Network Configuration Editor Grammar Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network device configuration editors are not device and operating system version aware, leading to potential configuration errors and inefficiencies, as they do not recognize syntax and settings value errors specific to target network hardware and operating system combinations, which can result in misconfigurations affecting entire systems and causing service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

The network device configuration editor is enhanced to generate and validate configuration files by limiting allowable syntax and settings values based on specific target network grammar, preventing incompatible entries and automatically suggesting corrections, thus ensuring device-specific configuration validation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a superset of configuration syntax and settings values is provided for multiple device types, then the configuration editor can support multiple target networks, but configuration errors occur because the editor cannot validate syntax specific to individual device types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration editor support for multiple device typesVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy for specific device types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration validation process by creating device-type-specific grammar files that divide the superset of configuration syntax into validated subsets for each target device type. The configuration editor loads and applies the appropriate grammar file based on the selected target device, enabling precise syntax validation for each device type while maintaining support for multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic grammar loading where the configuration editor automatically loads the appropriate grammar file based on the target device type selected by the user. This dynamic adaptation allows the editor to switch between different syntax validation rules without requiring multiple separate editor instances, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If device-specific grammar validation is implemented, then configuration errors are detected and corrected, but the configuration process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration syntax validation accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration editor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces grammar files as intermediary components that mediate between the configuration editor and the target device-specific syntax rules. These grammar files serve as a buffer layer that contains device-type-specific validation rules, allowing the editor to validate configurations without having hard-coded device-specific logic, thus managing complexity while maintaining high validation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of validation rules from static to dynamic by loading different grammar files based on the target device type. This parameter change allows the same configuration editor to adapt its validation behavior to match the specific syntax requirements of different device types, achieving high precision without increasing the editor's structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If configuration validation is performed before sending to target network, then misconfigurations are prevented, but the configuration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of network misconfigurationsVSAvoidconfiguration file validation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs configuration validation as a preliminary action before the configuration file is sent to the target network. By using device-specific grammar files to validate syntax and settings in advance, the system prevents misconfigurations from reaching the network, thereby avoiding service disruptions. The automated nature of this preliminary validation minimizes the time overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration checking with automated grammar-based validation. Instead of relying on manual review or post-deployment testing, the system uses computational grammar matching to automatically validate configurations against device-specific rules, reducing the time investment required for validation while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10897397B2Grammar for configuration validation

Publication Date: 2021.01.19 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A method for network configuration validation includes identifying a target network to configure wherein the target network includes one or more switches; generating, within a network device configuration editor having a superset of configuration syntax and allowable settings values, a target network configuration for the target network; receiving a target network configuration grammar including configuration syntax and allowable settings values from the target network by interrogating the target network; limiting the superset to the received target network configuration grammar to create a limited superset; comparing the limited superset to the syntax and settings values in the target network configuration; and indicating syntax errors and settings value errors in the target network configuration.