Natural Language Processing Interface for Multi-Vendor Network Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of managing and configuring multi-vendor networking equipment in data centers is exacerbated by the need for administrators to learn various vendor-specific command line interfaces (CLIs) and application programming interfaces (APIs, leading to a high learning curve and operational challenges, especially when introducing new equipment or making on-the-fly configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A natural language processing (NLP) system that provides a universal, easy, and vendor-agnostic interface for configuring and managing networking devices, utilizing a lemmatization database and command template database to convert natural language inputs into proper CLI/API requests, allowing for a single point of administration and management across a network, including voice-based chat interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If administrators use vendor-specific CLIs and APIs to configure networking equipment, then they can achieve precise control and configuration of devices, but they face a high learning curve and increased operational complexity when managing multi-vendor equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a natural language processing interface as an intermediary layer between the administrator and the vendor-specific CLI/API systems. This mediator translates natural language commands into the appropriate vendor-specific syntax, shielding administrators from the complexity of multiple CLIs while maintaining precise device control. The NLP system acts as a universal adapter that handles the complexity internally without exposing it to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal natural language interface that can interact with multiple vendor-specific systems through a single standardized method. Instead of requiring separate knowledge of Cisco CLI, Juniper CLI, and other vendor-specific syntaxes, the system provides a single multi-functional interface that adapts to different vendors automatically, reducing the learning curve and operational complexity.
2Productivity
If administrators manually configure each networking device individually, then they can ensure precise control over each device, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The NLP interface serves as an intermediary that enables efficient bulk configuration operations. Administrators can issue natural language commands to configure multiple devices simultaneously or sequentially without manually accessing each device's CLI, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining precise control through the translation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows administrators to prepare and issue configuration commands in advance using natural language, which are then automatically translated and executed across target devices. This preliminary action capability enables batch operations and reduces the time administrators spend on repetitive configuration tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data centers introduce new multi-vendor equipment, then they can expand functionality and features, but they increase the complexity of network administration and require highly knowledgeable staff
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal NLP interface that can interact with equipment from any vendor, allowing data centers to introduce new multi-vendor equipment without increasing administrative complexity. The system's multi-functional capability enables it to adapt to different vendor syntaxes and protocols automatically, maintaining ease of operation while expanding functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The NLP system dynamically adapts to different vendor-specific requirements based on the target device being configured. Rather than requiring static knowledge of multiple CLIs, the system dynamically selects and applies the appropriate syntax translation rules based on the equipment vendor and model, reducing the need for highly knowledgeable staff while maintaining adaptability to new equipment.
4Ease of operation
If network administrators train personnel on multiple vendor-specific CLIs and APIs, then they can operate different vendors' equipment effectively, but the training cost and time investment increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The NLP interface acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for extensive training on multiple vendor-specific CLIs and APIs. By translating natural language commands into the appropriate vendor syntax automatically, the system provides operational capability without requiring administrators to invest substantial time in learning and remembering multiple proprietary command languages.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention provide a more universal, easy, natural, and vendor-agnostic interface to configure, manage, and/or monitor devices in networks. In embodiments, a user-friendly natural language interface voice interface may be used to “live chat” with one or more devices. In embodiments, a natural language input from a user intended for a target device is received and converted into one or more properly formed commands that are target-specific for the target device and may be executed by the target device. In embodiments, results from the execution of the one or more commands may be appropriately formatted for presentation to the user.