Network Device Configuration Management via Segmented Databases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network administrators face challenges in managing network devices, particularly in maintaining synchronized configuration information across devices and a central management system, leading to duplicate configuration objects with different values and increased management time, especially when dealing with expanded or modified networks.
Innovation Solution
A central management system and network devices implement a method to store shared and device-specific configuration objects in local and central databases, allowing for synchronized updates and prioritization of configuration processing, while rejecting unauthorized changes to shared configuration objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If configuration information is maintained at both network devices and central management system, then accessibility and quick problem-solving at field level is improved, but duplicate configuration objects with different values may occur increasing management complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration objects into two types: shared configuration objects stored in the central configuration database and device-specific configuration objects stored only in the network device's local configuration database. This segmentation allows field personnel to access and modify device-specific configurations quickly while shared configurations maintain centralized control, thus resolving the contradiction between local accessibility and centralized management consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a priority list as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between shared and device-specific configuration objects. The priority list specifies the processing order, ensuring that when both types of configurations exist, the system knows which to apply first. This intermediary structure prevents conflicts and duplicate management issues while maintaining both local and central configuration capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If configuration updates are pushed from central database to network devices, then centralized control is improved, but time required for propagation across all devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting configuration objects into shared and device-specific categories, the system can push updates selectively. When a shared configuration object is updated, only network devices that have this specific configuration object in their priority list receive the update, rather than pushing to all devices. This targeted approach reduces propagation time while maintaining centralized control over shared configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device-specific configuration objects are allowed, then flexibility and customization per device is improved, but synchronization and consistency across the network becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The priority list acts as an intermediary that ensures consistent and predictable configuration application across the network. By specifying the processing order of configuration objects, the system guarantees that shared configurations and device-specific configurations are applied in a deterministic sequence, maintaining network-wide consistency while allowing device-level customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing device-specific configuration objects to exist only at individual network devices, while shared configuration objects exist centrally. This enables each device to have customized configurations where needed (local quality) while maintaining overall network consistency through shared configurations, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing network devices. A central management system stores shared configuration objects in a central configuration database. A network device stores shared configuration objects and device-specific configuration objects in a local configuration database. The local configuration database's shared configuration objects correspond to shared configuration objects in the central configuration database. The network device can be configured locally or using the central management system.