Building upon the principles of organised data we explored in a previous article, we now delve deeper into the topic of flexible data modelling and data schemas. As networks grow and evolve over time, the data modelling requirements change and become increasingly complex. To truly master the network data, one must move away from static blueprints and fully embrace the adaptable nature of flexible schemas.
Consider a master sculptor, who used to work with rigid stone and now shifts to pliable clay. While the stone only allows for creating a fixed form, the clay can be continuously reshaped and refined, adapting to the sculptor’s changing insights. The analogy encapsulates how data mastery in network management evolves by shifting focus beyond conventional static data structures to harnessing the dynamic capabilities of flexible schemas.
Modern networks are continuously evolving driven by technological advancements or ever-increasing user requirements. Within this landscape, the rigid predefined data structures that come with many off-the-shelf inventory solutions, often designed for static environments, fail to provide an easy way to model new types of resources and services without additional coding. This is where the power of flexible data schemas becomes essential.
A data schema defines the structure of your data, outlining the types of information you use to describe a resource or service and how they relate to one another. A flexible data schema allows for dynamic adjustments and extensions of both resource characteristics and their interrelationships. This means that you can modify or add new data fields and objects on the fly as your network evolves, thus creating reusable and adaptable data models.
Flexible data schemas are a vital component when it comes to implementing efficient network orchestration and automation. To be able to seamlessly accommodate new types of resources or services or to reflect specific characteristics relevant to network configurations, they should be intuitively described using a common approach that supports various data structures. In essence, the schema not only ensures that data remains relevant and useful over time but can also be used for data validation. In addition, well-structured data helps build scalable network orchestration and automation solutions. Employing efficient data modeling practices, such as the use of standardised formats and hierarchical structures, makes it easier to scale network management processes and adapt to the ever-changing network demands.
Using a flexible data schema means that your Source of Truth inventory component, which is the heart of any automation and orchestration system, can easily accommodate new definitions and structures of the evolving network services. In this way, the Source of Truth can seamlessly adjust to a wide range of different resource types and expand with newly designed services. In addition, the potential of the dynamic schema can also be seen in the power to create innovative, robust and adaptable network representations such as virtual versus physical views incorporating layering and slicing. Furthermore, once developed, schemas can be shared to be reused by others.
In the GN5-2 project, the Network Development Platforms team continues its work on further development of Maat, an open-source Source of Truth that embodies this schema-driven approach to data mastery. Its flexible data schema is designed to accommodate the dynamic nature of modern networks, providing a powerful platform for modelling and managing complex network resources and services. Maat’s architecture allows for independent definition and modification of schemas, enabling network administrators to adapt to changing data requirements without any changes in the application code.
Users can leverage Maat to model their own network resources and services, starting with the provided TM Forum based general data model, and extending it to meet their specific requirements. This approach has resulted in a reusable schema created by the PIONIER network experts. By the end of last year, Maat was successfully deployed in production as a Source of Truth that describes the state of the new national PIONIER network infrastructure. The next step, currently under development, is seamless integration with the network service orchestrator.
“With Maat, we’ve been able to create a dynamic and adaptable representation of the PIONIER network. By leveraging a flexible schema, we can easily accommodate new services and technologies, ensuring our data remains relevant and accurate.” – Tomasz Szewczyk, senior network engineer at PSNC.
Do you need well-defined data models based on flexible schemas to sculpt your network’s data into a living, adaptable masterpiece? Explore Maat and discover its features and extensions. Contact our team to discuss how Maat’s flexible schema approach can benefit your organisation.
