A method and system for automating switch configuration

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of switch configuration technology, specifically to a method and system for automating switch configuration, comprising the following steps: creating a network topology within the client, adding a corresponding number of switch identifiers based on the actual number of switches using built-in switch and server identifiers, selecting the switch brand and model, and configuring the switch's role type and general configuration within the network topology; the beneficial effects are: the client provides graphical switch and server identifiers, allowing network administrators to graphically plan the entire network topology and intuitively configure options within the graphical plan, reducing repetitive operations such as switch login, query, and configuration, reducing configuration errors that may result from repetitive operations, improving work efficiency, and ensuring stable network operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of switch configuration technology, specifically to a method and system for automating switch configuration. Background Technology

[0002] Switches are core components in modern network architectures, widely used for interconnecting terminal devices to form local area networks (LANs). In large data centers, switches employ multi-level architectures to meet the interconnection needs of a large number of devices. These devices require both isolation and interoperability across multiple switches, leading to complex switch configurations. Manually configuring switches involves numerous repetitive operations, resulting in low efficiency and a high error rate due to the large volume of work. When configuration errors occur, extensive configuration lookups are required, consuming significant time for troubleshooting. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and system for automating switch configuration. By recording the entire network topology, the switch can be managed. Switch configuration administrators can achieve automated switch configuration through network topology settings, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a method for automatically configuring a switch, the method comprising the following steps:

[0005] a) Create a network topology within the client, add the corresponding number of switch identifiers based on the actual number of switches using the built-in switch and server identifiers, select the switch brand and model, and configure the role type of the switch in the network topology and general configuration.

[0006] b) In the client, select the switch port configuration according to the server's planned purpose, display the connection port number, and provide the function to view port configuration details;

[0007] c) The client provides a submit button. After completing part or all of the configuration, clicking the submit button will submit the configuration request to the server.

[0008] d) The server-side program includes a switch login program and a database connection program. It organizes client requests, allocates and sorts configuration requests, queries the corresponding instruction set stored in the database according to the switch brand and model information, converts the configuration request into the corresponding switch configuration instruction, and executes the configuration instruction.

[0009] e) The server program queries the database for switch login information based on the basic information of the target switch carried in the request, logs into the switch, and returns the configuration results to the client program.

[0010] Preferably, step a) further includes:

[0011] When adding a switch identifier, a dialog box for selecting the switch brand and model will pop up. Configuration administrators should select the correct brand and model according to the actual situation.

[0012] Switch brands and models can be added or removed through the client application to manage more switch types;

[0013] After selecting the switch brand and model, continue to select the type of role the switch plays in the network topology, such as access switch, aggregation switch, or core switch.

[0014] The configuration personnel can choose to continue with general switch configurations, such as management port address configuration, management user account and password configuration, and login protocol configuration;

[0015] When the switch identifier is selected, you can choose to view the configuration details of that switch.

[0016] Preferably, step d) further includes:

[0017] The server program calculates the configuration request for the interconnection of switch ports, determines whether a loop exists, and if a loop exists, checks whether the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) exists. If not, it requires the switch configuration administrator to complete the STP configuration on the client.

[0018] The server program sorts configuration requests according to the traffic flow from access switch to aggregation switch to core switch.

[0019] Preferably, the method further includes the following steps:

[0020] f) The server-side program processes the query request. Based on the query request executed by the user in the client program, the server program finds the corresponding instruction set stored in the database according to the switch brand and model carried in the request information, converts the query request into the corresponding switch configuration instruction, queries the switch login information stored in the database, logs into the switch, and returns the query result to the client program.

[0021] Preferably, the method further includes the following steps:

[0022] g) Database read and write requests: Before the client plans the network topology, switch information such as switch brand, model and corresponding instruction set, login address, account, password and login method corresponding to the switch serial number are entered in advance. The server calls the database connection program to store this content in the corresponding database table.

