Network Configuration Filtering via Script Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network professionals face difficulties in reading and understanding large and complex network device configuration files, particularly due to their hierarchical structure and rapid evolution of network technology, which makes it challenging to find and comprehend specific commands across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A network management system with a graphical user interface that allows users to apply design filters to configuration files, enabling the extraction and display of filtered results, using a scripting language that converts filter scripts into executable programs to simplify the process of searching and parsing command lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If configuration files are made comprehensive to include all network device settings and commands, then the completeness of configuration information is improved, but the complexity and difficulty of reading and understanding the configuration file increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the configuration file into multiple hierarchical contexts, where each context represents a specific network technology or functional area (e.g., routing protocols, access lists, interfaces). This segmentation allows users to navigate and understand configuration information in manageable sections rather than as one large monolithic file, thereby maintaining completeness while reducing perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the configuration file in the form of a graphical user interface that displays contextual information, commands, and parameters in an organized manner. This intermediary presents configuration data in a structured format with hierarchical indentation and visual grouping, making the comprehensive configuration information more accessible and easier to understand without losing any details.
2Loss of information
If configuration files include detailed commands for all network technologies, then the comprehensiveness of configuration coverage is improved, but the ease of operation for users with limited expertise deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of detail and organization for different contexts within the configuration file. Each context (e.g., routing protocol, interface configuration) is presented with its own specific structure, commands, and parameters tailored to that technology area. This allows users to focus on the specific technology they need to understand without being overwhelmed by unrelated configuration details, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a graphical dimension to configuration file presentation by displaying contexts and commands in a visual hierarchical structure rather than plain text. The graphical user interface presents configuration information with visual indicators for context levels, command types, and parameter relationships, creating an additional dimensional layer that makes navigation and understanding easier for users with varying levels of expertise while preserving all configuration details.
3Stability of the object's composition
If configuration files are structured with multiple hierarchical contexts, then the organization of configuration information is improved, but the difficulty of finding specific commands across distant parts of the file increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a table of contents or context index at the beginning of the configuration file display that lists all contexts and their locations. This preliminary organizational structure allows users to quickly locate specific command sections without having to search through the entire hierarchical file, thereby maintaining organized structure while significantly improving ease of finding specific commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of hyperlinked context names and commands that allow users to jump directly to specific sections. When users interact with the graphical interface, the system provides feedback by highlighting the current context, showing breadcrumbs of the navigation path, and enabling quick navigation back to parent contexts. This feedback loop makes it easy to traverse the hierarchical structure and find specific commands regardless of their depth or distance in the configuration file.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods to match certain context of commands directed to a network technology or a network design from configuration files and a user interface to display these results. A language with the simple syntax similar to the human language is provided. The language includes rules to define the parameter and syntax for the parameter operations and also standard functions to parse commands. A script file can be conveniently written in this language to filter the desired contexts from a configuration file. In the exemplary embodiment, the system translates the script file to an executable standard Perl programming and Perl programming is run with the configuration file as the input. The result is displayed in the graphic user interface, which is designed to work with an interactive network topology map.