A Policy-Based System for Network-Wide Configuration Management

We propose the vision and concept of a system for management of configuration data in a mobile network. Policies encapsulating operators’ high-level knowledge will enable the network with self-configuration capabilities on a network-wide focus, thereby reducing the amount of work and time to be spent by human operators for operation, administration, and maintenance of the network. In such a system, several aspects need to be considered such as an appropriate policy language and engine to define and enforce correct network behavior, a simulation environment and effective conflict detection mechanisms. A toolbox will support operators in development, deployment, and runtime management of high-level policies and corresponding low-level rules. Our approach of automated configuration management is intended to contribute to the vision of a self-managing mobile network.