Network Device Configuration Management via Syntactic Model Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configuration management systems, such as IBM Tivoli Netcool Configuration Manager, face challenges in reducing human errors during network device configuration due to complex command-line interfaces, requiring detailed knowledge of command syntax and complex regular expression pattern matching for command filtering, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a syntactic and behavioral model of network device configurations to predict the effect of user commands, applying restrictive rules based on the predicted configuration state rather than the commands themselves, allowing for more precise and effective user action restriction with easier rule definition for administrators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex regular expression pattern matching is used for command filtering, then command restriction capability is improved, but system complexity and error proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration model as an intermediary layer between user commands and the device. Instead of directly filtering commands using complex regular expressions, the system uses the configuration model to predict the effect of commands and determine whether they are permitted based on the predicted configuration state. This intermediary model simplifies the restriction logic while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical text-string matching system (regular expressions) with a model-based prediction system. The configuration model captures the semantic meaning of commands and their effects on device state, substituting pattern matching mechanics with model-driven semantic analysis. This reduces complexity while improving reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed knowledge of command syntax is required for filtering, then command control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration model automatically captures the syntax and semantics of device commands through its structure. Instead of requiring administrators to manually define detailed command syntax rules, the system uses the model to self-determine command validity and effects. This self-service approach maintains precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from raw command text strings to structured configuration model elements. By transforming commands into model-based representations, the system maintains precise control over command effects while simplifying the operational interface for rule definition and management.
3Ease of manufacture
If text string matching is used for command blocking, then implementation simplicity is improved, but restriction effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by building a configuration model that captures the device's current state and the effects of potential commands before actual command execution. This preliminary modeling enables effective restriction decisions to be made based on predicted configuration states rather than simple text matching, improving reliability while maintaining implementation feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system are provided for network device configuration management. The method includes: receiving a set of user commands for configuration of a network device; retrieving a syntactic model of a network device configuration interface for a network device type and generating a modelled configuration of a current configuration of the network device; predicting the effect of the user command on the modelled configuration to generate a predicted modelled configuration; and applying rules for a user and/or network device type to determine if the command is permitted based on the predicted modelled configuration of the network device. Predicting the effect of the user command predicts in near real-time the effect on the network device configuration of a command that the user enters.