KR20240043293A - Method and device for verifying configuration settings of network equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for verifying configuration settings of network equipment is disclosed. The method for verifying the config settings of network equipment according to the present invention includes setting a query schedule for the config settings using query condition information, and based on the query schedule, determining the config settings among the devices constituting the 5G network. transmitting a config query command to one or more devices that are the subject of inquiry, receiving config settings from the one or more devices and storing them in a database, and using the config settings stored in the database to set the config settings of the device. Determining at least one of a change and a configuration setting error, and determining at least one of whether a configuration setting value of the device is changed and a configuration setting error includes determining at least one of a change in the configuration setting value of the device and a configuration setting error of the same type of device constituting the same network slice. It includes a step of comparing the configuration settings of the devices and determining a device with different configuration settings as the device in which a configuration error occurred.

Description

Method and device for verifying configuration settings of network equipment {METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VERIFYING CONFIGURATION SETTINGS OF NETWORK EQUIPMENT}

The present invention relates to a method and device for verifying configuration settings of network equipment, which can determine which device has a configuration error by comparing the configuration settings of devices with the same function.

The 5G network is divided into the RAN (Radio Access Network) part, which deals with radio access network (E-UTRAN) related technologies, and the EPC (Evolved Packet Core) part, which deals with core network related technologies. RAN and EPC are integrated and defined as EPS (Evolved Packet System).

The EPC of the 5G network includes various equipment (functions) to control the network and terminals. And in order to provide nationwide 5G low-latency mobile communication services, equipment that processes subscribers' data traffic is distributed and operated in various communication centers across the country.

Configuration settings of devices are frequently updated according to network infrastructure tasks, addition or deletion of network slices, and network slice policy changes. And the work of updating the configuration settings is done manually by equipment operators at each local communication center by connecting to the equipment they are responsible for. However, there are differences in understanding or skill level of the equipment for each equipment operator, differences in config design methods, and problems such as incorrect input during work may occur.

Therefore, the configuration settings of network equipment may vary for each communication center (or for each equipment handled by different equipment operators within the communication center), which increases the complexity of network equipment operation tasks, inefficient use of resources, and large-scale failures. It causes an increase in the risk of occurrence.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for verifying the configuration settings of network equipment, which can determine the device in which a configuration error occurred by comparing the configuration settings of devices with the same function, and This is to provide a device.

The method for verifying the config settings of network equipment according to the present invention includes setting a query schedule for the config settings using query condition information, and based on the query schedule, determining the config settings among the devices constituting the 5G network. transmitting a config query command to one or more devices that are the subject of inquiry, receiving config settings from the one or more devices and storing them in a database, and using the config settings stored in the database to set the config settings of the device. Determining at least one of whether to change and a configuration setting error; and determining at least one of whether to change the configuration setting value of the device and a configuration setting error includes determining at least one of the configuration setting error of the same type constituting the same network slice. It includes the step of comparing the configuration settings of the devices with each other and determining the device with different configuration settings as the device in which the configuration error occurred.

In this case, the same type of equipment may be UPF equipment or SMF equipment.

Meanwhile, the configuration settings of the device may be changed according to at least one of addition of a network slice, deletion of a network slice, and change of a network slice policy.

Meanwhile, the step of transmitting a config query command to the one or more devices, receiving the config settings from the one or more devices, and storing them in the database involves setting the config at a regular interval for devices of the same type constituting the same network slice. The step of receiving values and storing them in the database, and determining a device with a different configuration setting value as a device in which a configuration error has occurred, involves comparing the latest configuration settings stored in the database at the same period as the regular period. It is possible to detect equipment with configuration settings errors.

Meanwhile, the step of receiving the config settings from the one or more devices and storing them in a database includes receiving a query result containing the config settings from the one or more devices, and configuring other devices with the config settings. The step of determining a device in which a configuration error has occurred includes comparing hash values for query results of devices of the same type, comparing the number of texts in the query results, comparing file sizes of the query results, and querying the query results. By hard matching sentences and parsing the search results, the configuration settings of the devices of the same type can be compared using at least one of the index words recorded in the database.

Meanwhile, the step of determining at least one of a change in the configuration settings of the device and a configuration error includes comparing the configuration settings of the specific device at a first time and the configuration settings of the specific device at a second time, You can decide whether to change the configuration settings of a specific device.

Meanwhile, when a manual inquiry request is received from the operator, the step of transmitting a config inquiry command to the corresponding equipment based on inquiry condition information included in the manual inquiry request may be included.

