Custom YANG Models in OpenConfig Agents for Multi-Vendor Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network device management systems face complexity due to differences between vendor-neutral and vendor-specific data models, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of network management.
Innovation Solution
Allow users to define and load custom YANG modules alongside vendor-supplied models, enabling network devices to manage and stream data using both through an OpenConfig agent, with custom modules indistinguishable from vendor-supplied interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-neutral data models are used for network device management, then interoperability between devices from multiple vendors is improved, but flexibility and efficiency are reduced due to the need to accommodate vendor-specific data model differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translation layer or intermediary mechanism that maps vendor-specific data models to standardized vendor-neutral data models. This intermediary enables interoperability by converting proprietary data formats into universal formats that can be understood across different vendor devices, thereby maintaining adaptability without sacrificing management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal data model framework that can handle multiple vendor-specific data models through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional approach allows the system to work with diverse vendor devices using one unified data model, improving both interoperability and management efficiency by eliminating the need for separate handling of each vendor's proprietary format.
2Productivity
If vendor-specific data models are used, then flexibility and efficiency of managing individual vendor devices are improved, but complexity increases due to differences between vendor models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data model system into two distinct layers: a standardized vendor-neutral layer for interoperability and vendor-specific layers for optimized device management. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its specific purpose without creating overall system complexity, as the standardized layer handles compatibility while vendor-specific layers maintain efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom data models are allowed alongside vendor-supplied models, then flexibility and user control are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic model management system that can adaptively handle multiple data model types (vendor-supplied and custom) based on runtime requirements. The system dynamically selects and switches between different data models depending on the specific management task, allowing flexibility in configuration while managing complexity through automated model selection and validation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments as disclosed allow the definition and use of custom models in association with a network agent on a network device. In particular, custom models can be placed on a network device and utilized by the network device. The use of these custom models including, notifications and responses associated with those custom models, may appear indistinguishable to use of vendor supplied models.