Automated Network Entity Replacement via Topology Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network entity replacement in computer networks is often manual and prone to errors due to the complexity of maintaining consistent network topology and configuration, especially when replacing entities like switches or routers, which can lead to compromised network functionality and security risks.

Innovation Solution

A system that maintains a topology database to validate replacement entities by comparing neighbor and client information, ensuring accurate configuration and preventing misconfiguration through automated processes, leveraging protocols like LLDP and CDP for network discovery and validation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual replacement of network entities is performed, then flexibility in handling different replacement scenarios is improved, but error rate increases and replacement time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling replacement scenariosVSAvoiderror rate in replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated validation where the network management system automatically compares neighbor and client information of replacement entities against historical topology data, eliminating manual configuration verification and reducing human error while maintaining adaptability through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring and comparing actual network topology with expected topology after entity replacement, automatically detecting discrepancies in neighbor and client information, and providing corrective actions to ensure accurate reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual replacement of network entities is performed, then adaptability to different replacement scenarios is improved, but replacement time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to replacement scenariosVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-validating replacement entities before actual network integration, checking neighbor and client information against historical topology data in advance, and preparing configuration corrections beforehand to minimize disruption and reduce overall replacement time while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical processes with automated electronic validation, using software-based comparison algorithms to verify topology consistency instead of manual checking, thereby dramatically reducing replacement time while preserving the ability to handle various replacement scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If automated validation of replacement entities is implemented, then configuration accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a validation layer that mediates between the replacement entity and the network, automatically comparing topology information and detecting configuration errors without requiring complex changes to the underlying network infrastructure or replacement procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If automated validation of replacement entities is implemented, then configuration accuracy is improved, but validation time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidvalidation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial validation by focusing on critical topology elements such as neighbor and client information rather than validating every configuration parameter, achieving sufficient configuration accuracy for network operation while minimizing validation time through selective verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10425281B2Automated network entity replacement based on historical topology consciousness

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a device in a network maintains a topology database of one or more topologies of entities in the network. The device identifies a replacement entity that has physically replaced a particular one of the entities in the network. The device determines whether neighbor information regarding one or more of the entities that neighbor the replacement entity matches neighbor information in the topology database associated with the replaced entity. The device determines whether client information regarding one of more clients of the replacement entity matches client information in the topology database associated with the replaced entity. The device sends an alert when the neighbor or client information of the replacement entity does not match the neighbor or client information in the topology database associated with the replaced entity.