Network Upgrade Automation via Topology Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of upgrading network devices is often cumbersome and error-prone, leading to potential loss of network connectivity and increased vulnerability to malicious exploits due to the lack of efficient automated solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system that evaluates network topology and applies upgrade criteria to determine the optimal timing for upgrading network devices, minimizing simultaneous upgrades and ensuring that critical paths remain viable, thereby reducing the risk of network outages and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network devices are upgraded manually with automated scripts, then upgrade speed is improved, but error rate increases and network connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network upgrade process is segmented into discrete, manageable units by representing the network as a topology graph where individual network devices are nodes. This segmentation allows the system to evaluate and control upgrades device-by-device, preventing widespread connectivity loss while maintaining automated upgrade speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by evaluating upgrade criteria against the topology graph before executing upgrades. It determines optimal upgrade sequences in advance, identifying which devices can be upgraded simultaneously and which must be upgraded sequentially to maintain network connectivity throughout the process.
2Productivity
If multiple network devices are upgraded simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but network stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the upgrade process by continuously evaluating upgrade criteria against the current network state represented in the topology graph. It adapts the upgrade sequence in real-time, allowing maximum parallel upgrades while maintaining network stability, rather than following a fixed upgrade schedule.
3Ease of operation
If manual upgrade processes are used, then control over upgrade timing is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically evaluating upgrade criteria, determining optimal upgrade sequences, and executing upgrades without manual intervention. The topology graph automatically tracks network state changes and guides the upgrade process, eliminating the need for operators to manually control each upgrade step while maintaining precise control over upgrade timing and connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system performs upgrade of a network that includes network devices that provide connectivity to servers. The system performs network upgrade by evaluating a set of upgrade criteria for each network device to determine whether to upgrade the device or delay upgrading the network device. Each upgrade criterion is based on a relation between the selected network device and other network devices currently being upgraded. After completing the upgrade, the system determines whether the network upgrade completed successfully. The system determines whether the network upgrade completed successfully by determining a pre-snapshot representing a state of the network before network upgrade and a post-snapshot representing a state of the network after network upgrade. The system compares the pre-snapshot and the post-snapshot to determine whether the network upgrade completed successfully.