Router Configuration Data Converter for Cross-Vendor Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The migration of configuration data from one router to another, especially across different manufacturers, is labor-intensive due to incompatible data formats, requiring manual conversion of hundreds or thousands of subinterfaces, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a graphical user interface to select ports and convert configuration data from a first router to a format compatible with a second router, including data flow detection, verification of permanent virtual circuits, and generation of configuration files for IP pools and distribution routes, using a processor to automate the conversion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual conversion of configuration data is performed between routers from different manufacturers, then compatibility between different router formats is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility between different router formatsVSAvoidtime required for manual conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a configuration data converter as an intermediary tool that automatically transforms configuration data between different router formats. This converter serves as a mediator between routers from different manufacturers, eliminating the need for manual conversion while ensuring format compatibility. The converter handles the complexity of format differences internally, providing a seamless migration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of configuration data conversion with an automated computer-based system. Instead of manually editing and transforming configuration files, the system uses software to automatically detect, parse, and convert configuration data between different router formats, significantly reducing time and human effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual conversion of configuration data is performed between routers from different manufacturers, then compatibility between different router formats is achieved, but the process becomes costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility between different router formatsVSAvoidcost of migration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration data converter enables the migration process to be self-service, automatically performing format conversion without requiring specialized human intervention. The system self-adapts to different router formats and performs the necessary transformations autonomously, reducing labor costs and making the process more economically viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing manual labor with an automated computer-based conversion system, the patent eliminates the high labor costs associated with manual configuration data conversion. The automated system can process multiple formats simultaneously and consistently, reducing both time and financial costs of router migration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If configuration data is converted automatically between different router formats, then the conversion process becomes efficient and fast, but compatibility issues between different manufacturers' formats may arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion speedVSAvoidformat compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration data converter incorporates feedback mechanisms to verify the compatibility and correctness of converted configuration data. The system checks whether the converted data maintains the necessary functional equivalence and can be properly interpreted by the target router, allowing for automatic detection and correction of potential compatibility issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The converter is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple router formats from different manufacturers through a single unified interface. It maintains a comprehensive understanding of various format specifications and applies appropriate transformation rules to ensure reliable compatibility across different vendor-specific formats while maintaining high conversion speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11632298B2Methods and apparatus to convert router configuration data

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Configuration data associated with a router is converted. A selector tool identifies a first port of a first router having first data lines, and identifies a second port of a second router to receive the first data lines to be migrated from the first port. The first router and the second router use different, incompatible configuration data formats. A data transceiver captures first port configuration data associated with the first port of the first router, and a configuration data converter is to identify a type of interface associated with the captured first port configuration data and convert the captured first port configuration data from a first format compatible with the first router to a second format compatible with the second router based on the identified type of interface. A conversion file generator generates a configuration file containing the converted first port configuration data in the second format.