Centralized Network Device Configuration via Schema Translation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In existing network systems, network administrators face challenges in configuring multiple network devices with different software configurations, as each device requires separate commands and direct access, and network controllers often cannot interpret configuration schemas due to hardware and software communication format differences.
Innovation Solution
A centralized configuration management system using a processor and memory to generate management device schemas from network management device packages, allowing a unified interface for administrators to send configuration signals to network management devices, regardless of their underlying architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a network administrator directly accesses each network device to provide configuration instructions, then configuration instructions can be provided to each device, but the complexity of the configuration process increases and time is lost due to the need to access multiple devices separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network device configuration operations into a single unified configuration process. The network controller consolidates configuration instructions for multiple network devices, allowing a network administrator to provide configuration instructions once rather than accessing each device separately. This merging of configuration operations resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while reducing the time lost in accessing multiple devices individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller is designed with universal configuration capabilities that can handle multiple types of network devices through a single interface. The system provides multi-functional configuration support, enabling the same configuration process to work across different device types and manufacturers. This universality allows the configuration system to serve multiple purposes and device types simultaneously, improving operational ease without increasing time loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different software configurations are used on each network device, then device-specific functionality is maintained, but the network administrator must provide different configuration commands for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller acts as an intermediary between the network administrator and multiple network devices with different software configurations. It translates universal configuration instructions into device-specific commands, maintaining adaptability to various device types while simplifying the configuration process. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by preserving device compatibility through translation capabilities while reducing configuration complexity for the administrator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes configuration parameters based on the target network device type. The network controller adjusts configuration commands, protocols, and communication formats according to the specific device being configured. This parameter adaptation maintains versatility across different devices while managing complexity through automated parameter adjustment rather than manual configuration for each device type.
3Reliability
If a network controller uses a different hardware and software communication format than network devices, then the controller can maintain its own optimized format, but it cannot interpret or use the network device configuration schema
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller serves as an intermediary that bridges between its own optimized communication format and the configuration schemas of various network devices. It maintains its reliable internal format while incorporating the ability to interpret and translate configuration schemas from different device manufacturers. This intermediary role resolves the contradiction by preserving communication reliability through format standardization while enabling schema interpretation through translation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller creates and uses copies of network device configuration schemas in its own communication format. It translates external configuration schemas into its internal representation, allowing it to interpret and process device configurations without abandoning its optimized format. This copying and translation approach maintains communication reliability while achieving adaptability in schema interpretation.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods described herein relate to an apparatus including a memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The processor can receive a package associated with a network management device and management input. The processor can generate at least one management device schema based on the package, and can modify a controller schema based on the management input and the at least one management device schema. The processor can receive a configuration input signal that includes instructions to configure the network management device. The processor can determine a management device schema associated with the network management device based on the controller schema, and can convert the configuration input signal into a configuration signal based on the management device schema. The processor can also send the configuration signal to cause a modification to a configuration of the network management device based on the configuration signal.