Network Device Emulation Without Production Database Alteration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network emulators are limited in their ability to test end-to-end network functionality across an entire network of devices, as they typically require altering the production database image and are costly to establish for large-scale networks, and they cannot evaluate topology-related protocols effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that creates a virtual implementation of a large-scale network using configuration information from actual devices, allowing for emulation of network devices and configuration changes across the entire network without altering the production database, using virtual network interfaces, ingress and egress access points, and a command line interface for emulation operations and status viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing network emulators are used to test end-to-end network functionality, then network configuration testing can be performed, but the production database image must be altered and the cost is high for large-scale networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of network devices by extracting configuration information from actual production devices and generating corresponding virtual device instances. These virtual copies replicate the routing behavior, interface configurations, and protocol implementations of the original devices, enabling comprehensive network testing without modifying the production database image or requiring access to physical production devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the testing environment and the production network. This intermediary consists of virtual device instances that mediate all testing activities, allowing configuration changes and protocol testing to occur in the virtual environment while the production network remains untouched and unchanged.
2Ease of manufacture
If a virtual implementation of large-scale network is created, then cost-effective testing is achieved, but the ability to emulate entire production networks must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtualization platform that can emulate multiple types of network devices (routers, switches, protocol implementations) through a common virtual device instance architecture. The system extracts configuration information from various device types and creates corresponding virtual instances that maintain the specific behaviors and protocols of each device type while running on a standardized virtual infrastructure, enabling cost-effective emulation of entire production networks regardless of scale or device diversity.
3Ease of operation
If production database image is altered for testing, then configuration changes can be tested, but the actual network is at risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates accurate virtual copies of production network devices by extracting their configuration information, routing behaviors, and protocol implementations. These virtual copies serve as safe testing targets where configuration changes can be freely applied and tested without any risk to the actual production network, as the virtual instances are isolated from the production database image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a protective virtualization layer before any testing activities occur. This cushioning mechanism ensures that all configuration changes, protocol modifications, and testing operations are confined to the virtual environment, preventing any harmful effects from reaching the production network while still allowing comprehensive testing of configuration changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing a virtual implementation of a large scale network of devices. The invention emulates an entire network of network devices using the configuration information obtained from the actual devices to meet the needs of testing configuration changes across the entire network.