Configuration of a communications network

A method of configuration in a communications network, the method comprising:

• receiving information defining a probabilistic graph,
• wherein the probabilistic graph indicates, for a plurality of defined states, a probability that an action will lead to a transition to a respective other state,
• wherein each defined state corresponds to one specific set of values of operational data,
• wherein the operational data relate to operation of at least one network node, and comprise, for each of a plurality of time periods, data relating to at least one configuration parameter of the network node and data relating to at least one performance indicator of the network node, and
• wherein each of a plurality of defined actions corresponds to a specific set of values of the at least one configuration parameter in two successive time periods;
• identifying a current state and at least one desired state;
• and
• determining at least one action to cause the transition from the current state to a desired state.

A node for configuration of a communications network, the node comprising processing circuitry and a memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry, whereby the node is operable to:

• obtain operational data relating to operation of at least one network node, the operational data comprising, for each of a plurality of time periods, data relating to at least one configuration parameter of the network node and data relating to at least one performance indicator of the network node;
• define a plurality of actions, wherein each action corresponds to a specific set of values of the at least one configuration parameter in two successive time periods;
• define a plurality of states, wherein each state corresponds to one specific set of values of the operational data;
• and
• construct a probabilistic graph from said operational data, the probabilistic graph indicating, for a plurality of the defined states, a probability that an action will lead to a transition to a respective other state.

A node for configuration of a communications network, the node comprising processing circuitry and a memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry, whereby the node is operable to:

• receive information defining a probabilistic graph,
• wherein the probabilistic graph indicates, for a plurality of defined states, a probability that an action will lead to a transition to a respective other state,
• wherein each defined state corresponds to one specific set of values of operational data,
• wherein the operational data relate to operation of at least one network node, and comprise, for each of a plurality of time periods, data relating to at least one configuration parameter of the network node and data relating to at least one performance indicator of the network node, and
• wherein each of a plurality of defined actions corresponds to a specific set of values of the at least one configuration parameter in two successive time periods;
• identify a current state and at least one desired state;
• and
• determine at least one action to cause the transition from the current state to a desired state.