Switch Configuration Management via Interface Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex network environments, switches connected to multiple network segments often experience server overload, leading to incorrect configuration files and failed startups due to simultaneous configuration requests from multiple interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing switch configuration, where a working interface is selected to obtain a lock, allowing the switch to retrieve a correct configuration file from a server, and if startup fails, invalid interfaces are excluded and reselected to ensure proper configuration and reduce server workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple interfaces simultaneously send configuration requests to the server, then the switch can obtain configuration files from all network segments, but the server becomes overloaded and the switch may obtain wrong configuration files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a lock file mechanism that performs preliminary actions before configuration acquisition. The working interface must first obtain a lock file (writing its interface number to the lock file) before it can send configuration requests to the server. This preliminary locking action ensures that only one interface at a time can acquire configuration files, preventing server overload and ensuring configuration correctness while maintaining multi-interface support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the switch allows all interfaces to work simultaneously, then the network coverage is maximized, but the server working pressure increases and configuration errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
Before the switch allows any interface to communicate with the server, the system performs a preliminary lock acquisition step. The interface that successfully writes its number to the lock file first gains permission to send configuration requests. This preliminary action filters out simultaneous requests, reducing server pressure while allowing all network segments to remain accessible through the locked working interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock file acts as an intermediary mechanism between multiple interfaces and the server. Instead of allowing direct simultaneous access from multiple interfaces to the server, the lock file mediates access by storing the working interface number and enabling only that interface to proceed with configuration acquisition. This intermediary resolves the conflict between multi-interface coverage and server load reduction.
3Reliability
If the switch reselects working interface after startup failure, then configuration correctness is improved, but additional time is required for lock obtaining operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors whether the switch startup succeeds after obtaining configuration files. If startup fails, the system feeds back this information and triggers a reselection of the working interface. The interface reselection process includes obtaining a new lock file and重新 acquiring configuration files. This feedback loop ensures configuration correctness by learning from startup failures, though it does require additional time for the lock obtaining and reconfiguration process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for managing switch configuration, an electronic device and a storage medium are provided. The method includes: selecting one interface from a plurality of interfaces of a switch as a working interface to perform a lock obtaining operation to generate an operation result; performing a control operation based on the operation result, wherein the control operation includes controlling the switch to obtain a configuration file from a server through the working interface; and after it is confirmed that the switch completes obtaining the configuration file, determining whether the switch is normally started, and determining a processing action based on a determining result.