Network Device Automatic Rollback Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network device configuration update processes often lead to undesirable automatic rollbacks to non-optimal configurations, wasting resources and impacting performance, as they revert to previous configurations without explicit user confirmation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a user-specified automatic rollback configuration mechanism that allows network devices to temporarily store new configurations for testing, and upon expiration of a set period without confirmation, automatically switch to a user-specified or default configuration, preventing resource wastage and optimizing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the network device automatically reverts to the previous active configuration upon expiration of the timeout period without receiving confirmation, then the configuration update process is simplified and automated, but the network device may operate with a non-optimal configuration, wasting resources and impacting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing a user-specified configuration in advance (before the timeout expires) as a fallback option. When the timeout expires without confirmation, the system automatically switches to this pre-stored user-specified configuration rather than reverting to the old active configuration, thus avoiding performance degradation while maintaining automation.
2Reliability
If the network device stores the new configuration temporarily and waits for confirmation, then configuration errors can be prevented, but the network device cannot operate with the new configuration immediately, delaying potential performance improvements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the configuration state changeable and adaptive. The network device dynamically transitions between configurations based on timing and confirmation events: it first operates with the new configuration temporarily, then automatically reverts if no confirmation is received, or permanently adopts it if confirmed. This dynamic approach allows immediate deployment while maintaining reliability through automatic rollback capability.
3Productivity
If the network device operates with a new configuration without temporary storage and confirmation mechanism, then the deployment process is faster and simpler, but configuration errors cannot be detected and rolled back, reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the configuration deployment process into distinct phases: (1) temporary storage phase where the new configuration is stored but not yet activated, (2) confirmation phase where the system waits for explicit confirmation within a timeout period, and (3) finalization phase where the configuration is either permanently adopted or automatically reverted. This segmentation allows fast deployment initiation while ensuring reliability through structured validation steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device receives a first message indicating that the network device is to operate according to a new configuration for a period of time and that the network device is to operate according to a user specified configuration upon expiration of the period of time without confirmation of the new configuration. The network device thereby causes the network device to operate according to the new configuration for the period of time, and then determines whether the network device received, prior to expiration of the period of time, confirmation of the new configuration. The network device selectively: causes the network device to operate according to the user specified configuration after expiration of the period of time, based on determining that confirmation was not received; or causes the network device to operate according to the new configuration after expiration of the period of time, based on determining confirmation was received.