Network Device Resolving Control Plane Parameter Mismatches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network devices receiving conflicting control plane parameter values from multiple routing control devices can lead to configuration mismatches, resulting in networking errors, data loss, increased latency, and network inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A network device identifies a merge rule based on the control plane parameter, protocol, and layer to resolve mismatches by selecting a consistent value from the received parameters, allowing it to configure itself and communicate with peer devices without special handling for configuration mismatches, thereby reducing errors and conserving resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple routing control devices provide control plane parameter values to a network device, then redundancy and network reliability are improved, but configuration mismatches and networking errors occur when values conflict

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration mismatches

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The network device acts as an intermediary that receives control plane parameter values from multiple routing control devices, compares them for consistency, and resolves conflicts before applying configurations. This mediator approach allows multiple control devices to provide redundancy while the network device ensures configuration consistency by detecting and resolving mismatches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network device implements a feedback mechanism by comparing received control plane parameter values against existing configurations and previously received values. When inconsistencies are detected, the system generates notifications to routing control devices and adjusts configurations based on resolution outcomes, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains reliability while preventing configuration errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the network device implements mismatch detection and resolution mechanisms, then configuration consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration consistencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device applies partial action by implementing mismatch detection and resolution only for control plane parameters received from multiple routing control devices, rather than all configuration parameters. This selective approach maintains configuration consistency for critical routing parameters while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other configuration areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of control plane parameters by comparing received values against existing configurations and resolving conflicts before application. This parameter change approach ensures configuration consistency by systematically updating parameters only after validation, rather than implementing complex real-time synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the network device compares and resolves conflicting parameter values, then networking errors are reduced, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetworking error reductionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs preliminary comparison and validation of control plane parameter values before applying configurations. By detecting and resolving mismatches in advance, the system prevents networking errors from occurring, reducing the need for corrective actions and retransmissions that would consume additional time and resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses lightweight comparison and resolution mechanisms that consume minimal computational resources. Rather than implementing complex real-time synchronization protocols, the network device uses simple comparison logic and notification-based resolution that are computationally inexpensive and can be executed quickly with minimal processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10097457B1Resolving a mismatch among control plane parameter values received from multiple routing control devices

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A network device may receive, from a first control device, a first value for a control plane parameter used to configure a control plane associated with the network device. The network device may receive, from a second control device, a second value for the control plane parameter. The second value may be different from the first value. The network device may determine that the second value is different from the first value. The network device may determine a rule, associated with the control plane parameter, based on determining that the second value is different from the first value. The network device may determine, based on the rule, a third value for the control plane parameter. The network device may transmit, to another network device, a packet that includes the third value for the control plane parameter.