Meanwhile, the step of transmitting a config inquiry command to the one or more devices includes providing the config settings stored in the database to the operator when the config settings collected for the corresponding device within a certain period of time are stored in the database. may include.

In this case, the step of providing the config settings stored in the database to the operator means that if the config settings collected for the device within a certain period of time are stored in the database, a config query command will not be sent to the device. You can.

Meanwhile, the device for verifying the configuration settings of network equipment sets a query schedule for the configuration settings using a communication unit that communicates with the devices constituting the 5G network, a database that stores the configuration settings, and query condition information, Based on the inquiry schedule, transmit a config inquiry command to one or more devices that are the target of inquiry for config settings among the devices that constitute the 5G network, receive the config settings from the one or more devices and store them in the database, and a control unit that determines at least one of a change in the configuration settings of the device and a configuration error using the configuration settings stored in the database, wherein the control unit controls configuration settings of devices of the same type constituting the same network slice. By comparing the values, the device with different configuration settings is determined as the device in which the configuration error occurred.

In this case, the same type of equipment may be UPF equipment or SMF equipment.

Meanwhile, the configuration settings of the device may be changed according to at least one of addition of a network slice, deletion of a network slice, and change of a network slice policy.

Meanwhile, the control unit receives configuration settings for devices of the same type constituting the same network slice at a certain period and stores them in the database, and receives the latest configuration settings stored in the database at the same period as the constant period. By comparing them with each other, you can detect equipment with configuration settings errors.

Meanwhile, the control unit receives a query result containing config settings from the one or more devices, compares hash values for the query results of the devices of the same type, compares the number of texts in the query results, and performs the following functions: Config settings of devices of the same type can be compared using at least one of the following: file size comparison of search result sentences, hard matching of sentences in the search result sentences, and comparison of index words recorded in the database by parsing the search result sentences. there is.

Meanwhile, the control unit may determine whether to change the configuration settings of the specific device by comparing the configuration settings of the specific device at a first time and the configuration settings of the specific device at a second time.

Meanwhile, when a manual inquiry request is received from an operator, the control unit may transmit a configuration inquiry command to the corresponding device based on inquiry condition information included in the manual inquiry request.

In this case, if the configuration settings collected for the corresponding equipment within a certain period of time are stored in the database, the control unit may provide the configuration settings stored in the database to the operator.

In this case, the control unit may not transmit a configuration inquiry command to the device if the config settings collected for the device within a certain period of time are stored in the database.

The main feature of the 5G network is to implement low-latency services by distributing equipment with the same function at edge communication centers close to the terminal. According to the present invention, an automated system that constantly checks the integrity of the configuration settings while taking advantage of the 5G network by effectively detecting devices with configuration settings errors even though devices with the same function are distributed across multiple communication centers is provided. can be provided.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the configuration settings of the same type of devices constituting the same network slice are compared with each other, there is no need to separately manage the reference value or threshold for determining the integrity of the configuration settings. There is.

1 is a diagram illustrating a 5G network according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a device for verifying configuration settings of network equipment according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for verifying configuration settings of network equipment according to the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of transmitting an inquiry command and receiving and storing config settings according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of determining at least one of whether a configuration setting value of a device has been changed and a configuration setting error according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are not limited. , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. It should be. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In implementing the present invention, the components may be subdivided for convenience of explanation, but these components may be implemented in one device or module, or one component may be divided into multiple devices or modules. It can also be implemented in

1 is a diagram illustrating a 5G network according to the present invention.

The 5G network may include a radio access network (RAN) and a core network 1000. And the core network 1000 may include various network equipment (hereinafter referred to as “equipment”) that performs signal processing, data processing, etc. Various network equipment has an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a session management function that creates and manages a session that connects the terminal to the data network and allocates an IP address to be used in the network to which the terminal will connect. Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), which is connected to the data network and processes traffic and mediates data transmission between the terminal and the data network, and policies that control billing and service quality policies. Control function (Policy Control Function, PCF), integrated data management function (Unified Data Management, UDM) that manages subscriber information, registers the location of the terminal, and performs subscriber authentication, and subscriber authentication function (Authentication Server Function, AUSF). It can be included.

The devices that make up the core network 1000 are subject to configuration settings, and may be subject to inquiry of the configuration settings of the network device's configuration settings verification device. In particular, equipment that exhibits the characteristics of the 5G network, specifically UPF or SMF, which is equipment that processes data (service packet) transmission between the terminal and the data network, is a unified type of equipment that constitutes the same network slice. As a result, the configuration settings can be compared to each other.

