Unified EVPN Topology Configuration via Network Management Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems require manual and time-consuming processes to configure network devices for establishing EVPN topologies, which can be error-prone and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A network management system generates a common user interface that allows users to collectively configure network devices, automatically mapping ports and generating topology relationship information to establish EVPN topologies such as multihoming and IP-CLOS configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network devices are configured separately to establish EVPN topology, then each device can be individually managed, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate device configuration operations into a single unified configuration action. The network management system allows administrators to configure multiple network devices simultaneously through a single user interface, merging what would otherwise require individual configuration steps for each device into one consolidated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating configuration data and port mappings before actual device configuration. The network management system pre-computes the topology relationship information and prepares configuration parameters, so that when configuration is executed, it can be applied to multiple devices without manual intervention for each device.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual port mapping is performed for each network device, then precise port configuration can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating port mappings and topology relationship information without requiring manual configuration. The network management system autonomously computes the correct port mappings based on the desired EVPN topology, eliminating the need for administrators to manually map ports on each device while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the network management system) that sits between the administrator and the individual network devices. This intermediary automatically handles the complex port mapping computations and generates the necessary configuration data, simplifying the process for administrators while ensuring accurate port mappings through automated computation.
3Productivity
If multiple network devices are configured individually, then each device can be optimized separately, but the overall topology establishment becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The network management system provides universal configuration capabilities that work across multiple different network device types and vendors. The system generates standardized configuration data that can be applied universally to various devices in the EVPN topology, ensuring consistent configuration across the entire network while maintaining the ability to handle device-specific requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described by which a network management system (NMS) provides a common user interface (UI) to enable a user to collectively configure network devices to establish an EVPN topology. For example, an NMS is configured to: generate data representative of a common UI comprising UI elements representing a plurality of network devices to be configured in an EVPN topology; receive, via the common UI, an indication of a user input selecting one or more of the UI elements representing selected network devices; generate UI elements representing a plurality of ports of the selected network devices; receive, via the common UI , an indication of a user input selecting the UI elements representing one or more selected ports; and generate, based on the one or more selected network devices and one or more selected ports, topology relationship information of the one or more selected devices to establish the EVPN topology.