Unified Management Engine for Network Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chatbot support systems for configuring networking devices are time-consuming and error-prone, as users must interpret messages from chatbots without a clear view of the network device's actions, requiring manual data transfer and command execution.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system with a communication subsystem, processing system, and memory that creates configuration sessions with network devices, sends data to automated support applications, and executes commands, providing a unified interface for configuration and support through a management engine and messaging engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional chatbot support systems are used for configuring networking devices, then automated support is provided, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone due to manual data transfer and command execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration session and support messaging session into a single integrated system. The management device consolidates both the CLI configuration interface and the chatbot support interface, allowing seamless data sharing between them. This eliminates the need for users to manually copy-paste data between separate applications, thereby reducing configuration time while maintaining automated support.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device acts as an intermediary between the network device, the user, and the automated support application. It captures configuration data from the CLI session and automatically shares it with the support application, which then generates contextualized commands. This intermediary role automates the data transfer process, reducing both time and potential for human error.
2Ease of operation
If conventional chatbot support systems are used, then support is provided via instant messaging, but users must manually interpret messages and translate them into commands, increasing complexity and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The support application automatically performs tasks that would otherwise require manual user interpretation and action. It monitors the configuration session, captures relevant data, generates appropriate commands, and even executes them directly. This self-service capability simplifies the user experience while reducing the complexity of the configuration process by eliminating manual translation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the support application receives real-time data from the configuration session, analyzes it, and provides contextualized responses. The management device feeds configuration data back to the support application, which then adjusts its recommendations based on the current device state, creating a dynamic and adaptive support system that reduces complexity.
3Reliability
If users manually transfer data between CLI window and chatbot session, then configuration support is received, but the process becomes error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The management device performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing and preparing configuration data before the user needs it. It monitors the CLI session in real-time, identifies relevant configuration information, and makes it available to the support application in advance. This preliminary data preparation eliminates the need for manual copying and pasting, thereby improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of copying and pasting data with an automated electronic system. The management device uses software-based data capture and transmission mechanisms to transfer configuration information between the CLI session and the support application, eliminating the manual mechanical actions that cause errors and reduce productivity.
4Extent of automation
If chatbot does not have clear view of network device actions, then automated support is provided, but the support quality deteriorates due to lack of context
Solution Approach 1:
The management device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the configuration interface for the user and the data source for the automated support application. This multi-functionality ensures that the support application receives comprehensive configuration context without requiring separate data collection mechanisms, thereby maintaining information completeness while providing automated support.
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration support system includes a support device having an automated support application, a network device, and a management device coupled to the network device and the support device. The management device creates a configuration session with the network device and, in response, displays a configuration window. The management device also creates a messaging session with the automated support application and, in response, displays a messaging window. The management device may then send, to the automated support application via the messaging session, data generated during the configuration session. The management device may also receive, from the automated support application via the messaging session, an automated support application command directed to the network device and execute, on the network device via the configuration session, the automated support application command.