Method for planning a network and putting it into operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for planning a network and putting it into operation and optionally for correcting errors in the network topology of the network, the network having network devices which are cabled to one another in accordance with the functionality of the network, characterised in that the topology of the network is first planned using a suitable planning tool and then the planned network is cabled to its network devices, one network device after the other being addressed starting from a network management station, and an IP address being assigned to each network device on the basis of its unique identification feature, the network devices then receiving and storing their configuration data, and each network device then being restarted in order to activate the configuration which has been received and stored.

Description

[0001] Procedures for planning and commissioning a network

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method for planning, commissioning and eliminating errors in the network topology of a network with network devices that are cabled together according to the functionality of the network, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1,

[0004] Networks, especially industrial networks, are typically characterized, among other things, by their fully planned topology. This means that the topology of the network itself, as well as the devices to be used and the device configuration, are defined in advance and then deployed to the devices in the network. The network can then be put into operation, provided no errors were made during planning and, above all, during the practical implementation of the network.

[0005] Problems:

[0006] The configuration can be deployed to the network devices (also called commissioning) in a variety of ways. For the initial commissioning of a network, this is often done manually. This means that after the network has been cabling, a network engineer or other commissioning personnel uploads the configuration individually to each network device (hereinafter also referred to as a switch). In order to correctly deploy (i.e. load and commission) device- and port-specific configurations, such as VLAN membership of network ports, it is necessary that all network devices are correctly installed and cabled according to the network plan and that the correct configuration is uploaded to the corresponding network device. If the individual devices are configured manually, this process is both time-consuming and error-prone.Furthermore, it is not possible or not easy to determine whether a device has been wired incorrectly.

[0007] Semi-automated commissioning processes, such as automatically retrieving the configuration from an FTP server, can reduce commissioning time. However, even with this method, it is not easy to detect incorrectly installed configurations, faulty cabling, or incorrect devices that are not suitable for use at this point in the planned topology, or to take steps to correct the problem once it has been identified.

[0008] In addition, there is a sub-problem that replacing defective devices with automatic deployment of the correct configuration is not easily possible, since in practice it is first necessary to determine which configuration a defective device had (so that, depending on the defect, the last used configuration can no longer be determined), then to make this available and to install it on the new, replaced device.

[0009] In the event of a device failure in an existing network, personnel with in-depth network knowledge are often not on-site to replace the device. Therefore, it is necessary to make the device replacement and the subsequent deployment of the correct configuration to the device as simple and error-proof as possible. This problem is a subset of the commissioning problem and can therefore be addressed using the same approaches.

[0010] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a method by which the problems set out at the outset are solved.

[0011] This problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1.

[0012] Commissioning problems are solved by first planning the network topology using a suitable planning tool. Then, the planned network is wired to its devices. Starting at a network management station, each network device is addressed one at a time, and each network device is assigned an IP address based on its unique identifier. The network devices then receive and save their configuration data, and each network device is then rebooted to activate the received and saved configuration. This means that the configurations for the individual network devices are deployed from one device to the next, essentially step-by-step or in waves, starting at the network management station (also known as an NMS or network management station).

[0013] Advantages of the solution:

[0014] The solution according to the invention eliminates the problem described above and allows automatic commissioning of a newly planned and subsequently constructed network (so-called greenfield network), or commissioning or reconfiguration of an already existing network (so-called brownfield network), which largely does not require manual intervention.

[0015] Furthermore, the inventive solution offers the possibility of detecting cabling errors and either correcting them automatically (e.g., by automatically adjusting the configuration of individual devices) or providing the user with assistance to make manual corrections (e.g., by displaying incorrectly wired network ports and providing instructions on how to achieve correct cabling). This will be explained in more detail below.

[0016] Concrete advantages:

[0017] • Correction of wiring errors,

[0018] • Instruction of the user on how to rectify the wiring error,

[0019] • Adaptation of the network plan or device configuration if the user wants to retain the existing cabling,

[0020] • Checking the device type,

[0021] • Verification of the authenticity of an installed device, if required or desired,

[0022] • A different device type can be accepted if the actual installed network device is capable of providing the required functionality. In this case, the configuration is automatically adjusted for the new device type.

