Network Device Configuration Synchronization via Recursive Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing configuration files across network devices are inefficient and prone to human error, as they rely on manual configuration through documentation, warning messages, or network management applications, which are time-consuming and vulnerable to security concerns.
Innovation Solution
A network device equipped with a processing engine and memory that automatically propagates its configuration file to other devices within defined peer groups, using a recursive method and link layer discovery protocol to ensure dynamic and continuous synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration synchronization methods (documentation, warning messages, network management applications) are used, then configuration consistency can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service configuration synchronization where network devices autonomously propagate and apply configuration files to peer devices without requiring manual administrator intervention. The configuration management system automatically detects configuration changes, identifies affected peer devices, and distributes updated configuration files recursively throughout the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing peer relationships and configuration dependencies between devices before synchronization is needed. When a configuration change occurs, the system has already identified all affected devices and can immediately initiate automatic propagation, eliminating the time delay associated with manual identification and configuration.
2Reliability
If manual configuration synchronization is used, then configuration changes can be propagated, but human error and security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual administrator actions with automated self-service mechanisms that eliminate human error. Network devices automatically generate, validate, and propagate configuration files to peer devices using predefined peer relationships, removing the need for administrators to manually copy configurations and eliminating associated security risks from manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where configuration changes are automatically detected and tracked. When a configuration file is modified on any device, the system receives feedback about the change, automatically identifies all peer devices affected by this change, and propagates the updated configuration, ensuring consistent state across the network without manual verification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration files are frequently modified to adapt to network needs, then network adaptability improves, but maintaining synchronization across all devices becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic configuration synchronization where peer relationships and synchronization paths are automatically adjusted based on network conditions and device roles. As the network evolves and devices are added or removed, the system dynamically updates peer relationships and automatically manages configuration propagation, allowing frequent configuration changes without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration synchronization system serves multiple functions universally across different device types and network scenarios. It automatically handles configuration propagation for various device roles (core, distribution, access switches), manages peer relationships dynamically, and adapts to different configuration change patterns, eliminating the need for separate synchronization mechanisms for different situations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a network device for implementing configuration synchronization, including a port configured to a receive a configuration file, a memory, and a processing engine configured such that if a configuration file is received on the port, the processing engine determines a neighbor device of the network device and forwards the configuration file to the neighbor device, and wherein if a configuration file is received on the port and the network device is a member of a predetermined peer group, the configuration file is loaded into the memory.