Network Device Overlay Data Models with Selective CLI Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network device configuration methods waste computing resources by generating and processing CLI commands for directly mapped configuration objects, and lead to inconsistencies due to configuration information being stored in multiple locations and formats.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is implemented to segregate configuration updates into two sets: one for directly mapped objects that are applied without CLI commands, and another for which CLI commands are generated, ensuring consistency by using a scratch copy of the system database for updates before committing them to the main database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CLI commands are generated and processed for all configuration updates, then configuration consistency is maintained, but computing resources are wasted on directly mapped objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration updates into two distinct categories: directly mapped configuration objects and non-directly mapped configuration objects. This segmentation allows the system to apply different processing methods to each type, generating CLI commands only for non-directly mapped objects while directly applying updates to directly mapped objects, thereby eliminating unnecessary computing resource consumption while maintaining configuration consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the subset of configuration updates that require CLI command generation (non-directly mapped objects) from the total set of configuration updates. By identifying and separating these specific cases, the system avoids the overhead of generating and processing CLI commands for directly mapped objects, thus reducing computing resource usage while still ensuring consistency through targeted CLI command application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration information is stored in multiple locations and formats, then flexibility in configuration management is improved, but consistency between different configuration stores deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors and compares configuration information across multiple storage locations (vendor-neutral configuration information, CLI commands, and system database). When inconsistencies are detected or to ensure consistency, the system generates appropriate CLI commands to synchronize the configuration stores, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the flexibility of multi-location storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses CLI commands as an intermediary mechanism to mediate between different configuration information stores. The vendor-neutral configuration module generates CLI commands that serve as a common language and synchronization medium, ensuring that updates to configuration objects in one location are properly reflected in other locations, thus maintaining consistency across the distributed configuration system.
3Manufacturing precision
If all configuration updates are processed through CLI commands, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration updates based on their mapping relationship to native configuration objects. Directly mapped objects undergo direct updates without CLI command generation, significantly reducing processing time. Non-directly mapped objects still undergo CLI command generation and processing to maintain configuration accuracy. This segmentation optimizes the overall processing time while preserving accuracy where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of directly mapped configuration objects before processing updates. By pre-categorizing configuration objects and their mapping relationships, the system can immediately apply direct updates to directly mapped objects without going through the time-consuming CLI command generation and parsing process, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy through selective application of the CLI command process where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reducing processing resources required for configuration updates in a network device by segregating configuration updates into a first set of direct updates and a second set of updates that require CLI commands. The first set of updates are to vendor-neutral configuration objects that are isomorphically mapped to corresponding native configuration objects. The second set of updates are to vendor-neutral configuration objects that are not isomorphically mapped to corresponding native configuration objects. The first set of updates is forwarded to a configuration agent, which applies them to the configuration stored in the system database. CLI commands that are generated for the second set of updates are forwarded to the configuration agent, which parses them and applies corresponding updates to the system database. The system database confirms successful updates to a configuration module which then updates its own vendor-neutral configuration information.