Customer Edge Device Auto-Configuration via OAM&P Relay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring customer edge devices in networks are inefficient, as they rely on manual processes and lack automated mechanisms for data transfer between different protocols, leading to delays and errors in configuration.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an Ethernet-layer OAM&P protocol to request and relay configuration data between a customer edge device, a provider edge device, and a server, using a configuration protocol to facilitate automatic configuration by converting data between protocols, enabling seamless communication and self-configuration of customer edge devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration methods are used for customer edge devices, then configuration can be performed, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The customer edge device performs self-configuration by automatically requesting configuration data from the provider edge device and applying it without manual intervention. The device autonomously completes the configuration process through protocol-based communication, eliminating the need for manual setup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration data is pre-stored in the server at the provider edge device before the customer edge device needs it. When the customer edge device connects to the network, the configuration data is already ready and can be immediately retrieved and applied, eliminating delays associated with real-time configuration data gathering.
2Productivity
If automated configuration is implemented, then configuration speed increases, but protocol data conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The provider edge device serves as an intermediary that handles the protocol conversion between the Ethernet-layer OAM&P protocol used by the customer edge device and the configuration protocol used by the server. This mediator approach centralizes the conversion complexity at the provider edge device rather than requiring the customer edge device to handle multiple protocol conversions.
3Reliability
If manual configuration processes are used, then configuration can be performed, but errors and delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The customer edge device autonomously requests, receives, and applies configuration data through standardized protocol interactions, eliminating human error associated with manual configuration. The automated process ensures consistent and accurate configuration application without the variability introduced by manual operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic re-configuration is enabled, then network flexibility improves, but configuration management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the customer edge device to request and receive updated configuration data at any time during its operation. The provider edge device can push configuration updates to accommodate changing network conditions or service requirements, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring complex manual reconfiguration processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A customer edge device is automatically configured. A request for customer edge device configuration data may be transmitted to a provider edge device via an Ethernet-layer operations, administration, maintenance, and provisioning (OAM&P) protocol. The request for configuration data may be relayed from the Ethernet-layer OAM&P protocol to a configuration protocol. The request for configuration data may be transmitted from the provider edge device to a configuration repository server via the configuration protocol. The configuration repository server may transmit the requested configuration data to the provider edge device via the configuration protocol. The provider edge device may relay the configuration data from the configuration protocol to the Ethernet-layer OAM&P protocol and transmit the configuration data to a customer edge device via the Ethernet-layer OAM&P protocol. The customer edge device may automatically configure itself using the configuration data.