Connectivity Templates for Automated Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configuration and management processes are inefficient and complex, requiring manual configuration of network devices and repetitive adjustments with the addition, removal, or modification of network components, leading to increased complexity and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of connectivity templates that allow for the automated configuration of network devices using a graph model, enabling intent-based networking by specifying declarative requirements rather than imperative instructions, which simplifies the management and configuration of complex network infrastructures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of network devices is performed, then network devices can be configured and managed, but the complexity and time required for configuration and management increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses templates to copy and reuse network configuration patterns across multiple devices. Instead of manually configuring each device individually, administrators can create a template once and apply it to multiple devices, significantly reducing configuration complexity and time while maintaining consistency across the network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated configuration where the network management platform automatically generates and applies configurations to devices based on templates and device metadata. This self-service approach eliminates manual intervention for routine configuration tasks, reducing both the time required and the complexity of network management operations.
2Productivity
If manual configuration of each network device is performed, then specific network requirements can be met, but the time required for configuration and monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements templates that contain pre-configured network settings and parameters. These templates are created in advance with all necessary configuration details, allowing rapid deployment to multiple devices without repeated manual configuration steps. This preliminary preparation significantly accelerates network configuration productivity while reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The template system provides universal configuration patterns that can be applied across different device types and network scenarios. A single template can serve multiple purposes and be reused across the entire network infrastructure, dramatically increasing configuration speed and eliminating the need for time-consuming device-by-device manual setup.
3Extent of automation
If traditional network management methods are used, then network devices can be monitored, but the efficiency and automation level of monitoring remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated monitoring with feedback mechanisms that continuously collect device status information and compare it against expected states defined in templates. This automated feedback loop enables real-time detection of configuration drift or device anomalies without manual intervention, significantly improving both monitoring automation and efficiency while maintaining network compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
An identification of a connectivity template to be applied to a design of a computer network is received. The design of the network is automatically analyzed to identify eligible application points in the design of the network where the connectivity template is eligible to be applied. A specification of one or more specific ones of the identified eligible application points where the connectivity template is to be applied is received. The connectivity template is applied to the specified one or more specific ones of the identified eligible application points to configure the computer network.