteristics such as a total carrier down time * which indicates the total temporary air interface capacity loss resulting from the reconfiguration process. **** * *

In the example, Step 315 is followed by step 317 wherein the operational impact is correlated with operational characteristics for the network to generate impact information which more closely reflects the actual impact on 20 the network which will be experienced.

Specifically, the network statistics processor 219 can collate statistics for the cellular communication system during normal use. This statistical data can then be applied to the impact processor 215 which can take this into account when determining the impact.

For example, the statistics processor 219 can monitor the loading of the individual base stations during normal operation. Typically, the loading of different base stations vary significantly with time and the distribution of the current loading between different base stations can also CE1 61 25EP vary substantially. Therefore, in some situations the impact of locking a base station may be relatively minor whereas it may at other times be critical.

The impact processor 215 can reflect this criticality when determining the impact of the reconfiguration. For example, when it detects that a base station is temporarily locked, it can correlate this with the statistical data to determine the criticality of the locking. As a specific example, when a cell is locked, the impact processor can determine the traffic typically supported at this time and can thereby determine the amount of traffic that will be dropped due to : the reconfiguration. The impact processor 215 can accumulate the values for each cell lock of the reconfiguration to ... 15 determine a simple indication of the total amount of traffic *:::: being dropped or lost from the implementation of the * reconfiguration. S..

Step 317 is followed by step 319 wherein the determined ** 20 operational impact can be presented to a user via the user interface 221. The user may then terminate the reconfiguration or command the configuration controller 111 to proceed with the reconfiguration.

In the latter case, step 319 is followed by step 321 wherein the output command sequence is communicated to the appropriate network elements thereby implementing the reconfiguration of the network element.

The described configuration controller 111 can provide a number of advantages. Specifically, it allows network planners to define a simple set of configuration changes CE1 61 25EP which are then automatically translated into specific command sequences taking into account all the interactions and requirements of the individual network elements. Thus, the configuration controller ill can determine the impact to the network of making the required changes as well as determining how to successfully apply these changes to the network elements. The described approach can provide a simplified interface to the end-user, or to other systems, that will allow them to specify a net configuration change without requiring them to specify the exact and detailed configuration changes that are required to achieve the reconfiguration.

In the following, various examples of suitable configuration I...

15 change rules will be described. S... * S.

In accordance with one exemplary configuration change rule, S..

the configuration processor 203 may determine if the current change command relates to modifying a characteristic of a first configuration object which requires deletion of the first configuration object. For example, for some objects, it is not possible to merely modify a given parameter value without first deleting the object and then initialising this with the correct parameter value. In this case, the command may be replaced by a sequence comprising: a delete first configuration object configuration change command; and a create first configuration object configuration change command.

CE16125EP The create first configuration object configuration change command furthermore comprises the desired value for the parameter.

Thus, in this example, the configuration change rules specify attributes which have a Read-Create property associated with them such that the modification can only be achieved by a delete and create sequence. This caters for the situation when a change is required to an attribute but the only way to make the change is by deleting the object and recreating it with the new configuration. This may for example be necessary due to restrictions and reliability : safe guards implemented in the individual network element.

15 If the configuration processor 203 determines that a modify command is related to such an attribute it replaces the * command with the delete and create operation for the same *** related object so that the object will be deleted and subsequently recreated. ** * * * * * **

The delete of an object may also have knock on effects, for example its children will also need to be deleted.

For example, to delete an object A with Read-Create attributes and children B and C, all three objects must be temporarily deleted. The command to delete object A can automatically result in the deletion of object B and C in the network element(s). However, when creating the objects it is typically necessary to explicitly generate objects B and C individually. The following sequence of commands illustrates what the configuration processor 203 may replace GEl 61 25EP the original command to modify the parameter of object A with: Delete A Create A Create A.B Create A.C The configuration processor 203 can recursively run through the rules and child deletes triggered by the initial delete to recreate all deleted objects.