[0023] h) When the client performs network planning, it fills in the basic information of the switch, such as the switch serial number, connection port, and type of the switch in the network topology, and provides a save button to save the network topology. When the user clicks the save button, the client sends the network topology planning content to the server program, and the server calls the database connection program to store this content in the corresponding database table.

[0024] i) The database responds to data query requests from the server program, which are switch configuration and query requests initiated by the client.

[0025] A system for automating switch configuration includes: a client module for creating and editing network topology, the network topology including identifiers of switches and servers, wherein the switch identifier includes the switch brand and model, and functions for topology connection, port configuration selection, port details display, and full switch configuration display; the client module also has information input, deletion, and content saving capabilities, inputting switch information according to the actual scenario, and saving the planned network topology completely to the client program so that it can be directly opened and modified when the network plan changes.

[0026] Preferably, the client module further includes:

[0027] The brand and model selection unit is used to pop up a dialog box for selecting the switch brand and model when adding a switch identifier, allowing configuration administrators to make their selections.

[0028] The switch type selection unit is used to select the type of role of the switch in the network topology after completing the brand and model selection, such as access switch, aggregation switch, or core switch.

[0029] The general configuration unit is used to configure the management port address, management user account password, and login protocol.

[0030] The port configuration unit is used to display port configuration options when the switch identifier and the server identifier are connected. These options include port mode, VLAN ID, gateway address, and other configurations, and display the connected port number and port configuration details.

[0031] The network topology storage unit is used to save the planned network topology to the client program.

[0032] Preferably, the database module is used to store the network topology information entered by the client module, including the connection port of the switch, the type and serial number of the peer device, as well as the hardware information, login information and configuration instructions corresponding to different models of switches.

[0033] Preferably, the system further includes: a server module, comprising a switch login program and a database connection program, used to process configuration requests and query requests from the client module.

[0034] The configuration request processing unit organizes client requests, allocates and sorts configuration requests, queries the corresponding instruction set stored in the database based on the switch brand and model information, converts the configuration request into switch configuration instructions, queries login information based on the basic information of the target switch, logs in to the switch, executes the configuration instructions, and returns the configuration result to the client module.

[0035] The query request processing unit, based on the query request from the client module, finds the corresponding instruction set stored in the database, converts it into a switch query instruction, queries the switch login information stored in the database, logs into the switch, executes the query instruction, and returns the query result to the client module.

[0036] Preferably, the server module further includes:

[0037] The loop detection and STP configuration unit, when processing configuration requests for interconnection of switch ports, calculates the network topology to determine if a loop exists. If a loop exists, it checks if the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) exists. If not, it requires the configuration administrator to complete the STP protocol configuration in the client module to prevent loops from occurring.

[0038] The database read / write request processing unit responds to data read / write requests from the client module and the server module, including storing switch information, network topology planning content, and responding to data query requests.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0040] The method and system for automatically configuring switches proposed in this invention provide graphical switch and server identifiers through the client, allowing network administrators to graphically plan the entire network topology and intuitively configure options within the graphical plan. This reduces repetitive operations such as switch login, query, and configuration, lowers the risk of configuration errors caused by repetitive operations, improves work efficiency, and ensures stable network operation. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the method architecture of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clear and complete, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only some, not all, embodiments of the present invention, and are merely illustrative of the embodiments of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] Example 1, please refer to Figure 1 This invention provides a technical solution: a method for automatically configuring a switch, the specific implementation process of which is as follows:

[0044] To achieve automated switch configuration, a client is first needed for network topology input. This client should include identifiers for both the switches and servers. The switch identifier should include the switch brand and model to support different configuration commands. The switch identifier should also have the ability to connect topologies, select port configurations, display port details, and display all switch configurations. The client needs to provide information input and deletion capabilities, allowing users to input switch information based on the actual scenario. Furthermore, the client must provide content saving capabilities; the planned network topology must be completely saved to the client program, ensuring that changes to the network plan can be directly accessed and modified.

