Apparatuses and methods for facilitating network and system resiliency and impact coordination

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining first data pertaining to an outage in a first portion of a communications system, obtaining second data pertaining to a relationship between the first portion of the communications system and a second portion of the communications system, analyzing the first data the second data to identify a risk to communication services facilitated by the second portion of the communications system, determining that the risk is greater than a threshold, and generating, based on the determining, a recommendation for reducing the risk. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for facilitating network and system resiliency and impact coordination.

BACKGROUND

As the world becomes increasingly connected via vast communication networks and systems and via various communication devices, additional opportunities are created/generated to provision communication services to the communication devices (or associated users/subscribers). The provisioning of communication services is accompanied by multiple challenges to network operators and service providers. For example, service provider infrastructure/personnel frequently are arranged in a group/silo manner or fashion, featuring disconnected: inventories, ticketing systems, alarming systems, performance/analysis systems, tools, etc. While each silo is generally effective when operating within its own sphere/domain (potentially based on specialized tools, internally-generated knowledge, internally-generated reports or spreadsheets, etc.), each silo typically lacks an awareness or (complete) understanding of the other silos to effectively address issues when they do arise. As a result, addressing such issues typically takes an extensive amount of time (sometimes on the order of days or even weeks). Moreover, coordination amongst the various silos typically is done after an issue associated with a provisioning of communication services has arisen; in this respect, the coordination tends to be reactive (as opposed to proactive) in nature. Depending on the nature of the issue, the issue may have a detrimental impact on customer/subscriber/end-user utilization of the communication services, which can lead to a loss of goodwill amongst the subscriber community.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments for identifying an impact of events or conditions in a first part/portion of a communications network/system on other parts/portions of the communications network/system. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include, in whole or in part, obtaining first data pertaining to resources of a communications network; obtaining second data pertaining to at least one risk associated with the resources; processing the first data and the second data to generate a representation of the at least one risk in respect of a communication service provided in the communications network; generating a presentation that includes the representation of the at least one risk; and causing the presentation to be presented at a communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include, in whole or in part, obtaining first data pertaining to an outage in a first portion of a communications system; obtaining second data pertaining to a relationship between the first portion of the communications system and a second portion of the communications system; analyzing the first data and the second data to identify a risk to communication services facilitated by the second portion of the communications system; determining that the risk is greater than a threshold; and generating, based on the determining, a recommendation for reducing the risk.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include, in whole or in part, obtaining, by a processing system including a processor, a representation of a risk to a first portion of a network based on an occurrence of an event in a second portion of the network; comparing, by the processing system, the risk to a threshold; determining, by the processing system and based on the comparing, that the risk is greater than the threshold; identifying, by the processing system and based on the determining, an action to undertake to reduce the risk from a first level to a second level that is less than the first level; and causing, by the processing system and based on the identifying, the action to be undertaken.

Referring now toFIG.1, a block diagram is shown illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a system100in accordance with various aspects described herein. For example, system100can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to resources of a communications network, obtaining second data pertaining to at least one risk associated with the resources, processing the first data and the second data to generate a representation of the at least one risk in respect of a communication service provided in the communications network, generating a presentation that includes the representation of the at least one risk, and causing the presentation to be presented at a communication device. System100can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to an outage in a first portion of a communications system, obtaining second data pertaining to a relationship between the first portion of the communications system and a second portion of the communications system, analyzing the first data and the second data to identify a risk to communication services facilitated by the second portion of the communications system, determining that the risk is greater than a threshold, and generating, based on the determining, a recommendation for reducing the risk. System100can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining, by a processing system including a processor, a representation of a risk to a first portion of a network based on an occurrence of an event in a second portion of the network, comparing, by the processing system, the risk to a threshold, determining, by the processing system and based on the comparing, that the risk is greater than the threshold, identifying, by the processing system and based on the determining, an action to undertake to reduce the risk from a first level to a second level that is less than the first level, and causing, by the processing system and based on the identifying, the action to be undertaken.

