Network Topology Visualization for Automated Server Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of networked devices in data centers is prone to errors, leading to unexpected data traffic flows and downtime, as existing methods rely on spreadsheets and visual user interfaces that are difficult to maintain and translate accurately into configuration instructions.
Innovation Solution
An automated system generates a network topology visualization with a graphical user interface, allowing network engineers to input changes, which a management server translates into configuration instructions, reducing errors by only updating necessary components and maintaining network devices online during configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration methods using spreadsheets and visual user interfaces are used, then network configuration can be performed, but configuration errors occur and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes (spreadsheets, visual user interfaces) with an automated programmatic configuration system. The system automatically generates configuration instructions from a data model, eliminating manual translation steps that cause errors and downtime. This substitution of automated software processes for manual operations directly addresses the contradiction by improving accuracy while reducing time loss.
2Reliability
If all network components are updated during configuration changes, then comprehensive updates are achieved, but network downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network configuration update process into two distinct phases: a planning phase where configuration changes are prepared and validated, and an implementation phase where only necessary components are updated while maintaining network availability. This segmentation allows comprehensive configuration planning without requiring complete system downtime, as updates can be applied incrementally to specific components rather than all components simultaneously.
3Productivity
If configuration changes are implemented immediately, then productivity is improved, but configuration errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through a planning phase that occurs before configuration changes are applied to the live network. During this phase, the system generates configuration instructions, validates them against the data model, and prepares update plans without disrupting network operations. This preliminary preparation ensures accuracy is verified before implementation, allowing rapid deployment of validated changes without sacrificing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating a visual display of a topology of servers, user input may be received for updating configurations of impacted servers. An example method may include providing, by a processing device, a graphical user interface comprising a plurality of nodes associated with a network; receiving, via the graphical user interface, user input requesting a change to at least one of the plurality of nodes or to the network; determining one or more impacted nodes of the plurality of nodes impacted by the change; generating a physical change instruction and a configuration instruction for the one or more impacted nodes, wherein the physical change instruction represents a change to physical connectivity of one of the one or more impacted nodes and the configuration instruction represents a change of a configuration value of one of the one or more impacted nodes; and upon determining that the physical change instruction has been implemented on the one or more impacted nodes, initiating, by the processing device, the configuration instruction to change the configuration value.