Network Assurance Model for Configuration Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network configurations in large data center networks are complex and prone to errors, leading to inconsistencies that can cause significant issues, as the configurations defined by a centralized controller may not accurately reflect the intended behavior, due to hardware errors, software bugs, or configuration conflicts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of network assurance models that analyze and model various aspects of the network to ensure consistency with intended configurations, performing checks without monitoring traffic or packet data, allowing for predictive, real-time identification and fixing of inconsistencies and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network configurations are manually defined at a centralized controller, then network intent specification can be achieved, but configuration errors and inconsistencies are difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a logical model as a copy of the intended network configuration and compares it with the actual node implementation. This copying approach allows identification of inconsistencies between intended and actual configurations without changing the manual configuration process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring and comparing the logical model with actual node implementations, providing information about configuration inconsistencies back to operators for correction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network configurations become complex with multiple layers and policies, then network functionality is enhanced, but error identification becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex network configuration into a structured logical model with hierarchical components (network intents, policies, rules, parameters). This segmentation makes it easier to locate and identify specific errors within the complex configuration by breaking it down into manageable, comparable units.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a comprehensive logical model that copies the intended configuration structure, the system provides a reference framework that simplifies error detection in complex multi-layer configurations through systematic comparison.
3Ease of operation
If configurations are defined at a centralized controller, then centralized management is achieved, but inconsistencies with node implementation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop that monitors the implementation of centralized configurations at individual nodes and reports inconsistencies back to the centralized controller, enabling detection of information loss or deviation during configuration deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The logical model serves as a centralized copy of the intended configuration that can be compared against actual node implementations, providing a reference for detecting configuration consistency issues across the network.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media analyzing memory usage in a network node. A network assurance appliance may be configured to obtain reference concrete level rules for a node in the network, obtain implemented concrete level rules for the node from the node in the network, compare the reference concrete level rules with the implemented concrete level rules, and determining that the implemented concrete level rules are not appropriately configured based on the comparison.