Network Management System Translation Template Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network administrators face the challenge of manually generating translation templates when adding new devices to a network management system, as each vendor requires a unique template, leading to inefficiencies in supporting diverse network devices.

Innovation Solution

The techniques automate the generation of translation templates from a vendor-neutral YANG model to a vendor-specific model by analyzing similarity scores between nodes in the vendor-neutral and target device-specific models, using existing supported devices to dynamically create the necessary mappings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual translation template generation is used for each new vendor device, then device-specific configuration accuracy is improved, but administrative workload and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidtemplate creation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-generates translation templates by analyzing the vendor-neutral YANG model and comparing it with the target vendor-specific YANG model before actual device configuration is needed. This preliminary analysis creates the mapping relationships in advance, eliminating the need for manual template creation when new devices are added to the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The translation template generation process is automated through algorithmic analysis of YANG model similarities. The system independently performs the mapping between vendor-neutral and vendor-specific configurations without requiring administrator intervention, thereby reducing administrative workload while maintaining configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If unique translation templates are created for each vendor device, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple templates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevendor device compatibilityVSAvoidtemplate management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a single vendor-neutral YANG model that serves as a universal template for multiple vendor-specific devices. By maintaining one standardized model and automatically generating vendor-specific translations through similarity analysis, the system achieves multi-vendor compatibility without requiring administrators to manage multiple static templates manually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The translation template generation is a dynamic process that adapts to different vendor-specific YANG models through algorithmic similarity analysis. Rather than using fixed static templates, the system dynamically creates appropriate mappings based on the specific target vendor model being configured, reducing the burden of managing multiple predetermined templates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If automated template generation is implemented, then administrative workload is reduced, but the complexity of the configuration system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configuration speedVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vendor-neutral YANG model acts as an intermediary between the configuration system and multiple vendor-specific devices. The automated generation process uses this intermediate model to bridge the gap between standardized configurations and vendor-specific implementations, simplifying the overall system architecture by avoiding direct complex mappings between every vendor pair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of creating translation templates is replaced with an automated algorithmic system that performs similarity analysis between YANG models. This substitution eliminates repetitive manual administrative tasks while the underlying complexity is encapsulated within the automated generation mechanism, presenting a simplified interface to administrators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10326657B1Multi vendor device support in network management systems

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

In one example, a network management system (NMS) is configured to enable a target network device to support one more network services by generating a translation template to map a vendor neutral model to a device specific model. The NMS determines similarity scores between nodes in the vendor neutral model and nodes in the device specific model. Based on the similarity scores, the NMS generates a translation template from the vendor neutral model to the device specific model. Using the translation template, the NMS may configure the target network device to support the one or more network services.