Meanwhile, 5G networks can provide multiple independent logical networks through network slices. Specifically, the 5G network consists of one physical 5G network into multiple independent logical networks, and configures each network slice according to service characteristics (e.g. Mobile Broadband, Massive IoT, Ultra-Low Latency, etc.) can do. For example, one network slice may provide services for mobile devices, another network slice may provide services for the Internet of Things, and yet another network slice may provide enterprise-specific services tailored to the needs of the enterprise. there is.

Meanwhile, in order to provide nationwide 5G mobile communication services, equipment is distributed and installed in various communication centers across the country. In order to distribute the increasing subscriber traffic, multiple devices of one type are operated within the same communication center. there is.

Therefore, devices constituting the same network slice can be installed and operated in a distributed manner. For example, equipment of the first type (eg, UPF) constituting the same network slice may be deployed in the Seoul communication center, Daejeon communication center, Daegu communication center, etc. For another example, a plurality of devices of the first type (eg, UPF) constituting the same network slice may be deployed within the same center.

In addition, due to the nature of updating the configuration settings manually by the equipment operator by accessing the equipment, the configuration settings of the network equipment may vary by communication center (or by equipment handled by different equipment operators within the communication center). there is.

Meanwhile, the configuration settings of devices must be frequently changed according to network infrastructure tasks, addition or deletion of network slices, and network slice policy changes. In other words, whenever there is a network infrastructure task, addition or deletion of a network slice, or change in network slice policy, equipment operators directly access the equipment and manually update the configuration settings. Here, it may include at least one of updating config settings, deleting, adding, and changing config settings.

In order to provide the same quality of service for each network slice, the same network operation policy must be applied to the same types of equipment that make up one network slice even though they are operated in a distributed manner. To this end, the same network operation policy must be applied to the same type of equipment that makes up one network slice. Devices of each type must have the same configuration settings.

In the present invention, with this in mind, configuration settings errors are identified by comparing the configuration settings of devices of the same type constituting the same network slice, under the premise that the configuration settings should be the same. Here, “type” refers to the UPF, SMF, etc. described above, and “type of equipment” may refer to UPF equipment actually deployed in one or more areas. For example, the first type of equipment constituting the first network slice includes five UPF devices in the Seoul communications center and three UPF devices in the Busan communications center that constitute the network slice for providing services to company A. You can take it in.

Config is environmental setting information of equipment mounted on equipment forming a wired or wireless access network, and may also be called a config document, configuration, configuration document, environment setting document, etc.

Additionally, the Config setting value may refer to the item value (or parameter value) of one or more items (or parameters) constituting the Config.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a device for verifying configuration settings of network equipment according to the present invention.

The device 100 for verifying configuration settings of network equipment (hereinafter referred to as “device 100”) may include a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, a memory 130, and an output unit 140.

The communication unit 110 includes a communication circuit or communication module for communicating with an external device using wired/wireless communication technology, and can transmit/receive data to/from an external device. Accordingly, the communication unit 110 can connect to the devices that make up the 5G network and receive configuration settings within the devices.

The control unit 120 may control the overall operation of the device 100. The term “control unit” may be used interchangeably with terms such as “microprocessor,” “controller,” “microcontroller,” and “processor.”

The control unit 120 may include a 5G slice manager 121, scheduler 122, equipment manager 123, parser 124, and analyzer 125.

The 5G slice manager 121 provides the topology of the network slice, equipment information of the devices constituting the network slice (list of devices constituting one network slice by type), detailed information of the device (IP, version, etc.), and 5G network You can manage detailed information of the entire equipment.

The scheduler 122 can set a query schedule for the config settings using query condition information.

Specifically, the scheduler 122 can select a device that is the target of inquiry for Config settings and set the Config setting value inquiry cycle for the corresponding device. The scheduler 122 organizes all equipment, including all equipment by region (by communication center), all equipment of the same type by region (by communication center), all equipment forming the same network slice, and all equipment of the same type forming the same network slice. Equipment can be selected for inquiry. However, the schedule is not limited to this, and the scheduler 122 may select a representative device representing all devices as a search target.

Meanwhile, the scheduler 122 can set the equipment to be searched for config settings as well as set the search target items. Items to be searched may include all items or some specified items.

The device manager 123 can access the device and receive the device's configuration settings. Specifically, the equipment manager 123 generates a configuration query command (eg, CLI) based on at least one of the type of equipment, the query target item (eg, all item values or some item values), and the version of the equipment. And, the generated inquiry command can be transmitted to the corresponding equipment through the communication unit 110. Additionally, the device manager 123 can receive config settings corresponding to the inquiry command from the device through the communication unit 110. Meanwhile, a query result (for example, a Print-Out Document (POD)) may be received from the device, and the device's configuration settings may be included in the query result.

