Network Assurance System Layer 1 Interface Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Complex computer networks face challenges in accurate and efficient error detection and configuration validation due to their intricate configurations, leading to difficulties in troubleshooting and ensuring proper network behavior.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for network assurance that involves receiving a global logical model and converting it into a common format with network devices, comparing model content, and generating events based on validation results to ensure accurate configuration and detect inconsistencies, thereby validating network configurations across layers 1, 2, and 3.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network configuration options are expanded to provide flexibility and control, then network adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network configuration validation into multiple layers (Layer 1 physical interface properties, Layer 2 data link properties, Layer 3 network properties). Each layer is validated independently through separate policy checks, allowing comprehensive configuration validation without requiring operators to understand the entire complex configuration at once. This layered segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability through comprehensive policies while reducing perceived complexity through structured, incremental validation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network configuration becomes more complex to meet diverse user needs, then network adaptability is improved, but error detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation system that acts as a mediator between complex network configurations and error detection. This intermediary layer translates complex multi-layer configurations into standardized validation checks across Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3. The intermediary maintains adaptability by supporting diverse configuration options while improving error detection accuracy by systematically comparing actual configurations against expected properties at each layer, regardless of overall configuration complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive configuration validation is implemented across all network layers, then configuration accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing expected properties and validation criteria for each network layer before actual configuration deployment. Layer 1 physical interface properties, Layer 2 data link properties, and Layer 3 network properties are all pre-defined with their expected characteristics. When configuration validation is performed, the system simply compares actual configurations against these pre-established expectations, achieving comprehensive multi-layer validation accuracy while minimizing processing time through efficient comparison operations rather than complex analysis.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer-readable media for assuring tenant forwarding in a network environment. Network assurance can be determined in layer 1, layer 2 and layer 3 of the networked environment including, internal-internal (e.g., inter- fabric) forwarding and internal-external (e.g., outside the fabric) forwarding in the networked environment. The network assurance can be performed using logical configurations, software configurations and/or hardware configurations