Co-Managed SDN Configuration Service for Enterprise Network Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fully-managed SD-WAN change management processes are time-consuming and complex, limiting enterprise customers' ability to make direct changes to SDN devices, which can lead to operational losses and SLA violations.
Innovation Solution
A co-managed configuration service that allows enterprise customers to make policy changes and other network configurations through a self-service model using a web-based portal and custom APIs, automating change requests and minimizing manual procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fully-managed SD-WAN change management process is used, then network security and control are maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service portal that enables enterprise customers to autonomously submit and manage change requests for SDN device configurations. The system allows customers to directly interact with the network management platform, eliminating the need for manual service provider intervention for routine changes, thus reducing time loss while maintaining security through automated validation and approval workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated change management system as an intermediary between customers and the SDN devices. This intermediary platform handles the complex validation, routing, and execution of change requests, shielding customers from complexity while maintaining security controls. The system acts as a mediator that processes changes through defined workflows, reducing both time and complexity for end users.
2Reliability
If enterprise customers are restricted from making direct changes to SDN devices, then network security is maintained, but operational efficiency and responsiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent empowers enterprise customers to directly submit and manage change requests through a self-service portal, allowing them to autonomously configure SDN devices within their authorized scope. This self-service capability significantly improves operational efficiency and responsiveness while maintaining security through automated validation, policy enforcement, and audit trails that ensure changes comply with network security requirements.
3Reliability
If manual procedures are used for change management, then control and security are maintained, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical procedures with an automated digital system that handles change management workflows. The system automatically validates change requests, routes them through appropriate approval workflows, executes configurations on SDN devices, and maintains audit trails. This substitution eliminates manual complexity while preserving control through automated policy enforcement and security validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal change management platform that handles multiple types of network changes, device configurations, and approval workflows through a single integrated system. This multi-functional platform consolidates various manual processes into one automated system, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive control over all change management activities across the network.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein provide a co-managed configuration service. A network device stores parameters for the co-managed configuration service. The parameters identify exposed services for an enterprise network that uses devices from a network service provider. The network device receives, via a customer portal, a vendor-agnostic change request for the enterprise network. The change request includes a user role and a change request name for one of the exposed services. The network device authenticates the change request based on the user role and the change request name and retrieves vendor director information for an SDN device implementing the configuration change. The network device invokes, in response to the change request, the configuration change for the enterprise network based on the vendor director information.