Cloud Network Automation via Topology Modeling and ZTP
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual and time-consuming process of setting up and managing complex cloud networks, such as CLOS networks, is challenging due to the need for individual configuration of numerous devices from different vendors, leading to scalability issues and increased complexity as the network size grows.
Innovation Solution
A centralized Network Deployment System (NDS) automates network configuration and management using a network model that encapsulates topology, component information, and configurations, enabling Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) for device provisioning without human intervention, and is vendor-agnostic to simplify the process across different network components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration is used for each network device, then individual device control is precise, but the setup time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures network devices by provisioning templates and configuration files that are prepared in advance. The Network Deployment System automatically applies these pre-prepared configurations to devices during deployment, eliminating the need for manual real-time configuration and significantly reducing setup time while maintaining operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Network devices perform self-configuration through Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP). When devices are deployed, they automatically discover their network position, retrieve appropriate configuration files, and apply settings without human intervention. This self-service approach dramatically reduces setup time while the centralized NDS maintains control through automated validation.
2Productivity
If network size increases to meet processing demands, then processing capability improves, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network management into distinct functional layers: the centralized Network Deployment System handles high-level topology management and policy enforcement, while individual devices handle local configuration application. This segmentation allows the system to scale processing capability without proportionally increasing management complexity, as each segment operates independently with clear responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The Network Deployment System acts as an intermediary between network administrators and individual devices. It provides a simplified interface for managing large-scale networks by automatically translating high-level network models into device-specific configurations, thereby maintaining manageable complexity even as network size and processing capability increase.
3Reliability
If vendor-specific configurations are used, then device compatibility is ensured, but system adaptability to different vendors decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal configuration templates and standardized network models that can be applied across multiple vendor devices. The Network Deployment System maintains a library of vendor-specific provisioning templates that are automatically selected based on device identification, allowing a single unified system to manage diverse vendor equipment reliably while maintaining vendor-agnostic design principles.
Data Source
AI summary
The present is directed to systems, methods, and devices for modelling cloud networks for automation, The system can include a computing network including at least one transit router and a plurality of switches. The system can include at least one server that can access model information for the computing network, and set up the computing network based upon the model information. Setting up the computing network can include creating a topology database, and building the computing network based on the topology database. The topolopgy data can be created by creating switches at each layer in the computing network, mapping links connecting the switches, each link connecting a pair of switches, creating Border Gateway Protocol (“BGP”) routing for both an underlay network and an overlay network, creating a topology graph of the computing network, and generating Zero Touch Provisioning (“ZTP”) links.