Network Configuration Orchestration for Switch Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configurations face challenges in scalability and complexity, particularly in large-scale switching systems, due to the need for manual configuration and topology limitations, and fail to efficiently manage configuration changes across heterogeneous devices and virtual machines in datacenters.
Innovation Solution
A system that facilitates configuration orchestration through an open management interface and business logic, allowing devices to query and initiate configuration changes, with a Web service interface enabling seamless communication and automated port profile management, particularly in fabric switching systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is used for switch stacking, then configuration precision can be maintained, but device complexity and time consumption increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated configuration orchestration where the network management system automatically discovers devices, determines optimal configurations, and applies settings without manual intervention. The orchestration system self-manages the complexity of switch stacking configurations by autonomously generating and propagating configuration commands across multiple switches.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary orchestration system is introduced between the network administrator and the actual device configurations. This intermediary layer translates high-level management intents into detailed device-specific configurations, handling the complexity of switch stacking, port profiles, and inter-switch links while presenting a simplified interface to users.
2Productivity
If switch stacking is used to increase throughput, then bandwidth capacity improves, but configuration complexity becomes prohibitively tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The orchestration system automatically performs configuration tasks for switch stacking by discovering connected switches, determining optimal stacking topologies, and applying appropriate configurations including inter-switch links and port profiles without requiring manual configuration of each switch individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring port profiles and stacking parameters before switches are physically connected. When switches are stacked, the orchestration system has already prepared the necessary configuration templates and can automatically apply them, eliminating the need for tedious post-connection configuration work.
3Reliability
If proprietary communication protocols are used for configuration management, then system reliability can be maintained, but adaptability to heterogeneous devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by implementing support for multiple communication protocols including SNMP, NETCONF, and REST APIs. This multi-functional approach allows the orchestration system to communicate with network devices from different vendors using their native protocols, enabling heterogeneous device management while maintaining reliable communication through protocol-specific optimizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters based on the target device type and vendor. It automatically detects the device protocol requirements and adjusts communication methods, message formats, and authentication mechanisms accordingly, allowing the same orchestration system to reliably manage diverse devices by adapting its communication parameters rather than requiring a single proprietary protocol.
4Manufacturing precision
If configuration changes are made manually on individual devices, then configuration precision can be controlled, but productivity and response time to VM mobility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The orchestration system enables self-service by automatically detecting configuration requirements based on VM mobility events and autonomously propagating necessary configuration changes across affected devices. When a virtual machine moves between physical hosts, the system automatically updates port profiles, VLAN assignments, and switching configurations without requiring manual intervention on each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where configuration changes are automatically triggered by events such as VM migration, and the orchestration system continuously monitors device states to verify configuration application. This event-driven feedback loop ensures that configurations are updated in real-time response to network conditions while maintaining precision through centralized control and validation.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a network device that facilitates configuration orchestration. During operation, the system interprets a configuration command and stores a data structure representing a set of business logic. The business logic can be triggered by the configuration command, a local condition, or both. Furthermore, the system configures the switch according to an outcome of the business logic.