FIG.2Ais a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a system200ain accordance with various aspects described herein. The system200amay be integrated as part of, or may be operatively overlaid upon, one or more portions of the system100ofFIG.1in some embodiments. The system200amay include a number ‘n’ of datasets as represented by first data202a-1, second data202a-2, third data202a-3, . . . nthdata202a-n. The data202a-1through202a-nmay correspond to the aforementioned groups/silos, which is to say that each element/member of the data202a-1through202a-nmay be obtained from an independent or unique source. In the context of a provisioning communication services, each of the data202a-1through202a-nmay be associated with a portion or respective discipline of the overall communication services. To demonstrate by way of illustration, the data202a-1through202a-nmay pertain to, or include, data relating to: mobility, power, data (e.g., Internet, streaming, etc.), transport, access, administration (e.g., billing/authentication), etc. Of course, the particular nature of the sources of the data (or the breakdown of the communication services into various disciplines or groups/silos) may be a function of how a network operator or service provider is arranged/organized, which is to say that other types of data associated with a network operator or service provider may be included/incorporated as part of any given embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

In addition to data pertaining to the structure or organization of a network operator or service provider, the data202a-1through202a-nmay include risk-related data, including data that might not immediately be within the purview or control of the network operator/service provider. For example, the risk-related data may include: (1) systemic risks, such as engineered risks, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) based risks, historical equipment or weather-based risks, environmental risks (e.g., an identification of areas/regions prone to flooding, wildfires, tornados, earthquakes, blizzards, ice storms, hurricanes, extreme cold/heat, etc.), (2) near-term risks/events, such as an identification of weather (e.g., storms), sporting events/concerts, political conventions or activities, etc., (3) acute risks, such as indicators of alarms/tickets for outages, key perform indicator (KPI) related degradations, cable/fiber cuts, power failures, equipment failures, etc., (4) or any combination thereof.

The data202a-1through202a-nmay be provided as inputs to a processing system206a. The processing system206amay include one or more processors206a-1and memory206a-2. The memory206a-2may include/store instructions that may be executed by the processor(s)206a-1to facilitate one or more operations, such as the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the operations may be included as part of one or more algorithms. The operations may include an analysis of the data202a-1through202a-n, potentially in conjunction with data/information obtained from a database (DB)210a. The data of the DB210amay include specialized knowledge of how to connect or relate the data202a-1through202a-nto generate a topology or layout between locations, equipment, circuits, services, users/subscribers/customers, etc. The topology/layout may be included as part of one or more outputs224a. The outputs224amay include an indication or determination of a baseline risk (e.g., combined systemic risk) and/or an indication or a determination of an adjustment to the baseline risk based on the risk-related data. In some embodiments, the indications/determinations may be represented by one or more scores (e.g., one or more numerical scores), which can facilitate ease in interpretation of the risks as well as drive priorities amongst competing risks. In some embodiments, the indications of risk may include color-coding (e.g., may be based on a color-coding scheme) to distinguish grades, levels, or classes of risk from one another (e.g., red may represent severe risk, yellow or orange may represent medium risk, green may represent low risk); other indicators, such as shapes, may be used in some embodiments. The indications of risk may take the form of a table, a heatmap, or the like. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments the topology/layout and/or the indications or risk may be presented (e.g., visually or graphically, via audio, via one or more reports or messages, etc.) to facilitate decision-making processes on the part of users/personnel. For example, as part of such decision-making processes adjustments may be made to reduce risk, proactively prepare for risk/events, and avoid impact from the risk or recover from the impact more quickly. In some embodiments, thresholds may be utilized/defined to determine/identify when notifications of risk (e.g., notifications of elevated risk) should be brought to the attention of users/personnel. The thresholds may be incorporated as part of a self-service portal or the like.

The outputs224amay be included or incorporated as feedback with respect to the DB210a. In some embodiments, the outputs224amay be subject to modification (e.g., error-correction) as part of being provided to the DB210a. In this respect, it may be said that the system200amay incorporate aspects of artificial intelligence or machine learning, whereby future uses of the system200amay benefit from past uses of the system200a. Stated differently, any error in the outputs224amay tend to converge towards zero over time or with use, which may encourage additional utilization of the system200a.

In some embodiments, a presentation of risk information may be incorporated into machine learning. For example, aspects of this disclosure may provide for learning in respect of a type of risk presentation (e.g., color-coding vs scoring vs generic indication without quantifying, etc.). In some embodiments, models with respect to one or more types of risks/events can be utilized in assessing other types of risks or events, such as fire, flash flooding, tornado risks, etc. In this regard, it is noted that some types of risks or vents may provide for mutually trainable data, whereas other types of risks or events may not.