The equipment manager 123 is a tool that can execute LI commands, and may be, for example, an Element Management System (EMS).

The parser 124 parses the inquiry result received from the device to extract config settings (more specifically, one or more item values corresponding to one or more items), and stores the extracted config settings in a database ( 121).

The analyzer 125 may determine at least one of whether the configuration settings of the equipment have been changed and a setting error. Specifically, the analyzer 125 can query the configuration settings of multiple devices at multiple times stored in the database 121.

And the analyzer 125 compares the Config settings at the first time and the Config settings at the second time of the same device to determine whether the Config settings have changed between the first and second time points in the device. there is.

Additionally, the analyzer 125 compares the configuration settings of devices of the same type constituting the same network slice, extracts devices with different configuration settings, and classifies devices with different configuration settings as devices with configuration errors. You can decide. The analyzer 125 can determine the equipment in which the current configuration error occurred by comparing the configuration settings at the current time, but is not limited to this, and is not limited to this. By comparing the configuration settings at any time in the past, the analyzer 125 can determine the configuration at any time in the past. You can determine the equipment where the error occurred.

The memory 130 may store programs and other data for operating the device 100. The memory 130 may include a database 121 that stores configuration settings received from devices constituting the 5G network. In the database 121, configuration settings can be classified and stored by device. Additionally, the database 121 may store configuration settings at various times received from devices constituting the 5G network and time information corresponding to the configuration settings.

The output unit 140 may provide information stored in or processed by the device 100 to the operator under the control of the control unit 120. Here, the operator may include, but is not limited to, a 5G network operator, and may further include an equipment operator (for example, a person who directly inputs configuration settings to the equipment). In order to provide information to the operator, the output unit 140 may include a display module that displays information or a communication module that transmits information to an external device.

The output unit 140 can provide the operator with configuration settings for each device, configuration settings for each device type, configuration settings for devices for each network slice, and configuration settings for devices of the same type for each network slice. there is.

Additionally, the output unit 140 can provide the operator with set values at a specific point in time or set values at multiple points in time. Additionally, the output unit 140 may provide the operator with information about at least one of changes in the device's configuration settings and settings errors.

Meanwhile, the device 100 may further include an input unit (not shown) for receiving input from the operator. In this case, the input unit (not shown) may include an input module (for example, a keyboard) that receives input from the 5G network operator and a communication module that receives input from the equipment operator.

Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for verifying configuration settings of network equipment according to the present invention.

The method of verifying the config settings of network equipment includes setting a query schedule for the config settings using query condition information (S310), and based on the query schedule, querying the config settings among the devices that make up the 5G network. Sending a config query command to one or more target devices, receiving config settings from one or more devices and storing them in a database (S330), and setting the config settings of the device using the config settings stored in the database It may include a step (S350) of determining at least one of whether to change and a configuration setting error.

In relation to S310, the control unit 120 (5G slice manager 121) can set a query schedule for the config settings using query condition information. Here, the inquiry condition information is set by the operator and may include the equipment to be searched, the inquiry cycle, and the items to be searched.

In this case, the scheduler 122 can set the device for which the configuration settings are to be searched, the search target item, and the inquiry cycle. And based on the inquiry cycle, the scheduler 122 can transmit information about the time when the inquiry should be performed and the equipment to be searched at that time to the equipment manager 123.

Next, based on the inquiry schedule, the control unit 120 transmits a config inquiry command to one or more devices that are the target of inquiry for config settings among the devices forming the 5G network, and receives the config settings from one or more devices. It can be saved in the database (S330). This will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of transmitting an inquiry command and receiving and storing config settings according to the present invention.

Based on the inquiry schedule, when the point at which the inquiry must be performed arrives, the device manager 123 may transmit a Config inquiry command to one or more devices whose Config settings are to be searched at that time.

Specifically, the device manager 123 may generate a config query command for one or more devices whose config settings are to be queried (S332). In this case, the equipment manager 123 extracts the type of equipment, the query target item (e.g., all item values or some item values), and the version of the equipment from the information managed by the 5G slice manager 121, and determines the type of equipment. , you can create a config search command that matches the version of the search target item and equipment.

Next, the device manager 123 can transmit a config query command to one or more devices that are the target of config settings through the communication unit 110 (S334). In this case, the device manager 123 can connect to one or more devices for which configuration settings are to be searched and execute a configuration query command (for example, a CLI command) on the corresponding devices.

