Private Network Device Management via Configuration Conflict Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems fail to manage private networks with vendor-provided hosted network management systems without causing connectivity and service failures, as configuration pushes and pulls can disrupt customized private networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a private network-driven hosted network device management method that assesses potential conflicts of configuration data and instructions with local customizations, selectively generating new configuration files to minimize disruptions, and using a local configuration controller to regulate updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the hosted network management system pushes configuration data to compliant devices, then the devices receive updated configuration instructions, but connectivity and service failures occur in the private network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration controller as an intermediary component between the hosted network management system and compliant devices. This controller receives configuration pushes from the management system, evaluates them against local customization policies, and selectively applies only those configurations that do not conflict with private network customizations. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling configuration updates while preventing service disruptions caused by incompatible pushes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of incoming configuration data before applying it to compliant devices. The configuration controller assesses each configuration push against local customization policies in advance, identifying potential conflicts before they can disrupt network services. This preliminary action prevents harmful configurations from being applied, thereby maintaining network reliability while still allowing beneficial updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compliant devices pull configuration data from the hosted network management system, then they obtain new configuration instructions, but local control mechanisms are bypassed causing service failures
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration controller implements a feedback mechanism that monitors configuration pulls initiated by compliant devices. When a device attempts to pull configuration data, the controller evaluates the request against local customization policies and either permits or blocks the pull operation. This feedback loop ensures that devices can obtain necessary configuration updates while maintaining local control authority, resolving the contradiction between configuration flexibility and local operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration controller serves as an intermediary that sits between compliant devices and the hosted network management system. It intercepts configuration pull requests from devices, evaluates them against local policies, and selectively allows or blocks the transfers. This intermediary role enables devices to maintain their ability to pull configurations when needed while preventing unauthorized bypasses of local control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the private network uses customized configuration settings, then local performance requirements are met, but vendor-provided configuration updates cause disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different parts of the network configuration to have different properties. Private network segments with specific customization requirements maintain their local configurations independently, while other areas can accept vendor-provided updates. The configuration controller applies policies selectively to different devices and configuration parameters, enabling local customization where needed while maintaining service continuity through controlled acceptance of vendor updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments configuration management into multiple independent policy zones. Each compliant device or configuration parameter can have its own customization policy attached, allowing granular control over which configurations can be updated and which must remain localized. This segmentation enables the network to simultaneously maintain customized settings in critical areas while accepting vendor updates in other areas, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations disclosed herein provide private network driven hosted network device management that enables more robust management of private networks that include such equipment. For example, in some implementations, a method of private network driven hosted network device management includes receiving a fetch request from a compliant device, wherein the fetch request indicates demand for at least one of new and updated configuration data and instructions. In turn, the method further includes assessing whether or not the new and updated configuration data and instructions, for the requesting compliant device, will conflict with local customizations and indicate potential disruption to connectivity and services in an associated private network, in order to produce an assessment result. The method also includes selectively generating a new configuration file including a suitable set of new and updated configuration data and instructions based on the assessment result.