In accordance with another exemplary configuration change * rule, the configuration processor 203 may determine if the current change command relates to modifying a characteristic * S..

of a first configuration object which requires another configuration object to be empty. For example, to change a cell frequency for one base station, it may be necessary to empty the cell neighbour list. In this case, the command may be replaced by a sequence comprising: , *, 20 an empty second configuration object configuration change command; a modify first configuration object configuration change command; and a create second configuration object configuration change command.

The create second configuration object may only be performed if the corresponding object exists in the desired configuration. The emptying of the second configuration object can specifically correspond to removing the second configuration object.

CE16125EP Thus, the configuration processor 203 can check that the current command relates to a change for which the validation rules specify that a related or contained object does not exist or is empty when the change is being executed, and will ensure that this is the case.

A specific example of when this could apply is when the operator wishes to change the frequency of a cell and the cell has neighbour cell relations. The neighbour cell relations must be deleted to allow the change to be made.

The configuration processor 203 accordingly adds a delete and create operation pair to the sequence of commands for each related object. * ..*

Thus the configuration change rule will delete an object and recreate the object later. The deletion of the object may * result in children of the object being deleted and the e.

configuration processor 203 may in this case proceed to recreate all the objects which are automatically deleted.

*:*. 20 The positioning of the delete commands can specifically be inserted immediately prior to the modify command which requires the deletion. The positioning of the create commands may be immediately after the modify command or may be later depending on the specific embodiment and scenario.

In accordance with another exemplary configuration change rule, the configuration processor 203 may determine if the current change command relates to modifying a characteristic of a first configuration object which requires a second configuration object to be in a given state. For example, to change a carrier frequency for one base station, it may be CE16125EP necessary to lock the carrier. In this case, the command may be replaced by a sequence comprising: a first set state of the second configuration object configuration change command; and a modify first configuration object configuration change command.

In addition the sequence may comprise a second set state of the second configuration object configuration change command to set the state to be the state in the desired configuration. This may specifically be performed if the second configuration object is not already in the desired : state. This command can typically reverse the effect of the first set state command. In this example, the first and S...

15 second configuration object may be the same configuration object. * .. SI *

S S..

S

The modify first configuration object configuration change command may be the original change command for the configuration object.

Thus, the configuration controller 111 can process the command sequence to determine configuration commands that have associated configuration change rules requiring certain objects to be in particular states for the change to be made. For such operations, the configuration processor 203 determines if the object is already in the correct state when the command is executed. If not, the configuration processor 203 automatically inserts a command entering the object into the correct state. This state command is inserted immediately before the configuration operation. If the configuration processor 203 determines that the GEl 61 25EP configuration object is already in the correct state, no additional commands are inserted.

Furthermore, the configuration processor 203 may insert a command which returns the configuration to the original state. This can in some embodiments be inserted immediately after the modify command but can in other embodiments be inserted later. Whether it will be inserted will depend on the final desired state of the configuration object.

In accordance with another exemplary configuration change rule, the configuration processor 203 may determine if the current change command relates to modifying a characteristic of a first configuration object which requires a second : *.. 15 configuration parameter to have a given value. For example, in some scenarios a given parameter value for a network S...

element requires another parameter to have a given value in S...

: order for the network element to function. In this case, the command may be replaced by a sequence comprising: * , 20 a set second configuration parameter configuration change command to set the second configuration parameter to * the given value; and a set first configuration parameter configuration change command to set the first configuration parameter to the desired value.

In addition the sequence may comprise a second set second configuration parameter configuration change command to set the second configuration parameter to its value in the desired configuration, if it does not already have that value. This command will typically change the value to its value before the first set command.

GEl 61 25EP Thus, the configuration change rules may specify that in order to set an attribute to a particular value, an additional command should be inserted which sets another attribute to a given value.

The setting of the second parameter may be changed back to the original value at a later stage depending on the specific requirements of the network element and the desired configuration.

