Zero Touch Provisioning for Network Controller Clustering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of networks is slowed down and error-prone due to the manual requirement of configuring and setting up controllers and network devices, which hinders rapid and convenient deployment of wired and wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) automates the clustering of controllers, mapping of network devices, and data tunneling, eliminating the need for manual intervention by using a remote server to detect, cluster, and configure controllers and network devices, and establish communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration and setup of controllers and network devices is performed, then deployment can be controlled and verified, but deployment speed is reduced and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated discovery and configuration. Network devices automatically discover available controllers, select appropriate controllers, and configure themselves without manual intervention. The system performs self-provisioning, self-configuration, and self-mapping of network devices to controllers, eliminating the need for manual setup while maintaining operational control through automated verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic systems. Instead of manual setup procedures, the system uses automated discovery protocols, electronic configuration files, and programmatic mapping mechanisms to provision network devices. This substitution of manual operations with automated electronic systems dramatically increases deployment speed while reducing errors.
2Ease of operation
If automated Zero Touch Provisioning is implemented, then deployment speed increases and errors decrease, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex automation system into distinct functional modules: discovery module for finding network devices, selection module for choosing appropriate controllers, configuration module for setting up devices, and mapping module for assigning devices to controllers. This segmentation allows each module to handle a specific aspect of the provisioning process independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and maintainable while providing automated deployment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that mediates between network devices and the central management system. The controller receives automated configuration data, processes it according to local requirements, and applies the configuration to network devices. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing intelligence and reducing the complexity of direct centralized control.
3Loss of time
If manual mapping of network devices to controllers is performed, then configuration accuracy can be verified, but deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously verify configuration accuracy during the automated deployment process. The system receives confirmation from network devices that configuration was successful, validates mapping relationships, and provides feedback to the central management system. This feedback loop ensures that automated deployment maintains high reliability by verifying each configuration step, eliminating the time-consuming manual verification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring controllers with deployment templates and policies before network devices arrive. The system prepares configuration data, mapping rules, and verification checklists in advance, so that when network devices are discovered, they can be automatically configured using pre-prepared templates. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual configuration and verification during deployment, reducing time while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for receiving an indication that controllers and network devices belong to a site of a network, detecting the controllers and the network devices at the site, clustering the controllers to be deployed in the network, mapping the network devices to the controllers, and tunneling traffic from client devices accessing the network through the network devices to one of the controllers.