NETCONF Template Library for Multi-Vendor Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of network devices from different vendors using Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF) is cumbersome due to varying authentication information, access ports, and configuration parameters across different transport layer protocols, making it difficult for administrators to maintain and manage access configurations.
Innovation Solution
A network management system (NMS) establishes a configuration template library that includes supported transport layer protocols and corresponding parameters for each network device type, allowing automatic detection and registration of compatible protocols, simplifying the process of establishing NETCONF sessions by selecting the appropriate protocol and parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NETCONF is used to manage network devices from different vendors, then standardized programming interfaces and configuration capabilities are provided, but varying authentication information, access ports, and configuration parameters across different transport layer protocols make management cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration template library that stores transport layer protocol configuration parameters for multiple network device vendors. The NMS queries this library to obtain appropriate configuration parameters based on the target network device, enabling a single system to manage diverse vendors through a unified interface without requiring vendor-specific management procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration template library acts as an intermediary between the NMS and various network devices. Instead of the NMS directly handling diverse vendor-specific parameters, it queries the library which provides standardized configuration templates, thereby mediating the complexity of vendor differences and simplifying the management process
2Reliability
If administrators manually configure and maintain access parameters for each network device, then complete control over NETCONF sessions is achieved, but the maintenance and management burden becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing transport layer protocol configuration parameters for multiple network device vendors in the configuration template library before actual NETCONF session establishment. When the NMS needs to manage a network device, it queries the library for pre-prepared configuration parameters, eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each parameter and significantly reducing maintenance burden while ensuring reliable session establishment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes: establishing, by a network management system (NMS), a network configuration protocol (NETCONF) configuration template library including a plurality of configuration templates, based on a network configuration protocol (NETCONF). Each configuration template includes a type of a network device which supports the NETCONF, transport layer protocols which are supported by the network device, and configuration parameters corresponding to each of the transport layer protocols to set up NETCONF sessions of the network device. In response to a network device joining the NMS, searching the NETCONF configuration template library to find a matching NETCONF configuration template which matches a type of the network device which has joined the NMS. Establishing a NETCONF session with the network device which has joined the NMS, based on a transport layer protocol and corresponding configuration parameters of the matching NETCONF configuration template.