[0023] • Different device types will be rejected if the configuration cannot be applied successfully or the actually installed network device is not able to provide the required functionality, • The option to set an individual password on each network device.

[0024] Solution:

[0025] As already explained above, the inventive solution is explained in detail as follows.

[0026] In the first step, a network—that is, its topology with the required network devices, depending on its location and the functionality to be fulfilled—is planned offline, i.e., virtually, using a suitable planning tool. This involves defining the network topology and cabling, as well as the configuration for the individual network devices. In the next step, the physical network is set up and cabling is carried out according to the plan.

[0027] To deploy the configurations to the individual network devices, proceed as follows:

[0028] • The network plan and the configurations of the individual network devices are made available on a network management station (NMS).

[0029] • The network management station is connected to the newly established network at any point.

[0030] • The network station now automatically identifies a network device, preferably the nearest network device connected to it, e.g., using LLDP neighborhood information, and assigns it an initial IP address for configuration and, if desired, an initial password. The IP address is assigned using a protocol that can configure a device with an IP address using a unique identifier, e.g., a MAC address. An example of such a protocol is the "Hi Discovery" protocol from Beiden. This procedure ensures that IP addresses can be assigned even to devices that are completely unconfigured at this time (new or as delivered).

[0031] • Starting with the first identified network device, the entire network is now automatically detected (preferably using the same process as in the previous step) and assigned initial IP addresses and, optionally, passwords (see Figure 1 - Setup: Greenfield Network and Figure 2 - IP-Configured Network). Already in this step, an initial comparison is made between the existing physical network topology determined by the process and the previously planned topology. If deviations from the plan are identified during the network setup, these can be reported to the user as a problem, and assistance (such as specific instructions) can be provided on how the user must proceed to correct the physical topology (such as cabling errors) or, alternatively, to adapt the deviation in the planned network plan accordingly.After completing this step, the structure of the physical network (network topology) must match the planned or adapted network topology.

[0032] • In the next step, the physical devices in the determined network topology are compared with the planned topology and the device types provided there, and the configurations are deployed to the individual network devices according to the network plan. The configuration is deployed to the individual network devices as follows:

[0033] 1. The network device is authenticated, if necessary or desired, i.e. it is ensured that it is actually, for example, a device from the expected manufacturer or has a functionality that is required at this point in the network.

[0034] 2. The device type of the network device is compared with the expected device type. If the device types match, continue with step 3. a. If the device types do not match, check whether the actually installed device type meets the requirements for the network device at the installed location (such as VLAN capability, redundancy protocols, etc.). b. If this is the case, the network management station adjusts the configuration so that it is applicable to the new device. The process then continues with step 3. c. If this is not the case, the user is informed that an incorrect device has been installed and the network management station provides instructions on how to solve the problem (replacing the incorrect device with one of the expected type, cabling according to the network plan). d.After the swap has been completed, the configuration can be applied to the device by proceeding with step 3.

[0035] 3. A check is made to ensure that the cabling has been correctly installed (see Figure 4 - Troubleshooting Cabling Errors). a. If this is the case, the configuration is applied to the device as specified in the network plan. b. If this is not the case, there are several options for resolving the problem, depending on the network operator's / user's preference:

[0036] • Automatic adaptation of the configuration: the NMS automatically adapts the configuration (such as the VLAN membership of ports, any static forwarding entries, etc.) based on the detected topology in such a way that the originally planned behavior of the network is ensured.

[0037] • Manual troubleshooting: the NMS provides the user with precise information about the problem and instructions on how to resolve the issue (e.g. for device B: port 3 of the neighboring network device A is connected to port 2 of network device B, but should be connected to port 1. Disconnect the cable from port 2 on device B and plug it into port 1 of device B).

