Automated Dynamic Routing Configuration via Control Messages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for configuring dynamic routing protocols like BGP in data center networks require manual and time-consuming configuration of each network device, leading to high risks of errors and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

An automated configuration method where a first device receives control messages with configuration elements and instructions, which it then uses to configure and propagate to other devices, establishing dynamic routing sessions and managing AS numbers in a distributed manner, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration of each network device is used, then configuration control and precision are maintained, but configuration time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration where network devices automatically receive and apply configuration parameters through control messages exchanged between controllers and devices. The configuration is pushed automatically without requiring manual intervention at each device, reducing configuration time while maintaining precision through controlled message exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A controller acts as an intermediary between the configuration source and network devices. The controller receives configuration requests, processes them, and distributes configuration parameters to multiple devices through standardized control messages, eliminating the need for direct manual configuration of each device while maintaining configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration of each network device is used, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but operational costs and error risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration where network devices automatically receive and apply configuration parameters through control messages exchanged between controllers and devices. The configuration is pushed automatically without requiring manual intervention at each device, reducing configuration time while maintaining precision through controlled message exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A controller acts as an intermediary between the configuration source and network devices. The controller receives configuration requests, processes them, and distributes configuration parameters to multiple devices through standardized control messages, eliminating the need for direct manual configuration of each device while maintaining configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If automated configuration propagation is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but signaling traffic volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration timeVSAvoidsignaling traffic volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration propagation is segmented into targeted control messages sent only to devices that require specific configuration updates. Rather than broadcasting to all devices, the system identifies and configures only the necessary devices, reducing overall signaling traffic while maintaining fast configuration deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If automated configuration propagation is implemented, then configuration speed is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements a universal configuration management system that handles multiple device types and configuration scenarios through a single standardized interface. The control messages are designed to be multi-functional, capable of carrying various configuration parameters (AS numbers, routing policies, etc.) in a unified format, reducing the need for device-specific configuration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3718258B1Configuration method for a network using a dynamic routing protocol
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 ORANGE SA
  • EP3718258B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3B
  • EP3718258B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3718258B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C

AI summary

The configuration method comprises: — a step (E40,E80) of reception, by a first device of the network, of a first control message (CMD,M1) comprising configuration elements for the activation of the dynamic routing protocol in the network; — a step (E50, E90) of configuration by the first device of setup parameters for establishing sessions according to said protocol used by the first device on the basis of configuration elements included in the first message; — if the configuration elements included in the first message comprise at least one management instruction for handling sessions according to said protocol in the network, a step (E60, E110) of execution by the first device of said at least one management instruction; and — if the configuration elements included in the first message comprise a setting for directing propagation of the configuration elements in the network, a step (E70,E120) of dispatching by the first device in accordance with said propagation setting of at least one second control message (M1,M2) to at least one second device of the network, this second control message comprising all or some of the configuration elements included in the first message.