Dynamic YANG Data Model Updates via XSLT Transformations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face challenges in dynamically updating device data models across hundreds to thousands of network elements in Software Defined Networks (SDNs), requiring frequent IOS upgrades which can disrupt services and incur significant costs.
Innovation Solution
A new NETCONF capability, 'data-model-update,' is introduced to enable the dynamic installation, updating, and removal of YANG data models and their associated platform transformations, allowing SDN controllers to manage and update network elements without service disruption by using NETCONF sessions and XSLT transformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frequent IOS upgrades are performed to update YANG data models, then network elements can access new features and configurations, but service disruption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data model updates where YANG models can be pushed to network elements without requiring full IOS reboots. The system uses a capability negotiation mechanism between controllers and network elements, allowing incremental updates that maintain service continuity while enabling access to new features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares update packages and transformation documents in advance, allowing the system to apply changes without interrupting ongoing network operations. The transformation documents are pre-configured to handle the conversion of YANG models to device-specific formats, enabling seamless updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent IOS upgrades are performed across hundreds to thousands of network elements, then data models are updated, but operational costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal update mechanism that works across different network element types (routers, switches, etc.) and platforms. The YANG data models serve as a common language that can be transformed to match various device-specific interfaces, eliminating the need for separate update processes for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transformation documents as intermediaries between the YANG data models and device-specific configurations. These transformation documents act as translators that convert standardized YANG models into platform-specific formats, simplifying the update process and reducing the complexity of managing thousands of diverse network elements.
3Ease of operation
If traditional NETCONF methods are used for data model updates, then configuration can be managed, but dynamic updates without service disruption are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation during updates by implementing incremental data model updates that do not require service interruption. The system maintains active NETCONF sessions and can push updates while network services continue uninterrupted, ensuring continuous useful action throughout the update process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes transmitting a message from a network element to a network controller, the message identifying a data store of the network controller and a data model and a transformation document stored in the identified data store; downloading the identified data model and identified transformation document to the network element; applying the downloaded transformation document to the downloaded data model to generate a platform interface file; and programming the platform interface file at the network element. In certain embodiments, the data model is a YANG data model; in other embodiments, the data model is a YIN representation of a YANG data model. The transformation document may comprise eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformation (“XSLT”) document.