Multi-Fabric Deployment Control for Configuration Drift Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network deployment and management systems lack a general framework for end-to-end fabric deployment, are often specific to a particular fabric type, and do not support user-controlled automation or out-of-band configuration changes while maintaining configuration consistency.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables user-controlled automation for end-to-end fabric deployment using pre-configured templates, generates a virtual stateful fabric representation, and synchronizes network devices with expected configurations through a customizable underlay and overlay fabric policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional network deployment systems are used, then fabric management after deployment is supported, but end-to-end deployment automation and user control are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the automated deployment process continuously reports status, configuration state, and progress to the user. The user can review this feedback and intervene with corrective actions or modifications, creating a closed-loop system that combines automation efficiency with user control and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary deployment controller that sits between the user and the network fabric. This intermediary manages the automated deployment process while providing user-facing interfaces for control, validation, and monitoring, thus mediating between full automation and user intervention needs.
2Reliability
If conventional network management systems are used, then configuration deployment is automated, but configuration consistency cannot be maintained during out-of-band changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors network configuration state and compares it against the intended configuration model. When out-of-band changes occur, the feedback mechanism detects the deviation and enables remediation actions to restore consistency, maintaining reliability while allowing operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration management system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can adapt to out-of-band changes by detecting configuration drift and automatically or manually remediating inconsistencies, allowing the system to maintain consistency while accommodating necessary operational changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fabric-specific management systems are used, then management of that fabric type is supported, but general framework for multiple fabric types is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal deployment framework that can manage multiple fabric types through a common interface and control plane. The system uses abstraction layers and standardized models that work across different fabric technologies, eliminating the need for separate management systems for each fabric type while reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology provides a framework for user-guided end-to-end automation of network deployment and management, that enables a user to guide the automation process for any kind of network deployment from the ground up, as well as offering network management, visibility, and compliance verification. The disclosed technology accomplishes this by creating a stateful and interactive virtual representation of a fabric using a customizable underlay fabric template instantiated with user-provided parameter values and network topology data computed from one or more connected network devices. A set of expected configurations corresponding to the user-specified underlay and overly fabric policies is then generated for deployment onto the connected network devices. Network deviations from the intended fabric policies are addressed by the provision of one or more configuration lines to be deployed onto or removed from the connected network devices to bring the network state in agreement with the set of expected configuration.