Referring now toFIG.2B, a practical application of various aspects set forth above is shown. In particular, inFIG.2Ban environment200bassociated with a metropolitan area/region is depicted. The environment200bmay include one or more hubs, illustratively represented by a first mobility telephone switching office (MTSO)208b-1, a second MTSO208b-2, a third MTSO208b-3, a fourth MTSO208b-4, and a fifth MTSO208b-5. While five hubs/MTSOs are shown inFIG.2B, more or fewer than five hubs/MTSOs may be included in a given embodiment. Further, the use of hubs/MTSOs inFIG.2Bis illustrative, which is to say that a given hub/MTSO may be generalized to pertain to any type of device, equipment, resource, user, etc., without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

The MTSOs208b-1through208b-5may be operatively or communicatively coupled to one another (under normal circumstances/conditions) in the manner shown inFIG.2B. For example, the first MTSO208b-1may be communicatively coupled to the second MTSO208b-2and the fourth MTSO208b-4. The second MTSO208b-2may be communicatively coupled to the first MTSO208b-1and the third MTSO208b-3. The third MTSO208b-3may be communicatively coupled to the second MTSO208b-2and the fifth MTSO208b-5. The fourth MTSO208b-4may be communicatively coupled to the first MTSO208b-1and the fifth MTSO208b-5. The fifth MTSO208b-5may be communicatively coupled to third MTSO208b-3and the fourth MTSO208b-4.

The MTSOs208b-1through208b-5may obtain communications or communication services via a main feed line or trunk212b. Stated differently, the MTSOs may become inoperative (or may operate at a significantly reduced capability) if the main feed212bwere to become compromised. An example of a threat to the main feed212bmay be a fire that may impact a nearby forest (as represented by the tree216binFIG.2B). The risk/threat of fire, or the existence of that fire, on the environment200bmay be included/incorporated as part of the data202a-1through202a-nand/or the outputs224ainFIG.2A.

In the exemplary environment200b, it may be assumed that the fifth MTSO208b-5is responsible for providing communication services to a hospital/medical facility220b. Thus, the risk of fire in the forest216b(and its potential impact on the main feed212b) may represent a highest level of risk that may impact the availability or quality of communication services to the hospital220b. It is noted that subsequent to/downstream of the first MTSO208b-1that the fifth MTSO208b-5may obtain communication services via a first path involving the second MTSO208b-2and the third MTSO208b-3or a second path involving the fourth MTSO208b-4. Thus, if a communication link/feed in the first path (e.g., a communication link/feed between the second MTSO208b-2and the third MTSO208b-3) were to become compromised, it might still be possible for the fifth MTSO208b-5to obtain services via the second path involving the fourth MTSO208b-4. Thus, the risk of (a complete) loss of services to the fifth MTSO208b-5/hospital220bmay be less in respect of the first path and the second path relative to the main feed212b. In a scenario involving the first path becoming compromised (e.g., inoperable), or even in the face of a threat of the first path becoming compromised in an amount greater than a threshold, the system200a(by way of the outputs224a) ofFIG.2Amay determine/identify that critical care procedures (e.g., emergency surgeries) involving communications should continue at the hospital220b, but that elective/optional procedures involving communications should be postponed until the communication services via the first path are restored (to at least a threshold quality level) or the threat/risk involving the first path is reduced to a level/value less than a threshold.

Thus, as demonstrated by the exemplary system200aand environment200bdescribed above, aspects of this disclosure may include an analysis of data that might serve not only to identify risks or threats in respect of a given group or silo, but the relationship (and potential propagation) of those risks or threats to other groups, silos, disciplines, departments, etc. In this manner, the risks/threats may be identified and analyzed to take proactive steps to reduce the impact that the risks/threats may have on a quality or availability of communication services. Still further, aspects of this disclosure, including an analysis of risk, may serve to identify areas or regions where resources may potentially be decommissioned or reallocated to other uses. In this respect, aspects of this disclosure may enable network operators or service providers to enhance the efficiency of resource allocation/utilization decision-making processes/logic.

Referring now toFIG.2C, an illustrative embodiment of a method200cin accordance with various aspects described herein is shown. The method200cmay be implemented (e.g., executed), in whole or in part, in conjunction with one or more systems, devices, and/or components, such as for example the systems, devices, and components set forth herein. The blocks of the method200cdescribed below may be included as part of one or more operations. The operations may be included or embodied as part of instructions that may be stored by one or more memories and executed by one or more processing systems/processors.

In block204c, data (or, analogously, one or more datasets) may be obtained. The data of block204cmay include system, network, and/or platform-based data (e.g., an identification of equipment, circuits, towers, access points, switches, gateways, routers, user/client devices, links/channels, frequencies or frequency bands that are used, transmission power levels that are used, receiver sensitivity levels that are used, modulation/demodulation schemes that are used, security (e.g., encryption/decryption) schemes that are used, types or qualities of services that are provided, etc.). The data of block204cmay include risk-related data (e.g., systemic risk data, acute risk data, etc.).

