Network Digital Twin Template Customization for Configuration Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Validating configuration changes in complex computer networks is challenging due to their scale and interdependencies, which can lead to disruptions if not properly managed.
Innovation Solution
The creation of a virtual replica, or digital twin, of a computer network using network device parameters and link connectivity information to customize a virtual-replica template and instantiate a digital twin instance of a physical network, allowing for centralized management and validation of configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical sandbox network is used to validate configuration changes, then validation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital twin instance that is a virtual copy of the physical network device. This digital twin replicates the hardware attributes, software attributes, and running configuration of the physical device, enabling validation of configuration changes without requiring physical sandbox networks. The copy principle resolves the contradiction by providing validation accuracy through virtual replication while eliminating the complexity and cost of physical duplicate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical sandbox network with a virtualized digital twin system. Instead of physically duplicating network devices for validation purposes, the system uses virtualization to create a software-based replica that can be instantiated on demand. This substitution eliminates the need for physical hardware duplication while maintaining validation capabilities, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If physical sandbox networks are deployed for validation, then configuration change validation is improved, but loss of time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables configuration changes to be validated on the digital twin instance before applying them to the physical device. This preliminary validation action allows administrators to test configuration changes in advance in a virtual environment, identifying potential issues before they affect the actual network. This resolves the contradiction by providing thorough validation while saving time that would otherwise be lost to physical setup and potential rollback procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a virtual copy of the network device, the system enables rapid instantiation of validation environments without the time-consuming process of physical device deployment. The digital twin can be created and configured much faster than physical sandbox networks, reducing the time investment required for validation while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual-replica templates are customized for each device type, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal digital twin instantiation service that can handle multiple types of network devices through a common template system. The virtual-replica templates are designed to be adaptable to different device types (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.) while being managed through a unified interface. This universality allows the system to accommodate diverse device types without proportionally increasing management complexity, as the same service framework and template structure applies across all device types.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for generating a virtual replica of a physical network device and/or a physical network. An aspect operates by receiving, from a network management system (NMS), a request to generate a device digital twin (device-DT) instance corresponding to a physical network device, where the request includes at least a first plurality and a second plurality of device characteristics corresponding to the physical network device. A DT template is selected from a plurality of DT templates based on the first plurality of device characteristics. The DT template is customized based on the second plurality of device characteristics, and the device-DT instance of the physical network device is generated based on the customized DT template. Then a management channel is established between the device-DT instance and the NMS.