Network Boot Image Update System with Rollback Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating network elements' boot images across a network is tedious and error-prone, especially when dealing with multiple elements running different software configurations, as it can lead to performance issues and disruptions due to configuration or software problems, and existing methods lack efficient rollback and validation processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that track and manage different software and configuration combinations across network elements, allowing for easy rollback to stable configuration points by updating boot images, validating updates through snapshot comparison, and utilizing redundant network capacity for hitless updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple network elements are updated one at a time manually, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but the update process becomes extremely tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network element updates into a single automated batch operation. The system manages a group of network elements and applies software/configuration updates to multiple elements simultaneously through automated scripts, eliminating the need for manual one-by-one updates while maintaining configuration accuracy through centralized control and validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating backup configurations and validation rules before executing updates. It prepares update packages, validates syntax and compatibility, and establishes rollback procedures in advance, ensuring that automated batch updates can be executed safely without sacrificing configuration accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software updates are applied across the network, then network functionality can be improved, but performance issues and disruptions may occur due to configuration problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor network element performance after updates are applied. The system collects telemetry data, validates configuration correctness, and can automatically trigger rollback procedures if performance degradation or errors are detected, thereby maintaining network stability while enabling functional improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by creating backup configurations and establishing rollback procedures before applying updates. It validates update packages for syntax errors and compatibility issues in advance, and maintains the ability to revert to previous stable configurations if problems occur, protecting network stability during functionality improvements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration changes are made to network elements, then new features can be enabled, but connectivity loss may occur due to incorrect VLAN or ACL changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing validation rules and syntax checking before configuration changes are applied. The system checks for potential connectivity issues such as incorrect VLAN configurations or ACL errors in advance, and prevents problematic changes from being deployed, thereby enabling new features while avoiding connectivity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor connectivity status after configuration changes. It detects connectivity loss or performance degradation and can automatically trigger rollback procedures to restore proper connectivity, allowing feature enhancements while protecting against harmful configuration errors.
4Reliability
If rollback procedures are implemented for failed updates, then network stability can be restored, but the rollback process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies rollback by performing preliminary actions of creating and storing backup configurations before updates are applied. The system maintains versioned configuration snapshots and automated rollback scripts that can restore network elements to previous stable states with a single command, eliminating the complexity of manual rollback procedures while ensuring network stability.
5Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive validation of network element configurations is performed, then configuration accuracy is improved, but the update process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces validation complexity by implementing universal, standardized validation rules and syntax checking mechanisms that work across different network element types and configurations. The system uses template-based validation patterns that can be applied repeatedly without requiring complex custom validation logic for each element, thereby maintaining high configuration accuracy while simplifying the validation process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus of a device that updates boot images of a network segment of a network is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device receives a configuration point for the network segment, where the network segment includes a heterogeneous mix of a plurality of network elements. For each of the plurality of network elements in the network segment, the device identifies a boot image for that network element corresponding to the configuration point and updates the network element. The boot image for a network element includes the software that network element runs and a configuration of this software.