LISP Network Fabric Auto-Provisioning via Centralized Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to configuring Locator ID Separation Protocol (LISP) networks in data center fabrics require manual command-line interface (CLI) configuration on multiple devices, which is time-consuming and complex, especially when dealing with numerous network devices and subnets across different physical locations.
Innovation Solution
A management tool automates the configuration of LISP networks by allowing administrators to specify attributes through an interface, generating and distributing necessary commands to network devices for auto-configuration, including enabling LISP support flags, specifying routing locator locations, and registering with map servers, thereby simplifying the setup of LISP-enabled network fabrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual CLI configuration is used on each network device, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but configuration time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration where network devices automatically receive and apply LISP configuration commands through push notifications from the network manager, eliminating the need for manual CLI input on each device while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated validation
Solution Approach 2:
A network manager acts as an intermediary between administrators and network devices, automatically generating and distributing configuration commands. The manager receives high-level configuration intent, translates it into device-specific CLI commands, and pushes them to appropriate devices, thereby reducing configuration time while maintaining accuracy through centralized control
2Reliability
If manual CLI configuration is performed on multiple devices across different physical locations, then configuration control can be maintained, but device complexity and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments configuration management into distinct functional components: a network manager that handles high-level configuration logic and device selection, and individual network devices that execute received commands. This segmentation allows centralized control while simplifying the operational burden on administrators by automating the distribution and application of configurations across multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The network manager serves as an intermediary that absorbs the complexity of managing multiple devices across different physical locations. It maintains configuration control by centrally generating and validating commands, while automatically distributing them to appropriate devices, thereby reducing administrative burden without sacrificing reliability
3Productivity
If automated configuration is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional management tools and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The network manager is designed as a multi-functional system that handles configuration generation, device selection, command translation, and push notification. By consolidating these functions into a single universal manager, the system achieves automated configuration speed without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the manager leverages existing network management infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for configuring a LISP mobility network. A management tool receives a configuration for a network fabric. The configuration specifies values for one or more attributes associated with a Locator ID Separation Protocol (LISP)-enabled network. The management tool generates one or more commands based on the specified values for the one or more attributes associated with the LISP-enabled network. The generated commands are distributed to a plurality of network devices in the network fabric. Each network device executes the one or more commands to configure the network fabric.