Next, the device manager 123 can determine whether the response from the device was successful (S336). Specifically, when Config settings (or search results) are received from the device that sent the Config query command, or when a phrase indicating a successful response (e.g., “COMPLETED”, “SUCCESS”, etc.) is parsed in the query result. , the device manager 123 may determine that the response from the device was successful.

Meanwhile, if the response from the corresponding device fails, the control unit 120 may output the inquiry result, that is, a notification indicating that the inquiry for the corresponding device has failed (S342).

Meanwhile, if the response from the device is successful, the parser 124 can parse the query result and obtain the device's configuration settings (S338). Here, the config settings may include the item value (or parameter value) of one or more items (or parameters) that make up the config.

Then, the parser 124 may store the obtained config settings in the database 121 (S340). In this case, the parser 124 sets the configuration settings so that the network slice containing the device, the type of device, the area where the device is deployed, an identification number, and items to distinguish the device among devices of the same type are distinguished. You can save it.

When the config settings are stored in the database 121, the control unit 120 can output the query results (successful or unsuccessful query, equipment successfully queried, queried config settings, etc.) to the operator.

Meanwhile, S330, and more specifically S332 to S340, may be performed repeatedly. That is, the control unit 120 determines the inquiry reference point and inquiry period for each of the plurality of devices (for example, every 24 hours with 6 a.m. as the inquiry reference point, for example, every 6 hours with 0 a.m. as the reference point, etc.) Accordingly, the configuration settings of multiple devices can be automatically checked. Accordingly, the database 121 may store configuration settings of a plurality of devices, a plurality of items, and at various points in time.

Meanwhile, although it has been explained that the inquiry of the configuration settings is performed periodically and automatically according to a predetermined inquiry schedule, the process is not limited to this and may be performed irregularly based on the operator's manual inquiry request.

Specifically, the device 100 may receive a manual inquiry request from the operator through the input unit. In this case, the control unit 120 may transmit a configuration inquiry command to the corresponding device based on the inquiry condition information included in the manual inquiry request. The inquiry condition information included in the manual inquiry request is set by the operator who entered the manual inquiry request, and may include the equipment to be searched and the item to be searched. In this case, the control unit 120 may perform steps S332 to S340 and output the results of the inquiry for the relevant equipment (whether the inquiry for the relevant equipment was successful, the queried configuration settings, etc.) to the operator.

Meanwhile, when a manual inquiry request is received from the operator, it has been explained that S332 to S340 are performed, but it is not limited to this. If a specific condition is satisfied, the control unit 120 sends the inquiry result to the operator without transmitting a config inquiry command to the corresponding equipment. can be provided.

Specifically, if the configuration settings collected for the corresponding equipment within a certain period of time are stored in the database 121, the control unit 120 may provide the configuration settings stored in the database to the operator. In this case, the control unit 120 can simply output (display or transmit) the configuration settings of the device already stored in the database to the operator without transmitting a configuration inquiry command to the device.

More specifically, when a manual inquiry request is received from an operator, the control unit 120 may extract the equipment to be searched based on inquiry condition information included in the manual inquiry request. And the control unit 120 can obtain the configuration settings (the most recent configuration settings) of the corresponding device from the database 121.

Then, if the difference between the time when the configuration settings of the corresponding device was collected and the time when the manual inquiry request was received is less than a certain time, the control unit 120 retrieves the configuration settings of the corresponding device stored in the database 121. It can be output as is to the operator. Here, the constant time may be, for example, 24 hours, and may be set differently for each device, type of device, and network slice.

On the other hand, if the difference between the time when the configuration settings of the corresponding device was collected and the time when the manual inquiry request was received is greater than a certain time, the control unit 120 performs S332 to S340 to obtain the latest configuration settings of the device. And the search results can be output to the operator.

This is based on the fact that the equipment operator updates the configuration settings regularly. For example, if the equipment operator updates the Config settings every day at 5 AM, there will be no further changes to the Config settings for 24 hours after the Config settings are updated. In this case, if the certain time is set to 24 hours, the operator obtains the most recent configuration settings he can obtain without transmitting a configuration setting command, which has the advantage of saving communication load. . In addition, the “certain time” described above may be determined according to the operator's settings, but is not limited to this, and may also be determined according to the update cycle of the equipment operator's configuration settings.

