Network Device Configuration Subset Rollback for Minimal Service Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network device configurations lack flexibility in rolling back specific portions of the configuration, requiring manual and time-consuming processes that can disrupt multiple services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a capability to rollback specific hierarchies or subsets of a network device configuration, allowing administrators to selectively choose which configuration elements to revert, using commands or XML attributes for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete configuration rollback is performed, then the network device returns to a previous stable state, but the rollback time increases and multiple services are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration is divided into multiple hierarchies or subsets (e.g., system hierarchy, interface hierarchy, routing hierarchy). The rollback operation can be applied to specific hierarchies independently, allowing partial rollbacks that reduce overall rollback time and minimize service disruption compared to complete configuration rollbacks.
2Reliability
If a complete configuration rollback is performed, then the network device returns to a previous stable state, but multiple services are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the configuration into independent hierarchies, the rollback operation can be targeted to specific affected areas without impacting other services. This selective rollback approach minimizes the harmful effects on unrelated services while restoring stability to the problematic configuration segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different hierarchies or subsets of the configuration can be rolled back independently based on their specific needs. This allows the system to apply rollback operations locally to only those areas experiencing issues, rather than applying a blanket rollback that would disrupt all services.
3Ease of operation
If manual configuration rollback process is used, then precise control over rollback is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated rollback capabilities where administrators can initiate rollback operations through simple commands without manually manipulating individual configuration elements. The system automatically identifies the target hierarchy, retrieves the previous configuration state, and applies the rollback, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual processes while maintaining precise control through hierarchical selection.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a network device may commit a configuration. The network device may obtain an indication to perform a rollback for a target subset of the configuration. The network device may perform based at least in part on the indication, the rollback for the target subset of the configuration.