Network Configuration Editing via Targeted Data Access Group Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network configuration management systems face challenges in efficiently editing configuration data for network elements, often requiring full knowledge of the entire configuration, leading to complex and risky operations with potential unintended consequences.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces a targeted replacement function that allows users to edit specific data access groups or attributes without affecting omitted groups, using a user-defined scope to limit the configuration change operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a replace operation is applied to the entire configuration data, then the configuration can be updated completely, but the complexity and risk of the operation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration data into hierarchical groups and subsets, allowing operators to target only specific portions of the configuration for replacement. Instead of replacing the entire configuration tree, the system enables selective replacement of configuration subsets identified by hierarchical paths, thereby reducing operational complexity and risk while maintaining the ability to achieve complete updates when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different replacement behaviors for different portions of the configuration. The system allows operators to specify hierarchical paths that target particular configuration groups, applying replacement operations only to those local sections rather than uniformly to the entire configuration. This localized approach reduces the complexity and risk associated with full configuration replacements.
2Measurement precision
If full knowledge of the entire configuration is required, then accurate configuration management can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the configuration into hierarchical groups with identifiable paths, allowing operators to work with segmented portions of the configuration rather than requiring complete knowledge of the entire system. Operators can target specific configuration subsets using hierarchical paths, making operations easier while maintaining sufficient precision for accurate configuration management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (the hierarchical path identification system) that bridges the gap between partial operator knowledge and precise configuration targeting. By allowing operators to specify paths to configuration groups rather than requiring complete configuration knowledge, the system mediates between what operators know and what needs to be modified, improving ease of operation while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If configuration changes are made without full knowledge, then operational efficiency improves, but the risk of unintended consequences increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables operators to efficiently edit configuration by segmenting the target into specific hierarchical groups and subsets rather than requiring complete configuration knowledge. Operators can quickly identify and modify only the necessary configuration subsets using path-based identification, improving productivity while the system ensures safety by limiting the scope of changes to explicitly identified portions only.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing unintended consequences before they can occur. By requiring operators to explicitly identify configuration subsets through hierarchical paths before making changes, the system preemptively blocks potential unintended modifications to unrelated configuration portions. This preliminary restriction ensures that only intended changes are made, maintaining reliability while allowing efficient operation.
4Productivity
If the scope of configuration editing is expanded, then more changes can be made in one operation, but the risk of unintended side effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by enabling operators to segment the configuration into hierarchical groups and selectively expand the scope of editing only to the extent necessary. Rather than forcing a choice between narrow safe edits or broad risky operations, the system allows the scope to be precisely expanded to match the actual needs of the operation, maintaining high productivity while limiting exposure to unintended side effects through hierarchical path specification.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for editing configuration data may include, according to one implementation, receiving a request to edit existing configuration data associated with a Network Element (NE) operating in a network. The existing configuration data includes a plurality of data access groups, each data access group including one or more attributes that characterize functional aspects of the NE. The systems/methods also include defining a selected set of data access groups from the plurality of data access groups and receiving new configuration data for editing a portion of the existing configuration data, which includes a subset of data access groups from the selected set of data access groups. The systems/methods then replace the subset of data access groups with the new configuration data while preventing change to the existing configuration data associated with one or more data access groups excluded from the selected set of data access groups.