As another method of providing inquiry results to the operator without transmitting a configuration inquiry command to the corresponding equipment, the control unit 120 can use information on whether the configuration settings have been changed. Specifically, when the equipment operator changes the configuration settings, the device can record whether the configuration settings have been changed in a separate variable. Additionally, when a manual inquiry request is received, the control unit 120 of the device 100 can check the information recorded in the corresponding variable and determine whether the config setting value has been changed in the corresponding device. And, if the configuration settings of the device have not been changed after the device's configuration settings are recorded in the database 121, the control unit 120 records the configuration in the database without sending a configuration query command to the device. The configuration settings of the equipment that have already been saved can be output (displayed or transmitted) to the operator.

Returning to FIG. 3, the control unit 120 can determine at least one of whether the configuration settings of the device has been changed and a configuration error using the configuration settings stored in the database 121 (S350). The operation of S350 may be performed at the request of the operator, but is not limited to this, and the device 100 may perform the operation periodically and output the analysis result. S350 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of determining at least one of whether a configuration setting value of a device has been changed and a configuration setting error according to the present invention.

First, we will explain how to determine whether the device's configuration settings have been changed. Specifically, the control unit 120 may determine whether to change the configuration settings of the specific device by comparing the configuration settings of the specific device at a first time and the configuration settings of the specific device at a second time.

It was previously explained that the equipment operator may vary depending on the communication center or equipment within the communication center. Therefore, a device operator who wants to update the configuration settings for a specific device needs to refer to the configuration settings updated by other device operators for other devices of the same type in the same network slice.

Additionally, even on the same device, there may be multiple device operators updating config settings. For example, for equipment A, worker A can update the configuration settings on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, and worker B can update the configuration settings on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. Therefore, equipment operators need to know whether the config settings of the equipment have been updated and when these updates were performed. Accordingly, the equipment operator can access the device 100 and transmit a configuration analysis request to the device 100. Here, the config verification request may include the device to be searched and two comparison points.

Meanwhile, the analyzer 125 receives a request for configuration verification analysis from the operator, selects a specific device to be analyzed based on the request for configuration analysis, and selects a first time point and a second time point to be compared. (S352, S354).

The analyzer 125 may then compare the first configuration settings of the specific device at a first time and the second configuration settings of the specific device at a second time. In order to determine whether the configuration settings have been changed, all items of the first configuration settings and all items of the second configuration settings may be compared, but the present invention is not limited to this, and comparison of some corresponding items is also possible.

Then, the control unit 120 can output the analysis results (S358). Specifically, if the first config setting value and the second config setting value match, the control unit 120 provides information indicating that there was no update of the config setting value between the first time point and the second time point, or the first config setting value and the second time point. 2 Any one of the configuration settings can be output.

On the other hand, if the first Config settings and the second Config settings do not match, the control unit 120 provides information indicating that the Config settings have been updated between the first and second time points, or the Config settings have been updated. You can print the details.

In this way, device operators can update config settings when they need to update them due to the addition of subscribers or services, software upgrades to the device, network infrastructure operations, addition or deletion of network slices, or policy changes to network slices. You can easily check whether there have been any changes and the change details. Accordingly, the equipment operator was able to set the config by hacking despite the fact that the config settings were updated by the previous equipment operator, the time when the config settings were updated in the past, and the previous equipment operator did not update the config settings. You can check the fact that the value has changed, the work history of other equipment operators of the same equipment or equipment operators in other regions, etc.

Next, we will explain how to determine equipment configuration settings errors. Specifically, the control unit 120 may compare the configuration settings of devices of the same type constituting the same network slice and determine the device with different configuration settings as the device in which the configuration error occurred.

Specifically, it was previously explained that the configuration settings of devices of the same type constituting the same network slice must be identical. For example, UPF devices that make up the same network slice must all have the same configuration settings, regardless of where they are installed and regardless of who the device operator updates the configuration settings.

Accordingly, the analyzer 125 can select devices that are the target of analysis, more specifically devices of the same type constituting the same network slice, and select a comparison point (S352, S354). Here, the comparison point may be the most recent point in time, and if set to the most recent point in time, the most recent configuration settings of the devices are compared. However, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to designate an arbitrary time point according to user input. In this case, the configuration settings of the devices at that time can be compared.

Then, the analyzer 125 can compare the configuration settings of devices of the same type constituting the same network slice (S356). And the analyzer 125 can use the results of mutual comparison to extract equipment in which a configuration setting error occurred. For devices with configuration settings errors, the configuration settings of the device may be different from other devices.

To describe a specific method of comparing the Config settings, the analyzer 125 uses at least one of a query result containing the Config settings and the Config settings parsed from the query result to compare devices with different Config settings. It can be extracted.

More specifically, the analyzer 125 compares hash values for search result sentences of the same type of equipment, compares the number of texts in search result sentences, compares file sizes of search result sentences, and hard matches and searches sentences in search result sentences. By parsing the result statements, the configuration settings of devices of the same type can be compared with each other using at least one of the comparisons of index words recorded in the database.

