Automated IP VPN Configuration via Network Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network designs using connection-oriented technologies are inefficient, and manual management of VPNs is costly and labor-intensive, particularly in assigning Route Distinguishers (RDs) and Route Targets (RTs), and generating and updating access lists, which hampers scalability and network resource management.
Innovation Solution
A network controller identifies basic components of VPNs and generates routing data, including RDs and RTs for MPLS-based VPNs, and access lists for VR-based VPNs, automating the configuration and assignment of these parameters to optimize network management and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual management of RDs and RTs is used, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-configuration of RDs and RTs through algorithmic generation based on network topology and requirements, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining optimal configuration decisions. The network controller automatically calculates and assigns these parameters without human input.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical configuration processes are replaced with automated computational systems that use algorithms to generate RDs and RTs. This substitution transforms the manual operation into an automated information processing task, dramatically improving efficiency while maintaining configuration quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual generation of access lists is performed, then configuration accuracy can be verified, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates validation mechanisms that automatically verify generated access lists against network requirements and policies. This feedback loop ensures configuration accuracy is maintained while eliminating the time-consuming manual verification process, as the system self-validates its outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
Access lists are generated and validated in advance before deployment, with the system performing all necessary checks and optimizations beforehand. This preliminary automated action ensures accuracy is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-configuration verification.
3Reliability
If traditional VPN configuration methods are used, then network security is maintained, but scalability is limited due to manual management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms static manual configuration into a dynamic automated process that can adapt to changing network conditions and requirements in real-time. This enables the network to scale flexibly as new VPNs are added or modified, while automated security validation maintains reliability throughout the dynamic changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Internet-protocol based, virtual private networks are configured by first identifying the basic components of such networks and then efficiently assigning MPLS-based RD and RTs to each component or efficiently generating VR-based access lists for each component.