Switch Interface Template Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for configuring switch interfaces in communication networks are inconvenient, requiring manual instructions and lacking efficient automation.
Innovation Solution
The use of templates stored on a switch, accessed and applied by an authentication server to configure interfaces automatically based on endpoint authentication requests, allowing for pre-generated and reusable configuration settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual instructions are used to configure switch interfaces, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but configuration efficiency and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring interface templates with common settings and parameters before actual interface configuration is needed. These templates are stored in the switch and automatically applied during authentication, eliminating the need for manual real-time configuration and significantly improving configuration efficiency and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating template representations of interface configurations that can be replicated and applied to multiple interfaces. Instead of manually configuring each interface individually, the same template can be copied and applied across multiple interfaces, maintaining consistency while dramatically reducing configuration time and effort.
2Ease of operation
If templates are used to configure switch interfaces, then configuration convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing templates that can serve multiple functions and be applied to different interface types. A single template can be reused across various interfaces and configuration scenarios, reducing the need for numerous specialized configurations and thereby simplifying the overall system despite the added template management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the switch to automatically apply appropriate templates to interfaces based on authentication results without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously selects and applies templates, reducing operational complexity while improving configuration convenience through automated template-based configuration.
3Loss of time
If manual interface configuration is performed, then configuration accuracy can be controlled, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining accurate configuration parameters and settings within templates before deployment. This ensures configuration accuracy is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual verification and adjustment while maintaining precision through pre-tested template configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the authentication server communicates with the switch to determine which template should be applied based on authentication results. This feedback loop ensures the correct template is selected and applied, maintaining configuration accuracy while reducing time consumption through automated template selection and application.
Data Source
AI summary
Configuring an interface of a switch includes sending an authentication request requesting authentication for an endpoint from a switch to an authentication server. The switch comprises interfaces and is operable to access templates, where a template is operable to generate one or more interface commands for an interface. An instruction is received from the authentication server. The instruction instructs the switch to apply an identified template to an interface, where the identified template is identified by the authentication server as associated with the endpoint. The identified template is applied to configure the interface according to the instruction.