Network Device Auto-Configuration via Layer 2 Discovery

Solution Overview

Problem

Current auto-configuration techniques for network devices require significant administrative effort as they necessitate pre-prepared configuration files for each edge device, failing to simplify the deployment process in medium to large-sized organizations.

Innovation Solution

A plug-and-play component that automatically configures network devices by learning VLAN information from Layer 2 discovery packets, enabling self-configuration upon connection to an existing network, including the creation of VLANs, port provisioning, and enabling necessary Layer 2 features without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If pre-set configuration files are downloaded from core switch/router to edge device, then automatic configuration is enabled, but network administrators still need to prepare configuration files for each individual edge device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic configurationVSAvoidmanagement burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The edge device automatically discovers VLAN information and configures its ports without administrator intervention. The device receives Layer 2 discovery packets from the network, extracts VLAN information, and self-configures based on this information, eliminating the need for administrators to manually prepare configuration files for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses Layer 2 discovery packets as feedback from the network environment to the edge device. These packets contain VLAN information that the edge device uses to automatically configure itself, creating a closed-loop system where the device adapts to its network environment based on information received from upstream network devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If configuration files are prepared for each individual edge device, then port configurations can be customized for different LANs/VLANs, but significant administrative effort is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveport configuration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The edge device automatically discovers VLAN information and configures its ports without administrator intervention. The device receives Layer 2 discovery packets from the network, extracts VLAN information, and self-configures based on this information, eliminating the need for administrators to manually prepare configuration files for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The VLAN information is pre-configured in the core network devices (switches/routers) that send Layer 2 discovery packets. When the edge device connects, it receives this pre-prepared VLAN information and automatically configures itself, eliminating the need for administrators to prepare individual configuration files in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration is performed for each edge device, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but the deployment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses Layer 2 discovery packets as feedback from the network environment to the edge device. These packets contain VLAN information that the edge device uses to automatically configure itself, creating a closed-loop system where the device adapts to its network environment based on information received from upstream network devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The edge device automatically discovers VLAN information and configures its ports without administrator intervention. The device receives Layer 2 discovery packets from the network, extracts VLAN information, and self-configures based on this information, eliminating the need for administrators to manually prepare configuration files for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9432260B2Automated configuration for network devices

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 RUCKUS IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Techniques for automatically configuring a network device are provided. In one embodiment, the network device can receive a Layer 2 discovery packet on an uplink port operable for connecting the network device to another network device. The network device can then learn VLAN information from the Layer 2 discovery packet and automatically configure one or more of its ports based on the VLAN information.