Network Element Configuration Profile Management via Automated Server Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing configuration profiles of network elements require manual intervention by technicians, leading to potential data loss and inefficiencies in restoring network operations, especially when faults occur, as profiles are stored locally on devices like PCMIA cards.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a remotely connected server retrieves, analyzes, and updates configuration profiles of network elements to ensure compliance with desired characteristics, eliminating the need for manual intervention by automatically generating and distributing new profiles, thereby providing a secure and automated backup solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If configuration profiles are stored locally on PCMIA cards for network elements, then data security and local accessibility are improved, but manual intervention by technicians is required for backup and restoration, increasing operational complexity and response time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service by having the server automatically retrieve, analyze, and update configuration profiles from network elements without requiring technician intervention. The network element itself participates in the backup process by communicating with the server, transforming a manual task into an autonomous self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A server acts as an intermediary between network elements and the backup storage system. The server retrieves configuration profiles from network elements, analyzes them for compliance, and manages the backup process centrally, eliminating the need for technicians to manually handle PCMIA cards while maintaining secure local storage.
2Reliability
If manual backup using PCMIA cards is used, then configuration profiles can be restored after faults, but technician dispatch is required, increasing restoration time and operational downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving and analyzing configuration profiles before faults occur. The server continuously monitors and updates profiles in advance, so when a fault happens, restoration can immediately use the pre-analyzed, compliant configuration without waiting for technician intervention or profile validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the server analyze retrieved configuration profiles for compliance with desired characteristics. This feedback loop ensures profiles are validated and updated automatically, reducing restoration time by eliminating manual verification steps while maintaining reliability through continuous compliance checking.
3Ease of operation
If configuration profiles are manually managed, then local control is maintained, but automation and efficiency are reduced, decreasing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that automates profile management while preserving local control. Network elements maintain their local configuration profiles and autonomy, but the server automatically handles retrieval, analysis, and updates, eliminating manual technician work and significantly improving productivity without sacrificing local operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing network elements to automatically communicate with the server for profile management. The elements maintain local control over their configurations while the server autonomously performs management tasks, improving efficiency through automation while preserving the ease of local operation and control.
4Extent of automation
If remote server management is implemented, then automated restoration and compliance checking are improved, but network dependency increases, potentially affecting system independence
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the server retrieve and analyze configuration profiles before network issues occur. This advance preparation ensures that even if network dependency becomes a concern, the profiles are already validated and ready for restoration, maintaining reliability by reducing the impact of network availability on critical restoration operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a network having a network element with an original configuration profile stored therewith which specifies operation of the network element in the network includes connecting a server to the network such that the server is in communication with the network element via the network. The server retrieves the original configuration profile from the network element after the network element has been operating in the network. The server analyzes the original configuration profile for compliance with desired characteristics. If the original configuration profile is not in compliance with the desired characteristics, then the server manipulates the original configuration profile to generate a new configuration profile in compliance with the desired characteristics and forwards the new configuration profile to the network element for the network element to store therewith in place of the original configuration profile.