Network Switch Configuration Augmented Grammar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring multiple network switches requires editing and validating numerous individual configuration files, which is inefficient and prone to errors, as changes to one file necessitate re-editing all files, and validation is typically performed on-box and one command at a time.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves creating an augmented grammar by combining base and patch grammars from multiple network switches, allowing configuration files to be edited and validated as a single file, enabling off-box validation and reducing the need for individual file editing and on-box validation for each switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple individual configuration files are edited and validated separately for each network switch, then each switch can be configured independently, but the process is inefficient and prone to errors requiring repeated editing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual switch configuration files into a single multi-switch configuration file format. This single file contains configuration data for multiple switches organized in a hierarchical structure with switch-specific sections, allowing administrators to edit all switch configurations simultaneously in one file rather than separately editing each configuration file, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration file format that can store and validate configurations for multiple different network switches within a single file. The augmented grammar provides multi-functional validation capabilities that work across different switch types and configurations, enabling one file to serve multiple configuration purposes simultaneously.
2Reliability
If configuration files are validated on-box one command at a time, then validation can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and interrupts switch operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary off-box validation using an augmented grammar that validates the entire multi-switch configuration file before deployment. This preliminary validation checks syntax, semantics, and configuration consistency across all switches in the single file, ensuring configuration correctness before the file is loaded onto switches, thereby reducing on-box validation time and avoiding operational interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an augmented grammar as an intermediary validation layer between configuration creation and switch deployment. This intermediary grammar-based validation system performs comprehensive checks off-box, acting as a mediator that ensures configuration validity without requiring time-consuming on-box validation, thus maintaining reliability while reducing validation duration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If changes are made to one configuration file, then that switch is updated, but all other configuration files must be re-edited and re-validated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switch configurations into a single editable file where all switch configurations coexist in a unified structure. When a configuration change is needed, the administrator edits the single multi-switch configuration file, and the changes automatically apply to the relevant switch or switches without requiring separate editing of multiple files, thereby maintaining adaptability while dramatically improving update efficiency.
4Reliability
If multiple configuration files are managed individually, then each file can be validated separately, but the overall process is complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate configuration files into a single multi-switch configuration file with a unified hierarchical structure. This consolidation reduces the number of files from multiple individual files to one file, simplifying file management while the augmented grammar ensures configuration consistency across all switches through comprehensive validation rules that check for errors and conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for dynamic grammar augmentation for editing multiple network switch configuration files as a single file. The method includes identifying a first base grammar of a first network switch; identifying a second base grammar of a second network switch; identifying first and second patch grammars for the first and second network switches; generating an augmented grammar based on the first and second patch grammars and the first and second base grammars; identifying a first configuration file for the first network switch; identifying a second configuration file for the second network switch; generating a base merged configuration file, the base merged configuration file representing the first and second configuration files modified according to the augmented grammar.