Multi-Chassis Router Control Node Syntax Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face challenges in managing and upgrading multi-chassis routers due to increased administrative time and costs as networks expand, requiring efficient configuration and management techniques to simplify the process.
Innovation Solution
A control node with a user interface extends the configuration syntax of standalone routers to provide seamless multi-chassis router semantics, allowing administrators to configure and manage multi-chassis routers as if they were standalone routers, with automated command distribution and result compilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multi-chassis routers are used to meet increasing bandwidth demands, then bandwidth capability is improved, but administrative complexity and management time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple chassis into a single logical routing device that presents a unified configuration interface. The control node combines the configuration capabilities of individual chassis into a single integrated system, allowing administrators to manage multiple chassis through one unified point rather than separately configuring each chassis, thereby reducing administrative complexity while maintaining high bandwidth capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control node provides universal configuration capabilities that work across all chassis types within the multi-chassis router. A single configuration syntax and interface design allows the system to manage diverse hardware components through a common management paradigm, reducing the need for chassis-specific management procedures and lowering overall administrative burden
2Productivity
If multi-chassis routers are used to consolidate routing functions, then routing efficiency is improved, but configuration time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control node performs preliminary configuration actions by maintaining a unified configuration state that is automatically distributed to all relevant chassis. When a configuration change is made at the control node, the system proactively pushes the updated configuration to all affected chassis before operational changes take effect, eliminating the need for manual pre-configuration of each chassis and reducing overall configuration time
Solution Approach 2:
The control node acts as an intermediary between the administrator and the individual chassis. It receives configuration commands, translates them into appropriate actions for each chassis, and manages the distribution of configuration data. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of multi-chassis configuration from administrators while maintaining routing efficiency across all chassis
3Ease of operation
If individual configuration of each chassis is performed, then precise control is achieved, but administrative burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control node provides self-service configuration capabilities by automatically managing the distribution and coordination of configuration commands across all chassis. The system autonomously handles configuration synchronization, conflict resolution, and state management without requiring administrators to manually configure each chassis individually, thereby reducing administrative burden while maintaining configuration precision through automated control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-chassis router allows an administrator to deliver commands from a single interface. Additionally, the multi-chassis router presents a software image consistent with that of a standalone router and uses commands and configurations consistent with those used by a standalone router. The multi-chassis router automatically distributes, processes and responds to administrator commands a single unit, minimizing time required to administer the multi-chassis router. In effect, an administrator does not need to account for the multiple chassis configuration, and an administrator familiar with the control and commands for a standalone router can use that knowledge to effectively control the operation of the multi-chassis router.