[0045] Secondly, a database is needed to store network topology information entered by the client, such as the connection port of the switch, the type of the peer device, serial number, etc. It also needs to store the hardware information of the switch itself, such as the switch brand and model, the switch serial number, the switch hostname, the switch login information, such as the switch management address, the switch login protocol, the login account and password, etc. It also needs to store the configuration commands corresponding to different models of switches.

[0046] Secondly, a server program is needed that includes a switch login program to analyze and organize the information entered by the client, convert it into corresponding configuration commands, send them to the corresponding switch for actual configuration, and return the switch command execution results to the client program. This server program also needs to include a database connection program, responsible for connecting to the database, storing the switch information and connection information submitted by the client program, and handling database read requests such as client queries for switch configuration information.

[0047] It mainly includes the following steps:

[0048] (1) Creating a network topology within the client: Within the client, use the built-in switch and server identifiers to add the corresponding number of switch identifiers based on the actual number of switches. When adding a switch identifier, a dialog box for selecting the switch brand and model will pop up. Configuration administrators need to select the correct brand and model according to the actual situation. Switch brands and models can be added, deleted, or managed through the client, allowing it to manage more switch types. After completing the selection of the switch brand and model, it is necessary to continue selecting the type of role the switch plays in the network topology, such as: access switch, aggregation switch, core switch, etc. Configuration personnel can choose to continue with general switch configurations, such as management port address configuration, management user account and password configuration, login protocol configuration, etc. When the switch identifier is selected, the configuration details of the switch can be viewed. When a switch identifier is connected to a server identifier, a configuration selection option for the switch port will pop up. Configuration personnel can select the specific configuration of the port according to the planned purpose of the server, such as port mode, VLAN ID, gateway address, etc. The switch identifier needs to display the connected port number. When the port displayed on the switch identifier is selected, the configuration details of the port can be viewed. When interconnecting two switches, a dialog box should pop up to select the interconnection method: dual-machine load balancing or traffic aggregation. It should also display the VLAN IDs that need to be allowed on the interconnection ports based on the existing VLAN IDs of the two switches. When interconnecting more than two switches, an STP configuration option should pop up, allowing selection of the STP type and root bridge to prevent loops. The client should provide a submit button; after completing part or all of the configuration, clicking the submit button will send the configuration request to the server. The planned network topology must be completely saved in the client program, ensuring that changes to the network plan can be directly modified.

[0049] (2) Server-side program processing of configuration requests: The server-side program includes a switch login program and a database connection program. The server program organizes client requests, distributes configuration requests according to the corresponding switches, and sorts the configuration requests according to the traffic flow from access switch to aggregation switch to core switch. For configuration requests involving interconnection of switch ports, the server program needs to calculate based on the network topology sent by the client to determine if a loop exists. If a loop exists, it needs to check if the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) exists. If not, it needs to force the switch configuration administrator to complete the STP configuration on the client. Then, the server program needs to query the corresponding instruction set stored in the database based on the switch brand and model information carried in the request information, and convert the switch configuration request into the corresponding switch configuration instruction. Next, the server program needs to query the switch login information stored in the database based on the basic information of the target switch carried in the request, such as the serial number, including the switch login address, login method, account, password, etc. The server program calls the switch login program to log in to the switch, executes the converted switch configuration instruction on the corresponding switch, and returns the configuration result to the client program.

[0050] (3) Server-side program handles query requests: The switch identifier provided in the client program needs to have the ability to query switch port configuration and switch configuration. When a user executes a query request in the client program, the client request is sent to the server program. At this time, the server program needs to find the corresponding instruction set stored in the database based on the switch brand and model carried in the request information, and convert the query request into the corresponding switch configuration instruction. Then, the server program needs to query the switch login information stored in the database based on the basic information of the target switch carried in the request, such as the serial number information, including the login address, login method, account, password, etc. The server program calls the switch login program to log in to the switch, configures the converted switch query instruction to the corresponding switch for execution, and returns the query result to the client program, which then displays it to the user.

