Declarative Template-Based Network Function Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring complex network functions is challenging due to the numerous and intricate patterns of configuration objects, leading to potential errors and difficulties in maintaining the integrity and consistency of the computing environment.

Innovation Solution

A declarative template-based language is used to specify and manage complex patterns of configuration for network functions, allowing for reusable templates that parameterize user input, enforce configuration integrity, and automate the management of configuration objects and monitors, ensuring compliance with a central 'master' copy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional configuration methods are used to configure network functions, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but configuration complexity and error risk increase due to numerous intricate patterns of configuration objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration object patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments configuration into reusable templates that define standardized patterns for configuration objects. Each template represents a modular unit that can be independently designed, tested, and deployed, reducing the complexity of managing numerous intricate configuration patterns while maintaining flexibility through template composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses template copying to reuse proven configuration patterns across different network functions. Instead of manually creating similar configurations, users copy existing templates and customize them as needed, reducing errors and simplifying the configuration process while maintaining consistency across the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If manual configuration management is used, then configuration customization is possible, but configuration integrity and consistency难以 maintain due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration integrityVSAvoidconfiguration management effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that automatically verify configuration integrity by comparing deployed configurations against their templates and master copies. The system detects deviations and provides feedback to administrators, enabling automated enforcement of configuration consistency without requiring manual verification of each configuration object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by validating and approving templates before they are deployed to production environments. This ensures that configuration patterns are correct and consistent before they are used, preventing errors from propagating through the system and reducing the need for ongoing manual integrity checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If centralized configuration storage is implemented, then configuration consistency is improved, but configuration flexibility and adaptability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration consistencyVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing templates to be parameterized with variables that can be dynamically configured based on specific deployment requirements. The master copy stores the standardized template structure, while individual deployments can customize parameter values without affecting the master template, thus maintaining both consistency and flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10419311B2Template-based declarative and composable configuration of network functions
Publication Date: 2019.09.17 CITRIX SYSTEMS INC
  • US10419311B2 patent drawing
  • US10419311B2 patent drawing
  • US10419311B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods of configuring a computing environment. A device identifies a template including a declarative language with a first declaration and a second declaration. The device instantiate the template to generate a configuration object corresponding to the first declaration. The device establishes a first configuration of a component using the generated configuration object. The device generates a second configuration of a monitor to monitor a component. The device establishes the monitor to monitor operational state of the component.