Network Port Configuration Automation via Blueprint Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of network ports in computer networks is labor-intensive and error-prone, especially when servers have multiple ports used for different purposes, necessitating partial automation to streamline network reconfiguration and adaptation.
Innovation Solution
The automation of network port configuration through a management system that uses discovery protocols and blueprints to identify and assign roles to network interfaces based on parameters like VLAN IDs and MTU values, allowing for efficient deployment and reconfiguration of servers and switches in computer networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of network ports is performed, then configuration accuracy can be ensured through human judgment, but labor intensity increases and errors are more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the network management system automatically discovers network topology, identifies port roles, and configures ports without human intervention. The system serves itself by using discovery protocols to gather information and automatically making configuration decisions based on pre-defined blueprints, eliminating the need for manual human configuration while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automation layer between the network administrator and the physical network ports. This intermediary system uses discovery protocols to gather network information, processes it against predefined blueprints, and automatically generates configurations. This mediator handles the complex decision-making process, reducing both labor intensity and potential human errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of network ports is performed, then complex configuration decisions can be made with human judgment, but time consumption increases for network reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining network configuration blueprints that contain role definitions, parameters, and configuration rules before actual network changes are needed. When reconfiguration is required, the system simply applies these pre-prepared blueprints to the discovered network state, dramatically reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining flexibility through the blueprint design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages configuration flexibility through parameter changes in the blueprints rather than manual port-by-port configuration. Administrators can modify blueprint parameters to adapt to different network scenarios, and the system automatically applies these parameter changes across multiple ports consistently, reducing reconfiguration time while preserving adaptability.
3Productivity
If automation of network port configuration is implemented, then labor intensity is reduced and reconfiguration time decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a discovery module that collects network information using standardized protocols, a blueprint module that stores configuration templates, and a configuration module that applies settings. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by making each module independent and manageable, while collectively achieving high configuration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal discovery protocols that work across different network equipment vendors and types, and universal blueprint structures that can define multiple port roles and configurations. This universality reduces the need for vendor-specific or device-specific automation logic, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high productivity across diverse network environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A network (e.g. cloud or enterprise network) includes servers (110) and switches (120) each of which has multiple ports. A bare-metal server's ports are configured for different roles, e.g. management role or data role. The configuration is at least partially automated using a blueprint (340) which does not necessarily specify the roles for the server ports, but may associate a role with a network parameter, e.g. Maximum Transfer Unit (MTU) or QoS. A management computer (320) obtains, from switches, (i) network parameters configured on switch ports, and (ii) MAC addresses for the adjacent server ports. The management computer matches the blueprint's parameters with the switch ports' parameters, and associates matched parameters with the roles specified by the blueprint. These roles are configured on the corresponding server ports. Other features are also provided.