In block208c, the data of block204cmay be processed (e.g., analyzed) to generate one or more outputs. The outputs may include an identification of a topology, layout or structure of a network or system across/along one or more paradigms or parameters. The outputs may include an identification of threats or risks to communication services.

In block212c, one or more messages or reports may be generated to capture/encapsulate the outputs of block208c. In some embodiments, as part of block212ca message or report may be sent to one or more personnel or one or more devices associated with a network or system if the threat or risk to communication services exceeds a threshold.

As part of block212c, one or more presentations may be generated to present one or more of the outputs of block208c. The presentations may be interactive in nature. For example, a user may have an ability to interact with the presentations, such as for example by allocating a resource (e.g., an additional frequency band) to a given area/region, to see/visualize the impact that the action would have on the threat or risk to communication services. In this manner, greater insight/understanding in respect of the impact of modifications on the risk/threat may be obtained prior to taking any actions, which may provide significant benefits/improvements in terms of cost-reduction/savings.

In block216c, one or more actions may be undertaken (or may be caused to be undertaken), potentially based on one or more of the outputs of block208cand/or the activities associated with block212c. For example, block216cmay include dispatching service personnel to an area/region associated with a known outage in communication services (or, analogously, to an area/region associated with a risk of an outage in communication services that exceeds a threshold). Block216cmay include diverting or rerouting first communication services/first communications from a first path to a second path. Other types of actions or activities as part of block216care contemplated as part of this disclosure.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks inFIG.2C, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein. In some embodiments, one or more parts/portions of the method200cmay be executed iteratively or repeatedly to adapt/respond to changes in circumstances or conditions.

Aspects of this disclosure may provide an end-to-end picture/visualization/reporting of a network or system, including from specified locations to equipment, circuits, services, and customers/subscribers/end-users. Data may be utilized/applied in respect of risk, including weather, alarms, tickets, engineered diversity issues, etc. Data-driven decision making (including machine learning and/or artificial intelligence) may be utilized to: highlight risks, identify what assets/resources are available to proactively reduce risk, identify what assets/resources could be deployed to recover from risks, identify areas where investment is appropriate to reduce risk, identify how and in what order/priority to recover from outages or degraded service conditions, etc. Aspects of this disclosure may provide commonality or consistency in respect of an approach to address risk.

Aspects of this disclosure may enable a combination of disparate or disconnected datasets to identify risk and take steps to mitigate or reduce the impact of the risk on, e.g., communication services. In some embodiments, indications of risk may be filtered along one or more paradigms or parameters, such as for example count of subscribers impacted, geographical area/region of coverage, criticality of service, impact on specific departments or groups, etc.

As set forth herein, aspects of this disclosure may be included/integrated as part of a multitude of practical applications. For example, aspects of this disclosure may facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation of risk in relation to a provisioning of communication services, and the impact that such risk has on the quality of the communication services. Insight may be obtained as to how risk involving a first group, department, discipline, etc., may impact other groups, departments, disciplines, etc., in the provisioning of communication services and support thereof. In this respect, aspects of this disclosure represent substantial improvements relative to conventional techniques and technologies, by providing additional information/knowledge that may influence decision-making processes/logic.

As set forth herein, aspects of this disclosure facilitate a generation of useful, concrete, and tangible results. Aspects of this disclosure may be tied to specifically/specifically programmed machines or apparatuses to obtain the results set forth herein. Further, aspects of this disclosure are transformative in nature, as disparate data/datasets may be transformed into one or more profiles of risk across one or more groups, departments, disciplines, regimes, paradigms, etc. Suffice it to say, aspects of this disclosure are not directed to abstract ideas. To the contrary, aspects of this disclosure are directed to, and encompass, significantly more than any abstract idea standing alone.

Referring now toFIG.3, a block diagram300is shown illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular a virtualized communication network is presented that can be used to implement some or all of the subsystems and functions of system100, the subsystems and functions of system200a, environment200b, and method200cpresented inFIGS.1,2A,2B, and2C. For example, virtualized communication network300can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to resources of a communications network, obtaining second data pertaining to at least one risk associated with the resources, processing the first data and the second data to generate a representation of the at least one risk in respect of a communication service provided in the communications network, generating a presentation that includes the representation of the at least one risk, and causing the presentation to be presented at a communication device. Virtualized communication network300can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to an outage in a first portion of a communications system, obtaining second data pertaining to a relationship between the first portion of the communications system and a second portion of the communications system, analyzing the first data and the second data to identify a risk to communication services facilitated by the second portion of the communications system, determining that the risk is greater than a threshold, and generating, based on the determining, a recommendation for reducing the risk. Virtualized communication network300can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining, by a processing system including a processor, a representation of a risk to a first portion of a network based on an occurrence of an event in a second portion of the network, comparing, by the processing system, the risk to a threshold, determining, by the processing system and based on the comparing, that the risk is greater than the threshold, identifying, by the processing system and based on the determining, an action to undertake to reduce the risk from a first level to a second level that is less than the first level, and causing, by the processing system and based on the identifying, the action to be undertaken.

