Network Engineering Automation System for Configuration Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing large networks with numerous devices is challenging due to the difficulty in identifying and efficiently configuring problematic device configurations, which complicates network management and the addition of new devices.
Innovation Solution
A network engineering automation system that analyzes network devices, identifies configurations needing change, and enables efficient reconfiguration through a graphical user interface that eliminates the need for understanding device-specific syntax, using templated commands and modules for parsing and executing configuration commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual monitoring and configuration of network devices is performed, then network management can be done with simple tools, but the time and effort required to identify and configure problematic devices increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables network devices to be automatically monitored and configured without manual intervention. The automated monitoring system continuously tracks device configurations, identifies anomalies, and executes corrective actions, allowing the network infrastructure to self-diagnose and self-repair configuration issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical processes of monitoring and configuring network devices are replaced with an automated electronic system. The system uses software agents, configuration management databases, and automated scripting to substitute human operators in the device monitoring and configuration tasks.
2Loss of information
If detailed configuration details are collected for all network devices, then complete network visibility is achieved, but the complexity of managing and analyzing configuration data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network configuration management system is divided into modular components including configuration management databases, monitoring agents, analysis engines, and execution modules. Each component handles specific aspects of configuration management, allowing detailed configuration data to be organized and processed in manageable segments rather than as a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration management databases serve as intermediaries between network devices and management systems. These databases standardize and normalize configuration data from multiple device vendors and types, providing a unified interface that simplifies analysis and reduces the complexity of managing heterogeneous network configurations.
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented to monitor and configure network devices, then configuration efficiency improves, but the initial system complexity and implementation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated configuration management system is designed with universal capabilities that can handle multiple network device types, vendors, and configuration scenarios through standardized interfaces and templates. This multi-functionality allows a single system to manage diverse network infrastructures without requiring separate specialized tools for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by allowing configuration parameters to be dynamically changed and adjusted. Configuration templates and policies can be modified without changing the underlying system architecture, enabling flexible adaptation to different network environments while maintaining a consistent automated management approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of an embodiment may include receiving network device information associated with a network device, parsing the network device information, identifying one or more network device attributes associated with the network device from the parsed network device information, displaying via a user interface, user information associated with the one or more identified network device attributes, receiving one or more user commands via the user interface, and translating, by a command interpreter module, the one or more user commands into one or more network device executable commands.