In relation to comparing hash values, the control unit 120 compares hash values (e.g., POD (Print-Out Document)) received from the same type of equipment constituting the same network slice. For example, MD5, etc.) can be calculated and the hash values of the devices are compared with each other to extract devices with different hash values, that is, devices with different configuration settings.

Regarding the comparison of the number of texts in search result statements, the search result statement (e.g., POD (Print-Out Document)) is a text string-based output statement. Accordingly, the control unit 120 calculates the number of characters or the number of characters in the query result sentences received from the same type of devices constituting the same network slice, and compares the number of characters or the number of characters of the devices with each other to determine the number of characters or the number of characters is different. You can extract equipment, that is, equipment with different configuration settings.

Regarding the comparison of the file sizes of search result statements, the search result statement (eg, POD (Print-Out Document)) is a text string-based output statement. Therefore, the control unit 120 calculates the file size of inquiry results received from devices of the same type constituting the same network slice, compares the file sizes of the devices, and selects devices with lower file sizes, that is, devices with different configuration settings. Equipment can be extracted.

Regarding hard matching of sentences in search result sentences, the control unit 120 extracts the entire sentences in the search result sentences received from devices of the same type constituting the same network slice, and matches the entire sentences of the devices using a hard matching technique (e.g. For example, you can extract devices with different configuration settings by comparing them with (Strcmp, diff).

In relation to hard matching of search result sentences and comparison of index words recorded in the database by parsing the search result sentences, the control unit 120 parses the search result sentences received from the same type of equipment constituting the same network slice , Config settings for each device can be saved in the database. And the control unit 120 can compare index words recorded in the database to extract devices with different configuration settings.

Meanwhile, if a device with a different configuration setting value is extracted, the control unit 120 may determine the device as the device in which the configuration error occurred. Then, the control unit 120 can output the analysis result (S358). Specifically, when a device with different configuration settings is extracted, the control unit 120 may output identification information of the device and details of discrepancies in the configuration settings of the device (parts that are different from the configuration settings of other devices). On the other hand, if the configuration settings of devices of the same type constituting the same network slice are all the same, the control unit 120 may output information indicating that no device has a configuration error.

Meanwhile, the operation of extracting devices with configuration settings errors can be performed periodically. Specifically, the control unit 120 may transmit a config inquiry command to devices of the same type constituting the same network slice at a regular period, receive config settings at a regular period, and store them in a database. Additionally, the control unit 120 can detect equipment in which a configuration setting error has occurred by comparing the latest configuration settings stored in the database at the same cycle as the previous schedule.

For example, if the equipment operators' configuration settings update cycle is 24 hours, the control unit 120 can transmit a configuration query command and receive the configuration settings by explaining the configuration configuration query cycle as 24 hours. Additionally, the control unit 120 sets the configuration setting value verification cycle to 24 hours, so that equipment with a configuration setting error can be detected every 24 hours. Accordingly, while minimizing the communication load, verification is performed every time the config settings are updated, thereby detecting a system in which a config setting error has occurred.

The main feature of the 5G network is to implement low-latency services by distributing equipment with the same function at edge communication centers close to the terminal. According to the present invention, an automated system that constantly checks the integrity of the configuration settings while taking advantage of the 5G network by effectively detecting devices with configuration settings errors even though devices with the same function are distributed across multiple communication centers is provided. can be provided.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the configuration settings of the same type of devices constituting the same network slice are compared with each other, there is no need to separately manage the reference value or threshold for determining the integrity of the configuration settings. There is.

In addition, according to the present invention, by databaseizing the configuration settings of the equipment that constitutes the 5G network and automating the management and inspection logic, not only the convenience of the operator but also the manpower, cost, and time required for work can be dramatically reduced. You can.

In addition, according to the present invention, there is an advantage in preventing large-scale failures by maintaining the integrity of the configuration settings and implementing a backup and recovery system for the configuration settings in the event of a failure.

