Topology-Driven Ring Network Protocol Migration With Ordered Provisioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for replacing one network protocol with another on a deployed ring network disrupt network connectivity and interfere with packet traffic, as they require physical access to console ports or compromise network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A network configuration provisioning method that utilizes a network controller to migrate network devices from a first layer 2 protocol to a second layer 2 protocol based on topology and device ordering, preserving connectivity and minimizing traffic disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote configuration is used to replace network protocols, then configuration convenience is improved, but network connectivity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ring network is segmented into ordered segments based on device ordering (e.g., by device ID, MAC address, or position). Configuration changes are applied sequentially to each segment rather than simultaneously across the entire network, allowing connectivity to be maintained in unconfigured segments while changes are applied to configured segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller first determines the topology and establishes device ordering before initiating protocol replacement. This preliminary action allows the controller to plan the configuration sequence in advance, ensuring that connectivity is preserved throughout the migration process by knowing which devices can be configured at each step.
2Reliability
If console port access is used for configuration, then network connectivity is preserved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller acts as an intermediary that centralizes the configuration management function. Instead of requiring multiple administrators to physically access different console ports, a single administrator interacts with the network controller, which then automatically configures each device in the correct sequence, simplifying the overall process while maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network devices themselves participate in the configuration process by acknowledging their position in the device ordering and accepting configuration commands from the network controller in the determined sequence. Each device essentially configures itself based on instructions from the controller, reducing the complexity of manual configuration.
3Productivity
If simultaneous protocol replacement is performed, then productivity is improved, but network stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The simultaneous protocol replacement is segmented into sequential operations based on device ordering. The network controller divides the network into manageable configuration segments and applies changes in a controlled sequence, maintaining stability while ultimately achieving full protocol replacement across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol replacement is performed as a series of periodic configuration actions rather than a single simultaneous event. The network controller applies configuration changes at regular intervals to different devices in the ordering sequence, allowing the network to adapt gradually and maintain stability throughout the migration process.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices provide network configuration provisioning wherein, based on topology of a ring network and an ordering of network devices, a network controller requests network devices of the ring network to provision configuration from a first layer 2 network protocol to a second layer 2 network protocol. A network configuration provisioning host receives a ring network configuration intent object from a client device, the ring network configuration intent object specifying one or more network domains comprising network devices of a ring network, a first layer 2 network protocol, and a second layer 2 network protocol. The host causes a network controller to request each network device of the ring network to provision migration. By provisioning configuration of the network devices and network interfaces in accordance with orderings, the network devices can maximally preserve connectivity and minimize disruption of packet traffic over the network during the provisioning.