Port Configuration Automation via Template Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of network devices is time-consuming and error-prone, especially for network administrators who infrequently add devices to their network, as it requires typing in configuration information for each device or port.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves defining ports for configuration properties, grouping ports into configuration groups, and using software or firmware to automate the configuration process, allowing for efficient and error-reduced setup through XML instructions and user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration is used for network devices, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through careful typing, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template files that contain pre-defined configuration information for network devices. Instead of manually typing configuration details, the system copies and applies these templates to ports, dramatically reducing configuration time while maintaining accuracy through the use of pre-validated template data
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system automatically retrieves and applies configuration templates without requiring manual intervention for each port. The system self-serves by reading template files, matching them to appropriate ports based on criteria, and applying configurations automatically, freeing network administrators from repetitive manual typing
2Reliability
If manual typing of configuration information is required, then flexibility in customization is maintained, but errors increase due to repetitive typing
Solution Approach 1:
By copying configuration templates that have been previously validated and tested, the system ensures consistency and accuracy across multiple ports. The copy operation eliminates manual typing errors while maintaining the ability to customize configurations by selecting different templates or modifying template parameters
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration templates are prepared in advance with all necessary configuration information properly formatted and validated. This preliminary action ensures that when configurations are applied to ports, they are accurate and error-free, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing configuration errors
3Productivity
If configuration templates are used for automation, then configuration speed and accuracy improve, but initial setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system is segmented into separate components: template definition files, template selection logic, and configuration application mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automated configuration through templates
Solution Approach 2:
Template files serve as an intermediary between the configuration system and network device parameters. Instead of directly managing complex configuration details, the system uses templates as a middle layer that simplifies the interface between administrators and the underlying configuration complexity, making the system easier to use while maintaining high productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, computer readable media, and device embodiments are provided for port configuration. One method embodiment includes defining a number of ports for which a number of port configuration properties are to be configured, grouping the number of ports into one or more port configuration groups, and defining the number of port configuration properties to be configured within a particular port configuration group.