ACS Server Automates Virtual Distributed Device Zero Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management and deployment of virtual distributed devices in software virtualization technologies, such as VSS and IRF, face challenges due to complex virtual uplink networking and detection of deployment results, making zero configuration deployment difficult compared to single devices.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a DHCP Option 43 and TR069 protocol-based ACS server to automate the zero configuration of virtual distributed devices by pre-processing, establishing IRF groups and topologies, and deploying configuration files from downstream to upstream, minimizing manual interference and ensuring successful configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If zero configuration deployment is applied to virtual distributed devices, then deployment efficiency is improved and manual configuration errors are reduced, but the complexity of virtual uplink networking and deployment result detection creates significant challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ACS server as an intermediary to manage the zero configuration deployment of virtual distributed devices. The ACS server coordinates the deployment process, handles configuration distribution, and manages the complexity of virtual uplink networking, thereby improving deployment efficiency while containing the complexity within the intermediary system rather than the devices themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring the ACS server with deployment templates and parameters before actual device deployment. The system performs pre-processing of configuration data and establishes deployment plans in advance, which simplifies the actual deployment process and reduces the complexity encountered during real-time configuration.
2Speed
If zero configuration deployment is applied to virtual distributed devices, then deployment speed is improved, but the methods for detecting deployment results create many problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the ACS server continuously monitors and detects the deployment results of virtual distributed devices. The system collects status information from deployed devices, verifies configuration accuracy, and provides feedback loops to confirm successful deployment or identify issues that require reconfiguration, thereby solving the detection difficulty while maintaining deployment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service detection by implementing automated deployment result verification mechanisms that do not require manual intervention. The system automatically detects whether deployment was successful, validates configuration parameters, and identifies any deviations from expected outcomes, thus solving the detection difficulty without compromising deployment speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of zero configuration for a virtual distributed device in a distributed network is disclosed. A plurality of peer devices are added as virtual devices to a network device. Configuration information is imported to the network device. A peer group comprising the plurality of peer devices, and corresponding topology of the peer group, are established in the network device. A connection between the network device and one of the plurality of peer devices is established via an uplink switch, the plurality of peer devices being connected to one another by virtual links. The network device distributes the configuration information to the plurality of peer devices in accordance with the established topology via the peer device connected to the uplink switch.