[0038] • It is important for the inventive solution that, after the configurations have been deployed to all network devices, an automatic restart of the newly configured network devices is initiated at a defined time (see Figure 3 - Applying the configuration). This can be performed by all devices in the network, just a single one, in particular a replaced device, or a defined segment of the power supply (e.g., old devices of a particular type, all devices that have received new operating system software, etc.). By restarting the affected network devices at the same time and after the configuration has been deployed to all network devices, it is ensured that all network devices are continuously accessible during the configuration process.Optionally, a software update can be applied to individual devices, a group of devices, or all devices and activated by a reboot initiated by the network management station.

[0039] The procedure for replacing a defective device in an existing network, for example, and correctly commissioning and configuring it according to the network plan, is very similar to the one described above. The main difference is that the network no longer needs to be planned (because it has already been planned, built, and wired according to the plan), nor does it need to be completely re-determined (as would happen immediately after its construction). This means that these procedural steps have already been completed, and the only option left is to correct a fault. In this case, the fault is not incorrect cabling or a faulty network device discovered, for example, immediately after the network has been built, but rather the fault is discovered later, for example, after the network has been in operation for a certain period of time.In practice, it often happens that a defective device or an outdated device that can no longer be equipped with a current configuration and / or operating software needs to be replaced. In this case, which can occur quite frequently in practice after planning, installation, and commissioning using the method according to the invention, the position of the replacement device in the network is determined as described above, and then the appropriate configuration for this network device is deployed. The potential problems mentioned above (incorrect device, incorrect cabling) can also be intercepted and addressed with this option, as in the solution described above.

Claims

Procedures for planning and commissioning a network Patent claims 1. Method for planning, commissioning and optionally for rectifying errors in the network topology of a network with network devices that are cabled together according to the functionality of the network, characterized in that the topology of the network is first planned using a suitable planning tool and then the planned network is cabled with its network devices, whereby starting from a network management station one network device after the other is addressed and each network device is assigned an IP address based on its unique identification feature, whereby the network devices then receive and save their configuration data and then a restart of each network device is carried out in order to activate the received and saved configuration.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in a first step the network, that is to say its topology with the required network devices depending on its location and the functionality to be fulfilled, is planned offline in the planning tool, whereby both the network topology and cabling as well as the configuration for the individual network devices are determined and in a next step the physical network is set up and cabling according to the network plan.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the network plan and the configurations of the individual network devices are made available on a network management station, wherein the network management station is connected to the newly constructed network at any point, whereupon the network management station automatically determines a network device and assigns it an initial IP address for the configuration.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the network management station automatically determines the next network device connected to it.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assignment of the IP address takes place via a protocol that can configure a network device with an IP address by means of a unique identification feature.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, starting from the first identified network device, the complete network is automatically recognized and provided with initial IP addresses.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first comparison of the physically existing network topology and the network topology determined by the method is carried out with the previously planned topology.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that, in the event that deviations from the network plan are detected in the structure of the network, these are communicated to a user as a problem and assistance, such as concrete instructions, is given as to how the user must proceed in order to correct the physical topology or, alternatively, to adapt the deviation in the planned network plan accordingly.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the physical devices in the determined network topology are compared with the planned topology and the device types provided there, and the configurations are applied to the individual network devices in accordance with the network plan.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that a network device is authenticated and the device type of the network device is compared with the expected device type.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that in the event that the device types do not match, it is checked whether the actually installed device type meets the requirements for the network device at the installed position.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, if the device type actually installed meets the requirements for the network device at the installed location, the configuration is adapted by the network management station to be applicable to the new device.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that in the event that the device type actually installed does not meet the requirements for the network device at the installed location, the user is informed that an incorrect device has been installed and the network management station provides instructions on how to correct the problem.

14. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that it is checked whether the cabling has been carried out correctly and, in the event that the cabling has been carried out correctly, the configuration is applied to the device as provided in the network plan.

15. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that it is checked whether the cabling has been carried out correctly and, in the event that the cabling has not been carried out correctly, an automatic adjustment of the configuration or a manual error correction is carried out.

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