Network Change Control Templates for Configuration Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network administrators face a time-consuming and tedious task in maintaining and updating configurations across multiple network devices, as existing technologies require manual sequencing and configuration of each change control operation, lacking efficient mechanisms for repeating common change control operations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of change control templates allows network administrators to build and structure common change control operations, enabling the reuse of action bundles and stage rules, which can be applied across multiple devices without requiring knowledge of exact device names, facilitating quick and efficient updates by defining pre- and post-change operations and custom validations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sequencing and configuration of each change control operation is used, then precise control over network changes is achieved, but time consumption and operational effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements templates that store predefined change control operations and action bundles. These templates can be copied and reused across multiple network devices and update cycles, eliminating the need to manually reconfigure each change control operation from scratch. The template copying mechanism directly reduces the time and effort required for configuration management while preserving precise control through template parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated application of templates to multiple devices. Once a template is configured, it automatically sequences and applies change control operations across targeted network devices without requiring manual intervention for each device. This self-service capability significantly reduces operational effort while maintaining control through the structured template framework.
2Productivity
If individual change control operations are configured for each device, then device-specific control is achieved, but operational complexity and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal templates that can be applied across multiple network devices with different configurations. A single template can serve multiple devices by using parameters and variables that adapt to device-specific contexts. This multi-functionality increases productivity by allowing bulk updates while managing complexity through the standardized template structure that handles device variations automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments change control operations into reusable template components and action bundles. By breaking down complex change control processes into modular, configurable segments, the system enables efficient management of multiple devices. Each template segment can be independently configured and combined, reducing overall operational complexity while maintaining the ability to perform device-specific control when needed.
3Productivity
If templates enable repeatable operations across multiple devices, then time and effort are reduced, but flexibility in handling device-specific variations may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic templates with parameters and variables that can be configured at instantiation time. This allows the same template to adapt to different device variations by substituting specific values for generic parameters. The dynamic nature of templates maintains high productivity through reuse while preserving adaptability to device-specific requirements through configurable parameters and conditional logic within the template structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for receiving a template made up of various components. Multiple stage rules are provided including action bundles as well as network device specifications. The action bundles include primary actions and stage rule execution orders for generating change controls. Generating change controls involves several steps. The network devices are enumerated based on respective network device specifications. Next, the action bundles are associated with each of the respective network devices. Finally, the change control is provided to a network management backend, and the network management backend applies the change control to the network devices.