Touchless Orchestration for Layer 3 Data Center Interconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of Layer 3 (L3) connectivity between data center fabrics is cumbersome and error-prone, especially when dealing with geographically dispersed Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) elements, requiring manual intervention at border leaf and DCI nodes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a touchless orchestration method that automates the configuration of VRFs across border leaf and DCI nodes using a central point of management (CPOM) that selects nodes based on load balancing and redundancy criteria, populates configuration profiles in a database, and applies them automatically, enabling seamless interconnectivity between DFA fabrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used at border leaf and DCI nodes, then configuration can be performed with existing infrastructure, but the process is cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The border leaf and DCI nodes automatically retrieve and apply configuration profiles from the database without requiring manual configuration. The nodes self-configure by querying the database for their specific configuration profiles and applying them autonomously, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized database acts as an intermediary between the orchestrator element and the border leaf/DCI nodes. The database stores configuration profiles and retrieves them automatically based on node identities, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for manual configuration while ensuring accurate deployment.
2Productivity
If manual configuration is performed for each VRF, then existing network infrastructure can be utilized, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration profiles are pre-stored in the database with all necessary parameters for VRF interconnectivity. When a VRF is created, the orchestrator automatically retrieves the appropriate pre-configured profile and applies it to the relevant nodes, eliminating time-consuming manual configuration while ensuring accuracy through pre-validated templates.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manually configuring each VRF from scratch, the system copies and applies pre-defined configuration profiles from the database to border leaf and DCI nodes. This copying mechanism accelerates deployment while maintaining consistency and accuracy across multiple VRFs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate DCI node is connected to BL node, then DCI functionalities can be supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The border leaf nodes are designed to support both traditional border functions and DCI functionalities through a unified configuration mechanism. By using the same database-driven configuration approach for both BL nodes and DCI nodes, the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same infrastructure serves multiple purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving from an orchestrator element for a new Virtual Routing and Forwarding element ("VRF") created in a communications network a name of the VRF and interconnect identification; selecting a border element for the VRF; and creating in a database a VRF entry for the selected border element, the entry identifying a configuration profile for the selected border element. The method further includes forwarding a VRF create notification to the selected border element; and providing the configuration profile from the corresponding entry to the selected border element in response to a query to the database from the selected border element. The selected border element applies the configuration profile automatically to configure the selected border element.