Fallback Configuration Reversion for Network Device Reachability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional network computing environments, changes to network managed device configurations initiated by network management systems can lead to unexpected results, such as making devices unreachable, and typical correction methods are ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A method where network managed devices revert to a fallback configuration, which is a known valid configuration stored in non-volatile memory, to restore reachability and manageability, without the need for specialized hardware, by determining and verifying the fallback configuration and replacing the invalid running configuration with it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If configuration changes are applied to network managed devices, then network management efficiency is improved, but device reachability and manageability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of configuration changes before applying them to network managed devices. A validation mechanism checks the proposed configuration against predefined rules and constraints to ensure it will not render the device unreachable or unmanageable, thereby preventing harmful effects before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a fallback configuration mechanism that prepares a backup configuration state before applying changes. If verification fails or the device becomes unreachable after configuration changes, the system can automatically revert to the previous working configuration, cushioning against the harmful effects of failed configuration changes.
2Ease of repair
If typical configuration correction methods are used, then configuration errors can be addressed, but the network managed device may remain unreachable
Solution Approach 1:
The network managed device performs self-verification of its configuration and automatically reverts to a fallback configuration if it determines that configuration changes have rendered it unreachable or unmanageable. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to restore device accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the network managed device continuously monitors its own reachability and manageability status. When configuration changes are applied, the device verifies whether it remains accessible to the network management system, and if not, automatically triggers a revert to the previous working configuration based on the feedback from this verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring a network managed device in a network is described herein. A fallback configuration is determined. The fallback configuration is identified as a configuration that enables the network managed device to be manageable. A working configuration is determined. The working configuration is described by a working set of configuration data that has been updated based on a management command. A commit command is received. The working configuration is saved as a running configuration and verification of the running configuration is initiated. It is determined whether the verification of the running configuration is successful. Where it is not successful, the running configuration is saved as a failed configuration and the running configuration is replaced with the fallback configuration.