Network Switch Auto-Configuration via Neighbor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring network switches, especially in enterprise production environments, is challenging due to the complexity of uplink redundancy methods, VLANs, and other settings, often requiring technical assistance for both replacement and expansion scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A network switch with non-volatile storage and processor-executable program instructions that detect neighbor switch connections, access and provide configuration data to automatically configure neighboring switches, allowing for seamless integration and replacement without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration methods are used for network switches, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through expert knowledge, but installation time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the neighbor switch, retrieving its configuration data from storage, and applying it before the switch becomes operational. This pre-configuration approach eliminates manual setup time while ensuring accuracy through automated data transfer from proven working configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention copies configuration data from an existing neighbor switch to the newly installed switch. Instead of manually creating configurations, the system replicates proven working configurations from adjacent switches, ensuring accuracy while dramatically reducing installation time through automated copying processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration procedures are followed, then complex networking scenarios can be handled with expert judgment, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The newly installed network switch serves itself by automatically receiving configuration data from its neighbor switch without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously detects the connection, retrieves appropriate configuration data, and applies it, making the complex configuration process as simple as establishing the physical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated configuration service that mediates between the newly installed switch and the existing network infrastructure. This intermediary handles the complex tasks of detecting the switch, retrieving configuration data from storage, and applying appropriate settings, thereby simplifying the operational process while maintaining adaptability to various networking scenarios.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive configuration data is stored for each port, then automatic configuration accuracy improves, but storage requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-volatile storage device serves multiple functions: it stores configuration data for multiple neighbor switches, maintains a history of configurations, and provides rapid retrieval capability. This multi-functional storage approach enables accurate automatic configuration while consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate storage systems into a single universal storage solution.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program product and a network switch are provided. The network switch may include network ports, memory and a processor for processing program instructions to perform various operations. The computer program product may provide the program instructions for a network switch. The operations may include detecting a first neighbor network switch connection to a first port of the first network switch, accessing first neighbor network switch configuration data that is stored by the first network switch in association with the first port, and providing the configuration data that is stored in association with the first port of the first network switch to the first neighbor network switch over the first neighbor network switch connection to the first port. In one example, the configuration data is obtained from a second neighbor network switch that was previously connected to the first port prior to the first neighbor network switch.