Turning now toFIG.4, there is illustrated a block diagram of a computing environment in accordance with various aspects described herein. In order to provide additional context for various embodiments of the embodiments described herein,FIG.4and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment400in which the various embodiments of the subject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computing environment400can be used in the implementation of network elements150,152,154,156, access terminal112, base station or access point122, switching device132, media terminal142, and/or VNEs330,332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented via computer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers, and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software. For example, computing environment400can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to resources of a communications network, obtaining second data pertaining to at least one risk associated with the resources, processing the first data and the second data to generate a representation of the at least one risk in respect of a communication service provided in the communications network, generating a presentation that includes the representation of the at least one risk, and causing the presentation to be presented at a communication device. Computing environment400can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to an outage in a first portion of a communications system, obtaining second data pertaining to a relationship between the first portion of the communications system and a second portion of the communications system, analyzing the first data and the second data to identify a risk to communication services facilitated by the second portion of the communications system, determining that the risk is greater than a threshold, and generating, based on the determining, a recommendation for reducing the risk. Computing environment400can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining, by a processing system including a processor, a representation of a risk to a first portion of a network based on an occurrence of an event in a second portion of the network, comparing, by the processing system, the risk to a threshold, determining, by the processing system and based on the comparing, that the risk is greater than the threshold, identifying, by the processing system and based on the determining, an action to undertake to reduce the risk from a first level to a second level that is less than the first level, and causing, by the processing system and based on the identifying, the action to be undertaken.

Turning now toFIG.5, an embodiment500of a mobile network platform510is shown that is an example of network elements150,152,154,156, and/or VNEs330,332,334, etc. For example, platform510can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to resources of a communications network, obtaining second data pertaining to at least one risk associated with the resources, processing the first data and the second data to generate a representation of the at least one risk in respect of a communication service provided in the communications network, generating a presentation that includes the representation of the at least one risk, and causing the presentation to be presented at a communication device. Platform510can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to an outage in a first portion of a communications system, obtaining second data pertaining to a relationship between the first portion of the communications system and a second portion of the communications system, analyzing the first data and the second data to identify a risk to communication services facilitated by the second portion of the communications system, determining that the risk is greater than a threshold, and generating, based on the determining, a recommendation for reducing the risk. Platform510can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining, by a processing system including a processor, a representation of a risk to a first portion of a network based on an occurrence of an event in a second portion of the network, comparing, by the processing system, the risk to a threshold, determining, by the processing system and based on the comparing, that the risk is greater than the threshold, identifying, by the processing system and based on the determining, an action to undertake to reduce the risk from a first level to a second level that is less than the first level, and causing, by the processing system and based on the identifying, the action to be undertaken.

Turning now toFIG.6, an illustrative embodiment of a communication device600is shown. The communication device600can serve as an illustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals114, mobile devices124, vehicle126, display devices144or other client devices for communication via either communications network125. For example, computing device600can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to resources of a communications network, obtaining second data pertaining to at least one risk associated with the resources, processing the first data and the second data to generate a representation of the at least one risk in respect of a communication service provided in the communications network, generating a presentation that includes the representation of the at least one risk, and causing the presentation to be presented at a communication device. Computing device600can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining first data pertaining to an outage in a first portion of a communications system, obtaining second data pertaining to a relationship between the first portion of the communications system and a second portion of the communications system, analyzing the first data and the second data to identify a risk to communication services facilitated by the second portion of the communications system, determining that the risk is greater than a threshold, and generating, based on the determining, a recommendation for reducing the risk. Computing device600can facilitate in whole or in part obtaining, by a processing system including a processor, a representation of a risk to a first portion of a network based on an occurrence of an event in a second portion of the network, comparing, by the processing system, the risk to a threshold, determining, by the processing system and based on the comparing, that the risk is greater than the threshold, identifying, by the processing system and based on the determining, an action to undertake to reduce the risk from a first level to a second level that is less than the first level, and causing, by the processing system and based on the identifying, the action to be undertaken.