Network Command Synchronization via Bounded Time Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data collection methods from network devices lack synchronization, resulting in inconsistent data sets that require human expertise for interpretation, diverting resources from actual problem resolution and preventing automation in troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization mechanism that splits commands into single device execution tasks and distributes them via CLI or API to multiple network devices within a bounded time interval, ensuring simultaneous data collection and task execution across devices using different communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is collected individually from multiple network devices without synchronization, then data collection can be performed on each device independently, but the data sets become inconsistent and require human expertise for interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing communication channels with all target network devices before executing the command. It waits until all channels are ready, ensuring that data collection starts simultaneously across all devices, thereby maintaining data consistency while allowing independent collection from each device.
2Use of energy by moving object
If commands are executed sequentially on multiple network devices, then resource consumption is reduced, but the total execution time increases and automation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the command into multiple single-device execution tasks, each tailored for a specific network device. These segmented tasks are then distributed simultaneously to multiple devices through different communication channels (SSH, REST, Netconf), enabling parallel execution that reduces total time while maintaining efficient resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the communication channel for each device based on its capabilities and requirements. It establishes appropriate communication protocols (SSH, REST, Netconf) for each target device, allowing flexible and efficient parallel execution across heterogeneous network devices without excessive resource consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different communication mechanisms are used for different collection points, then compatibility with various network devices is improved, but synchronization of data collection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal command execution platform that can interface with multiple different communication mechanisms (SSH, REST, Netconf) through a unified architecture. This multi-functional approach allows simultaneous adaptation to various network devices while maintaining synchronized data collection through centralized coordination and timing control.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for synchronizing task execution and/or data collection on multiple network devices. The methods involve obtaining a command to be executed on a plurality of target network devices and splitting the command into a plurality of single device execution tasks. Each single device execution task is for a respective network device of the plurality of target network devices. The methods further involve providing each of the plurality of single device execution tasks, via a command line interface or an application programming interface, to a respective one of the plurality of target network devices. The plurality of single device execution tasks being provided within a bounded time interval.