Automated Network Configuration via Questionnaire-Driven File Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of network devices in wide area networks is often delayed due to the need for complex and time-consuming manual configuration, which requires highly trained individuals, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies, especially when configuring multiple devices across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A network configuration computing device that presents a questionnaire to users to gather configuration information, generates a primary configuration file based on user responses, and transmits it to an installer device to configure network devices, allowing for automated setup without the need for extensive technical expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is performed by trained individuals, then configuration accuracy and reliability are improved, but deployment time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration through an automated configuration service that generates configuration files without requiring trained personnel. The service presents a questionnaire to users, processes their responses, and automatically generates configuration files, allowing non-experts to configure network devices independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual configuration by trained individuals with an automated computer-based system. The configuration service uses software automation to perform configuration tasks that previously required human expertise, substituting the mechanical action of manual device configuration with an automated digital process.
2Reliability
If manual configuration is performed by trained individuals, then configuration quality is improved, but deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for expensive trained configuration personnel by enabling self-service through automation. The configuration service handles all configuration tasks automatically, removing the requirement for specialized human expertise and associated training costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses configuration templates that can be copied and reused across multiple devices. Once a configuration is created, it can be replicated to numerous network devices, eliminating the need to manually configure each device individually and reducing overall deployment costs.
3Productivity
If automated configuration is implemented, then deployment speed and productivity are improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration process is segmented into distinct components: a questionnaire module that collects user input, a processing module that generates configuration files, and a deployment module that installs configurations. This segmentation makes the complex automated system manageable and easier to understand.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration service acts as an intermediary between users and network devices. It translates user-friendly questionnaire responses into technical configuration files, shielding users from the complexity of low-level device configuration while maintaining automated efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique configurations are required, then network requirements are met, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration service provides universal functionality by handling multiple different configuration types through a single automated platform. It can generate various configuration files for different network devices and scenarios using the same questionnaire and processing mechanism, making the system adaptable to diverse network requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system handles multiple configuration scenarios by changing parameters within the configuration templates rather than requiring separate configuration processes. By dynamically adjusting configuration parameters based on questionnaire responses, it efficiently generates unique configurations for different network requirements without increasing installation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A network configuration (NC) computing device is provided. The NC computing device includes a processor in communication with a memory. The processor is configured to receive a command to initiate a configuration of a network device and present a questionnaire to a user about the network device. The questionnaire includes a plurality of questions about potential configurations of a network device. The processor is also configured to receive a plurality of responses from the user based on the questionnaire, generate a primary configuration file based on the plurality of responses, and transmit the primary configuration file to an installer device associated with the network device. The installer device is configured to install the primary configuration file on the network device.