[0051] (4) Database Read / Write Request Processing: Before planning the network topology on the client side, switch information needs to be entered in advance, such as switch brand, model and corresponding instruction set, login address, account, password, and login method corresponding to the switch serial number. After the user fills in this information on the client side, it is sent to the server side, which then calls the database connection program to store this content in the corresponding database table. When the client plans the network, it will fill in basic switch information, such as switch serial number, connection port, and switch type in the network topology. The client needs to provide a save button to save the network topology. When the user clicks the save button, the client sends the network topology plan content to the server program, which then calls the database connection program to store this content in the corresponding database table. The database also needs to respond to data query requests from the server program. These data query requests are switch configuration and query requests initiated by the client.

[0052] Example 2, based on Example 1, proposes a system for automating switch configuration. The system includes a client module for creating and editing network topology, which includes identifiers for switches and servers. The switch identifiers include the switch brand and model, as well as functions for topology connections, port configuration selection, port details display, and full switch configuration display. The client module also has information input, deletion, and content saving capabilities. It inputs switch information according to the actual scenario and saves the planned network topology completely to the client program so that it can be directly opened and modified when the network plan changes.

[0053] The client module further includes: a brand and model selection unit, which pops up a dialog box for selecting the switch brand and model when adding a switch identifier, allowing configuration administrators to choose; a switch type selection unit, which, after selecting the brand and model, allows selecting the type of role of the switch in the network topology, such as access switch, aggregation switch, or core switch; a general configuration unit, which configures the management port address, management user account password, and login protocol; a port configuration unit, which pops up port configuration options when the switch identifier is connected to the server identifier, including port mode, VLAN ID, gateway address, etc., and displays the connected port number and port configuration details; and a network topology saving unit, which saves the planned network topology to the client program.

[0054] The system also includes a database module, which stores network topology information entered by the client module, including the switch's connection port, peer device type, serial number, as well as the switch's own hardware information, login information, and configuration instructions corresponding to different switch models.

[0055] The system also includes: a server module containing a switch login program and a database connection program, used to handle configuration and query requests from client modules; a configuration request processing unit that organizes, allocates, and sorts client requests, queries the corresponding instruction set stored in the database based on the switch brand and model information, converts the configuration request into switch configuration instructions, queries login information based on the target switch's basic information, logs into the switch, executes the configuration instructions, and returns the configuration results to the client module; and a query request processing unit that, based on the client module's query request, finds the corresponding instruction set stored in the database, converts it into switch query instructions, queries the switch login information stored in the database, logs into the switch, executes the query instructions, and returns the query results to the client module.

[0056] The server module also includes: a loop detection and STP configuration unit, which, when processing configuration requests for interconnecting switch ports, calculates the network topology to determine if a loop exists. If a loop exists, it checks if the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) exists. If not, it requires configuration administrators to complete the STP protocol configuration on the client module to prevent loops from occurring; and a database read / write request processing unit, which responds to data read / write requests from the client module and the server module, including storing switch information, network topology planning content, and responding to data query requests.

[0057] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for automating the configuration of a switch, characterized in that: The method includes the following steps: a) Create a network topology within the client, add the corresponding number of switch identifiers based on the actual number of switches using the built-in switch and server identifiers, select the switch brand and model, and configure the role type of the switch in the network topology and general configuration. When adding a switch identifier, a dialog box for selecting the switch brand and model pops up. Configuration administrators select the correct brand and model according to the actual situation. Switch brands and models can be added, deleted, and managed through the client to manage more switch types. After completing the selection of the switch brand and model, continue to select the type of role of the switch in the network topology, including access switch, aggregation switch, and core switch. Configuration personnel can then choose to continue with general switch configuration, including management port address configuration, management user account and password configuration, and login protocol configuration. When a switch identifier is selected, users can choose to view the configuration details of that switch. b) In the client, select the switch port configuration according to the server's planned purpose, display the connection port number, and provide the function to view port configuration details; c) The client provides a submit button. After completing part or all of the configuration, clicking the submit button will submit the configuration request to the server. d) The server-side program includes a switch login program and a database connection program. It organizes client requests, allocates and sorts configuration requests, queries the corresponding instruction set stored in the database according to the switch brand and model information, converts the configuration request into the corresponding switch configuration instruction, and executes the configuration instruction. The server program calculates the configuration requests for interconnecting switch ports, determines whether a loop exists, and if a loop exists, checks whether the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) exists. If not, it requires the switch configuration administrator to complete the STP configuration on the client. The server program sorts the configuration requests according to the traffic flow from access switch to aggregation switch to core switch. e) The server program queries the database for switch login information based on the basic information of the target switch carried in the request, logs into the switch, and returns the configuration results to the client program.