The above-described present invention can be implemented as computer-readable code on a program-recorded medium. Computer-readable media includes all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Disk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc. There is. Additionally, the computer may include a control unit. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (18)

Setting a query schedule for config settings using query condition information;
Based on the inquiry schedule, sending a config inquiry command to one or more devices that are the target of inquiry for config settings among the devices constituting the 5G network, receiving the config settings from the one or more devices and storing them in a database. ; and
A step of determining at least one of a change in the configuration settings of the device and a configuration error using the configuration settings stored in the database,
The step of determining at least one of whether to change the configuration settings of the device and a configuration error,
Comprising the step of comparing the configuration settings of devices of the same type constituting the same network slice and determining a device with different configuration settings as the device in which a configuration error occurred.
How to verify the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 1,
Equipment of the same type above is,
UPF devices or SMF devices
How to verify the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 1,
The configuration settings of the device are changed according to at least one of addition of a network slice, deletion of a network slice, and change of network slice policy.
How to verify the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 1,
The step of transmitting a config query command to the one or more devices, receiving config settings from the one or more devices, and storing them in a database,
For devices of the same type constituting the same network slice, receive configuration settings at regular intervals and store them in the database,
The step of determining a device with a different configuration setting value as a device in which a configuration error occurred is,
At the same period as the above schedule period, the latest configuration settings stored in the database are compared with each other to detect equipment in which a configuration error occurred.
How to verify the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 1,
The step of receiving configuration settings from the one or more devices and storing them in a database,
Comprising: receiving a query result containing config settings from the one or more devices,
The step of determining a device with a different configuration setting value as a device in which a configuration error occurred is,
Comparison of hash values for search result sentences of the same type of equipment, comparison of the number of texts in the search result sentences, comparison of file sizes of the search result sentences, hard matching of sentences in the search result sentences, and parsing the search result sentences. By doing this, the configuration settings of the same type of equipment are compared with each other using at least one of the comparison of index words recorded in the database.
How to verify the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 1,
The step of determining at least one of whether to change the configuration settings of the equipment and a configuration error,
Compares the config settings of a specific device at a first time and the config settings of a second time of the specific device to determine whether to change the config settings of the specific device.
How to verify the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 1,
The step of transmitting a config inquiry command to the one or more devices includes:
When a manual inquiry request is received from an operator, transmitting a config inquiry command to the corresponding device based on the inquiry condition information included in the manual inquiry request; comprising:
How to verify the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 7,
The step of transmitting a config inquiry command to the one or more devices includes:
If the config settings collected for the corresponding equipment within a certain period of time are stored in the database, providing the config settings stored in the database to the operator; comprising
How to verify the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 8,
The step of providing the configuration settings stored in the database to the operator is,
If the config settings collected for the device within a certain period of time are stored in the database, a config query command is not sent to the device.
How to verify the configuration settings of network equipment. A communication unit that communicates with the equipment that makes up the 5G network;
A database that stores configuration settings; and
Setting a query schedule for Config settings using query condition information, and transmitting a Config query command to one or more devices that are subject to query for Config settings among devices constituting the 5G network based on the query schedule, A control unit that receives the configuration settings from the one or more devices, stores them in the database, and uses the configuration settings stored in the database to determine at least one of a change in the configuration settings of the device and a configuration error. ,
The control unit,
By comparing the configuration settings of devices of the same type constituting the same network slice, the device with different configuration settings is determined as the device in which the configuration error occurred.
A device that verifies the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 10,
Equipment of the same type above is,
UPF devices or SMF devices
A device that verifies the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 10,
The configuration settings of the device are changed according to at least one of addition of a network slice, deletion of a network slice, and change of network slice policy.
A device that verifies the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 10,
The control unit,
For devices of the same type constituting the same network slice, receive configuration settings at regular intervals and store them in the database,
At the same period as the above schedule period, the latest configuration settings stored in the database are compared with each other to detect equipment in which a configuration error has occurred.
A device that verifies the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 10,
The control unit,
Receiving a query result containing config settings from the one or more devices,
Comparison of hash values for search result sentences of the same type of equipment, comparison of the number of texts in the search result sentences, comparison of file sizes of the search result sentences, hard matching of sentences in the search result sentences, and parsing the search result sentences. By doing this, the configuration settings of the same type of equipment are compared with each other using at least one of the comparison of index words recorded in the database.
A device that verifies the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 10,
The control unit,
Compares the config settings of a specific device at a first time and the config settings of a second time of the specific device to determine whether to change the config settings of the specific device.
A device that verifies the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 10,
The control unit,
When a manual inquiry request is received from the operator, a configuration inquiry command is sent to the relevant device based on the inquiry condition information included in the manual inquiry request.
A device that verifies the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 16,
The control unit,
If the config settings collected for the equipment within a certain period of time are stored in the database, the config settings stored in the database are provided to the operator.
A device that verifies the configuration settings of network equipment. According to clause 17,
The control unit,
If the config settings collected for the device within a certain period of time are stored in the database, a config query command is not sent to the device.
A device that verifies the configuration settings of network equipment.

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