Auto-Provisioning Network Devices via LLDP Topology Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration and connection of network devices in data centers are time-consuming, error-prone, and lead to incorrect configurations and connections, resulting in costly issues when errors are identified and repaired.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a master configuration script, including an instruction set and a dictionary, to automate the configuration of network devices by determining their location through Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) information and most common interface (MCI), allowing for the execution of device-specific scripts to configure and identify errors in connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration and connection of network devices is performed, then configuration accuracy can be controlled, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network device automatically configures itself by executing configuration scripts obtained from a configuration server. The device autonomously determines its location in the network topology using LLDP information and MCI, retrieves appropriate configuration scripts, and applies them without manual intervention, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining accuracy through automated error-free script execution.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration scripts are prepared in advance and stored on a configuration server. These pre-configured scripts contain all necessary configuration parameters and commands. When a network device is deployed, it automatically retrieves and executes the pre-prepared script corresponding to its location, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps and significantly reducing deployment time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual connection of network devices is performed, then connection flexibility is maintained, but error rate in connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) to automatically discover and determine the physical location and connection topology of network devices. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about device connections and positions, enabling the automated retrieval of correct configuration scripts that match the actual network topology, thereby ensuring connection accuracy while maintaining flexibility.
3Productivity
If automated configuration using LLDP and MCI is implemented, then configuration speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A configuration server acts as an intermediary between network devices and the configuration management system. The server stores pre-configured scripts and provides them to devices based on location information. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by centralizing configuration management, reducing the complexity at individual device level while enabling rapid automated configuration through efficient script distribution and retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer readable medium includes instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform a method on a network device. The method includes receiving, from a configuration server, a master configuration script that includes an instruction set, a network topology for network devices, and a dictionary. The dictionary includes network device specific configuration scripts for the network devices. The method also includes executing the instruction set on the network device to configure the network device. Executing the instruction set includes obtaining link layer discovery protocol (LLDP) information for the network device, determining a most common interface (MCI) connected to the network device using the LLDP information, determining a network device identity using the MCI, obtaining, from the dictionary, a network device specific configuration script for the network device based on the network device identity, and executing the network device specific configuration script to configure the network device.