Automated Network Device Provisioning via Generic Command Plug-ins
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of automating the provisioning and configuration of network devices, such as switches, routers, and firewalls, is exacerbated by their proprietary operating systems and diverse communication interfaces, which prevent the use of generic agents for control and require device-specific commands and interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a library of generic commands with device-specific plug-ins and an interface to a configuration database allows for automated provisioning and management of network devices, minimizing manual configuration needs and enabling unified management across different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If generic agents are used to control servers, then automated provisioning and configuration can be readily accomplished, but network devices with proprietary operating systems cannot be accessed at the root level required for agent installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary layer between the automated provisioning system and network devices with proprietary operating systems. This interface enables the system to send commands and receive responses without requiring direct root-level access to the device's proprietary OS, thus bridging the compatibility gap while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control architecture into distinct components: a communication interface layer that handles device-specific protocols, a command translation layer that converts generic commands into device-specific commands, and the proprietary OS layer. This segmentation allows the automated provisioning system to work with multiple device types through standardized interfaces while accommodating proprietary operating systems
2Reliability
If device-specific commands and interfaces are used for each network device type, then precise control is achieved, but the complexity of automation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that can handle multiple types of network devices (switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers) through a single standardized API. This universal interface translates device-specific commands into a common format, allowing one automation system to precisely control diverse devices without requiring separate complex control mechanisms for each device type
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed for each network device, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but configuration time increases and errors are more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated provisioning and configuration capabilities that enable network devices to be configured automatically without manual intervention. The system retrieves configuration parameters from a database, translates them into device-specific commands through the communication interface, and applies configurations automatically, thereby maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing configuration time and minimizing human errors
Data Source
AI summary
An automated provisioning and management system for network devices includes a library of commands that are generic to all devices of interest, and device-specific plug-ins for implementing those commands in each of the different devices. A user can select any one of the standard commands and have it applied to a particular device of interest in a manner which is capable of being handled by that device. An interface between the library and a source of configuration information, such as a database, enables the various tasks associated with the provisioning and management of network devices to be automatically carried out on multiple devices, thereby minimizing, or even eliminating, the need to manually configure each such device. Various tools are provided to facilitate the ability of support personnel to identify and monitor functions performed by various devices, as well as detect and correct errors in the operation of those devices.