Network Configuration Validation System Using Dynamic Baseline Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex communication networks face challenges in maintaining accurate configurations due to the manual nature of configuration setup and the lack of dynamic validation tools, leading to potential security lapses and inefficiencies in message routing and bandwidth utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for validating network device configurations using dynamically set conditions based on the utilization and characteristics of each device, including services and position, with a processing unit that extracts configuration data, detects discrepancies, and generates reports or repair commands to correct configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration setup is used for network devices, then device complexity and model variety can be accommodated, but configuration accuracy deteriorates due to human errors in routing, security, and bandwidth settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors network device configurations and provides feedback by detecting discrepancies between actual and expected settings. The validation engine compares configurations against baseline data and generates reports highlighting inaccuracies, enabling corrective action to maintain high configuration accuracy despite manual setup processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual configuration verification with an automated validation system that uses software-based comparison engines. The validation engine automatically compares actual device configurations against stored baseline data, substituting the mechanical manual checking process with an automated information processing system that achieves higher precision
2Ease of manufacture
If static configuration validation is used, then validation process is simple, but it cannot dynamically adjust to changing network conditions and services
Solution Approach 1:
The validation system dynamically adapts to changing network conditions by continuously updating baseline data and validation criteria. The system monitors network changes and adjusts validation parameters accordingly, enabling it to accommodate service additions, network expansions, and configuration modifications while maintaining validation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing and maintaining updated baseline configurations before validation occurs. The validation engine compares current settings against these pre-established baselines, allowing for dynamic validation that accounts for recent network changes and service additions
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive configuration validation is implemented, then configuration accuracy improves, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The validation system segments the comprehensive validation process into distinct functional modules: configuration collection, baseline comparison, discrepancy detection, and report generation. Each module handles specific validation tasks independently, making the overall complex validation process more manageable and scalable while maintaining high accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The accuracy of configuration data within routers of a network are critical in today's networks for security of the network, efficient operating of the network and to ensure corporate requirements, such as redundancy, are met. Since configuration data is typically entered and modified manually by technicians, considerable human errors occur. A configuration validation system provides an automated capability to ensure accuracy within the routers of a network. In this system, the validation is completed utilizing dynamically set conditions based upon the utilization of the router and a characteristic of the router, such as the model type. The utilization of the router includes the services that are supported by the router and the position of the router within the network, both of these criteria of the router having specific configuration requirements. The utilization of the routers can be detected by look-up within an inventory database and/or analysing the applicable configuration data. During the validation process, any discrepancies can be logged. At completion, these discrepancies can be listed within a report of configuration problems to be fixed or be automatically sent to the routers within the network to correct the configuration data.