2. The method for automatically configuring a switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further includes the following steps: f) The server-side program processes the query request. Based on the query request executed by the user in the client program, the server program finds the corresponding instruction set stored in the database according to the switch brand and model carried in the request information, converts the query request into the corresponding switch configuration instruction, queries the switch login information stored in the database, logs into the switch, and returns the query result to the client program.

3. The method for automatically configuring a switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The method further includes the following steps: g) Database read and write requests: Before the client plans the network topology, switch information is entered in advance, including switch brand, model and corresponding instruction set, login address, account, password and login method corresponding to the switch serial number, and the server calls the database connection program to store this content into the corresponding database table. h) When the client performs network planning, it fills in the basic information of the switch, including the switch serial number, connection port, and type of the switch in the network topology. It also provides a save button to save the network topology. When the user clicks the save button, the client sends the network topology planning content to the server program, and the server calls the database connection program to store this content in the corresponding database table. i) The database responds to data query requests from the server program, which are switch configuration and query requests initiated by the client.

4. A system for an automated configuration method for a switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The system includes: a client module for creating and editing network topology, which includes identifiers for switches and servers, wherein the switch identifiers include the switch brand and model, as well as functions for topology connection, port configuration selection, port details display, and full switch configuration display; the client module also has the ability to input, delete, and save information, input switch information according to the actual scenario, and save the planned network topology completely to the client program so that it can be directly opened and modified when there are changes in the network plan; The client module further includes: The brand and model selection unit is used to pop up a dialog box for selecting the switch brand and model when adding a switch identifier, allowing configuration administrators to make their selections. The switch type selection unit is used to select the type of role of the switch in the network topology after completing the brand and model selection, including access switch, aggregation switch, and core switch; The general configuration unit is used to configure the management port address, management user account password, and login protocol. The port configuration unit is used to display port configuration options when the switch identifier and server identifier are connected, including port mode, VLAN ID, gateway address, and display the connected port number and port configuration details; The network topology storage unit is used to save the planned network topology to the client program; The system also includes a server module, comprising a switch login program and a database connection program, used to handle configuration requests and query requests from the client module. The configuration request processing unit organizes client requests, allocates and sorts configuration requests, queries the corresponding instruction set stored in the database based on the switch brand and model information, converts the configuration request into switch configuration instructions, queries login information based on the basic information of the target switch, logs in to the switch, executes the configuration instructions, and returns the configuration result to the client module. The query request processing unit finds the corresponding instruction set stored in the database based on the query request from the client module, converts it into a switch query instruction, queries the switch login information stored in the database, logs into the switch to execute the query instruction, and returns the query result to the client module. The loop detection and STP configuration unit, when processing configuration requests for interconnection of switch ports, calculates the network topology to determine if a loop exists. If a loop exists, it checks if the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) exists. If not, it requires the configuration administrator to complete the STP protocol configuration in the client module to prevent loops from occurring. The database read / write request processing unit responds to data read / write requests from the client module and the server module, including storing switch information, network topology planning content, and responding to data query requests.

5. The system for automatically configuring a switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The system also includes a database module for storing network topology information entered by the client module, including the connection port of the switch, the type and serial number of the peer device, as well as the hardware information, login information and configuration instructions corresponding to different models of switches.

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