Cloud Network Controller Switch Auto-Claim Logic

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cloud-based network management systems require manual and laborious processes to claim switches, which is tedious and time-consuming, especially for networks with hundreds or thousands of switches, hindering efficient network management.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically claiming switches in a cloud-based network management system by receiving information from a seed switch, constructing a logical tree of connected switches, and using device connectors to identify and claim switches, allowing for easy onboarding and incremental additions with the help of protocols like LLDP and CDP.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual switch claiming process is used, then network management system can identify and manage switches, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming for large networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch identification accuracyVSAvoidtime required for switch claiming

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing switches to automatically provide their own identification information through device connectors. The seed switch autonomously discovers connected switches and initiates the claiming process without requiring manual intervention for each switch, thus resolving the contradiction between accurate identification and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring device connectors on switches that contain identification information and discovery capabilities. The seed switch is pre-prepared to automatically discover and identify connected switches before the claiming process begins, eliminating the need for manual switch-by-switch identification and significantly reducing the time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual switch claiming is performed, then each switch can be properly registered, but the process is laborious for networks with hundreds or thousands of switches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch registration completenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity of switch claiming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple individual switch claiming operations into a single automated process. The seed switch combines the functions of discovering, identifying, and registering multiple connected switches simultaneously, ensuring complete registration while greatly simplifying the operational burden on network administrators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device connector acts as an intermediary between switches and the network management system. It automatically transmits identification information from switches to the controller, ensuring reliable registration while eliminating the need for manual intervention. This intermediary mechanism maintains registration completeness while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cloud-based controller manages multiple tenant networks, then resource utilization is improved, but the controller cannot identify which switch belongs to which tenant network without manual claiming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-tenant network management capabilityVSAvoidswitch claiming process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing switches to automatically provide their own identification information through device connectors. The seed switch autonomously discovers connected switches and initiates the claiming process without requiring manual intervention for each switch, thus resolving the contradiction between accurate identification and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring device connectors on switches that contain identification information and discovery capabilities. The seed switch is pre-prepared to automatically discover and identify connected switches before the claiming process begins, eliminating the need for manual switch-by-switch identification and significantly reducing the time required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240073099A1Computer network controller with switch auto-claim

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Techniques for automatically claiming switches of a tenant computer network by a remote, cloud-based network controller. A first seed switch is manually claimed by a user by implementing the remote, cloud-based network controller. After claiming the seed switch a set of switches immediately connected with the seed switch are identified by Device Connector logic in the seed switch and immediately connected switches. Switches directly connected to those switches are then identified using Device Connector logic of the switches. This process is performed iteratively by identifying immediately connected switches until all of the switches are identified. All or a subset of the identified switches can then be claimed by the remote, cloud-based controller based on a response from the tenant network user.