In accordance with another exemplary configuration change rule, the configuration processor 203 may determine if the current change command relates to creating a first : .. 15 configuration object with a desired configuration parameter value that is different than the value the object will be created with. For example, in a typical system, network : elements are automatically initialised and configured with default values and it may not be possible to specify the * * 20 desired parameter value in the creation command. In this case, the command may be replaced by a sequence comprising: a create configuration change command to create the first configuration object with the configuration parameter having the default value; a set configuration parameter configuration change command to set the configuration parameter to the desired value.

Specifically, the configuration processor 203 can check if the command sequence comprises commands which create configuration objects but which have parameter values that CE16125EP cannot be included as arguments in a create command transmitted to a network element.

If such commands are found, the configuration processor 203 can replace them by a create command comprising only allowable parameter values (including no parameter values in some embodiments) followed by a modify command which modifies the parameter to the desired value.

It will be appreciated that the above description for clarity has described embodiments of the invention with reference to different functional units and processors.

However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units or processors may be used without detracting from the invention. For example, functionality illustrated to be S...

performed by separate processors or controllers may be S...

: performed by the same processor or controllers. Hence, S..

* references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

The invention can be implemented in any suitable form including hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these. The invention may optionally be implemented at least partly as computer software running on one or more data processors and/or digital signal processors. The elements and components of an embodiment of the invention may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of other CE16I25EP functional units. As such, the invention may be implemented in a single unit or may be physically and functionally distributed between different units and processors.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term comprising does not exclude the presence of other : .. 15 elements or steps. S... * . S...

Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of .. : means, elements or method steps may be implemented by e.g. a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Also the inclusion of a feature in one category of claims does not imply a limitation to this category but rather indicates that the feature is equally applicable to other claim categories as appropriate. Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any specific order in which the features must be worked and in particular the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in this order. Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order.

CE16125EP

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A network configuration apparatus for a network of a communication system, the network configuration apparatus comprising: means for receiving a set of configuration change commands defining a desired network configuration; means for retrieving a set of configuration change rules, the configuration change rules defining configuration change command sequences for at least some configuration change commands; sequence means for generating an output configuration change command sequence by determining configuration change command sequences for configuration change commands of the : .. 15 set of configuration change commands in response to the S..

configuration change rules; means for retrieving a set of validation rules defining .5.

** : allowable network configuration changes; validation means for validating the output configuration change command sequence in response to the set of validation rules; and means for communicating at least part of the output configuration change command sequence to at least one network element of the group of network elements.

2. The network configuration apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sequence means is arranged to sequentially replace a configuration change command of the set of configuration change commands by an associated configuration change command sequence defined for the configuration change command by the configuration change rules.

CE16125EP 3. The network configuration apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the sequence means is arranged to iteratively replace configuration change commands of the configuration change command sequences by further configuration change command sequences defined by the configuration change rules.

4. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the validation means is arranged to reorder the output configuration change command sequence until the output configuration change command sequence meets the set of validation rules.

5. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim further comprising means for ordering the set of configuration change commands in accordance with at least I...

one rule selected from the group of rules consisting of: S...

delete configuration change commands must precede create configuration change commands; delete configuration change commands must precede modify configuration change commands; ** * create configuration change commands must precede * *: modify configuration change commands; delete configuration change commands must precede state configuration change commands; create configuration change commands must precede state configuration change commands; and modify configuration change commands must precede state configuration change commands.

6. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim further comprising means for ordering the set of CE16125EP configuration change commands in response to a network hierarchy of the network.

7. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the validation means is arranged to determine a network configuration model for the network and to validate each configuration change command of the output configuration change command sequence by evaluating the impact of implementing the configuration change commands of the output configuration change command sequence in the network configuration model.

8. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim further comprising means for determining an ::::. 15 operational impact of the configuration change on the communication system in response to the output configuration change command sequence, and means for presenting the S...

: operational impact to a user. S'S

S

9. The network configuration apparatus of claim 8 wherein the operational impact includes an air interface capacity impact.

10. The network configuration apparatus of claim 8 or 9 further comprising means for determining an operational characteristic for the communication system and for further determining the operational impact in response to the operational characteristic.

11. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the validation means is arranged to iteratively validate the configuration change commands by in CE1 61 25EP a first iteration removing invalid configuration change commands from the output configuration change command sequence and in a second iteration appending the removed configuration change commands to the output configuration change command sequence and validating the resulting output configuration change command sequence.

12. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim further comprising means for validating the set of configuration change commands prior to generating the output configuration change command sequence.

13. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules ::. 15 comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration * *. change command for modifying a characteristic of a first configuration object for a network element requires deletion I** of the first configuration object, then a first S..

* configuration change command sequence for the given configuration change command comprises: *:*. a delete first configuration object configuration change command; and a create first configuration object configuration change command, the create first configuration object configuration change command comprising a modified value of the first characteristic.

14. The network configuration apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first configuration change command sequence further comprises configuration change commands for creating children configuration objects of the first configuration object.

CE16125EP 15. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration change command for modifying a characteristic of a first configuration object for a network element requires a second configuration object to be empty, then a first configuration change command sequence for the given configuration change command comprises: an empty second configuration object configuration change command; a modify first configuration object configuration change command; and a create second configuration object configuration change command. * ** * 15 S...

*. 16. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules *..

: comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration S..

* change command for modifying a characteristic of a first 20 configuration object of a network element requires a second *:*. configuration object to be in a given state, then a first configuration change command sequence for the given configuration change command comprises: a first set state of the second configuration object configuration change command; and a modify first configuration object configuration change command.

17. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration change command for modifying a first configuration parameter CE16125EP of a first configuration object of a network element requires a second configuration parameter to have a given value, then a first configuration change command sequence for the given configuration change command comprises: a set second configuration parameter configuration change command to set the second configuration parameter to the given value; and a set first configuration parameter configuration change command to set the first configuration parameter to a desired value.

18. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration ::::. 15 change command for creating a first configuration object for a network element requires a configuration parameter to have a default value different than a desired value, then a first configuration change command sequence for the given * configuration change command comprises: a create configuration change command to create the *:*. first configuration object with the configuration parameter having the default value; and a set configuration parameter configuration change command to set the configuration parameter to the desired value.

19. A method of network configuration for a network of a communication system, the method comprising: receiving a set of configuration change commands defining a desired network configuration; retrieving a set of configuration change rules, the configuration change rules defining configuration change CE1 61 25EP command sequences for at least some configuration change commands; generating an output configuration change command sequence by determining configuration change command sequences for configuration change commands of the set of configuration change commands in response to the configuration change rules; retrieving a set of validation rules defining allowable network configuration changes; validating the output configuration change command sequence in response to the set of validation rules; and communicating at least part of the output configuration change command sequence to at least one network element of the group of network elements. * S. * 15 S...

20. A computer program product enabling the carrying out of a method according to claim 19. S... * . . *5 * *.

S * S * S S S.. * S. S S *S

CE1 61 25EP 1O rP4E C4Il1S 4AVE BEEN FILED AS F- '..S: 1. A network configuration apparatus for a network of a communication system, the network configuration apparatus comprising: means for receiving a set of configuration change commands defining a desired network configuration; means for retrieving a set of configuration change rules, the configuration change rules defining configuration change command sequences for at least some configuration change commands; sequence means for generating an output configuration change command sequence by determining configuration change command sequences for configuration change commands of the set of configuration change commands in response to the configuration change rules, wherein the sequence means is arranged to iteratively replace configuration change commands of the configuration change command sequences by further configuration change command sequences defined by the configuration change rules; means for retrieving a set of validation rules defining allowable network configuration changes; validation means for validating the output configuration change command sequence in response to the set of validation rules; and means for communicating at least part of the output configuration change command sequence to at least one network element of the group of network elements.

GEl 61 25EP 3',
2. The network configuration apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sequence means is arranged to sequentially replace a configuration change command of the set of configuration change commands by an associated configuration change command sequence defined for the configuration change command by the configuration change rules.

3. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the validation means is arranged to reorder the output configuration change command sequence until the output configuration change command sequence meets the set of validation rules.

4. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim further comprising means for ordering the set of configuration change commands in accordance with at least one rule selected from the group of rules consisting of: delete configuration change commands must precede create configuration change commands; delete configuration change commands must precede modify configuration change commands; create configuration change commands must precede modify configuration change commands; delete configuration change commands must precede state configuration change commands; create configuration change commands must precede state configuration change commands; and modify configuration change commands must precede state configuration change commands.

5. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim further comprising means for ordering the set of CEI6125EP 3G\ configuration change commands in response to a network hierarchy of the network.

6. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the validation means is arranged to determine a network configuration model for the network and to validate each configuration change command of the output configuration change command sequence by evaluating the impact of implementing the configuration change commands of the output configuration change command sequence in the network configuration model.

7. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim further comprising means for determining an operational impact of the configuration change on the communication system in response to the output configuration change command sequence, and means for presenting the operational impact to a user.

8. The network configuration apparatus of claim 7 wherein the operational impact includes an air interface capacity impact.

9. The network configuration apparatus of claim 7 or 8 further comprising means for determining an operational characteristic for the communication system and for further determining the operational impact in response to the operational characteristic.

10. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the validation means is arranged to iteratively validate the configuration change commands by in CE16I25EP a first iteration removing invalid configuration change commands from the output configuration change command sequence and in a second iteration appending the removed configuration change commands to the output configuration change command sequence and validating the resulting output configuration change command sequence.

11. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim further comprising means for validating the set of configuration change commands prior to generating the output configuration change command sequence.

12. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration change command for modifying a characteristic of a first configuration object for a network element requires deletion of the first configuration object, then a first configuration change command sequence for the given configuration change command comprises: a delete first configuration object configuration change command; and a create first configuration object configuration change command, the create first configuration object configuration change command comprising a modified value of the first characteristic.

13. The network configuration apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first configuration change command sequence further comprises configuration change commands for creating children configuration objects of the first configuration object.

CE16125EP 14. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration change command for modifying a characteristic of a first configuration object for a network element requires a second configuration object to be empty, then a first configuration change command sequence for the given configuration change command comprises: an empty second configuration object configuration change command; a modify first configuration object configuration change command; and a create second configuration object configuration change command.

15. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration change command for modifying a characteristic of a first configuration object of a network element requires a second configuration object to be in a given state, then a first configuration change command sequence for the given configuration change command comprises: a first set state of the second configuration object configuration change command; and a modify first configuration object configuration change command.

16. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration CE16125EP change command for modifying a first configuration parameter of a first configuration object of a network element requires a second configuration parameter to have a given value, then a first configuration change command sequence for the given configuration change command comprises: a set second configuration parameter configuration change command to set the second configuration parameter to the given value; and a set first configuration parameter configuration change command to set the first configuration parameter to a desired value.

17. The network configuration apparatus of any previous claim wherein the set of configuration change rules comprises a rule defining that if a given configuration change command for creating a first configuration object for a network element requires a configuration parameter to have a default value different than a desired value, then a first configuration change command sequence for the given configuration change command comprises: a create configuration change command to create the first configuration object with the configuration parameter having the default value; and a set configuration parameter configuration change command to set the configuration parameter to the desired value.

18. A method of network configuration for a network of a communication system, the method comprising: receiving a set of configuration change commands defining a desired network configuration; CE16125EP retrieving a set of configuration change rules, the configuration change rules defining configuration change command sequences for at least some configuration change commands; generating an output configuration change command sequence by determining configuration change command sequences for configuration change commands of the set of configuration change commands in response to the configuration change rules, wherein the configuration change commands of the configuration change command sequences are iteratively replaced by further configuration change command sequences defined by the configuration change rules; retrieving a set of validation rules defining allowable network configuration changes; validating the output configuration change command sequence in response to the set of validation rules; and communicating at least part of the output configuration change command sequence to at least one network element of the group of network elements.

19. A computer program product enabling the carrying out of a method according to claim 18.

CE16125EP