Abstract. Netconf is a protocol proposed by the IETF that defines a set of operations for network configuration. One of the main issues of Netconf is to define operations such as validate and commit, which currently lack a clear description and an information model. We propose in this paper a model for validation based on XML schema trees. By using an existing logical formalism called TQL, we express important dependencies between parameters that appear in those information models, and automatically check these dependencies on sample XML trees in reasonable time. We illustrate our claim by showing different rules and an example of validation on a Virtual Private Network.

The continuous development of the Internet results in an increased number of network services. The network operators and service providers have to deploy various configuration tools to deliver those network services. The different tools used to configure the same equipments can create network configuration inconsistency. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the configuration tools with validation components.This paper presents a solution for these configuration inconsistencies. Our approach captures the features of the CLIs, such as the context and parameter dependencies of the commands and the service properties, and translates them into configuration validation rules.

Abstract:As today's networks increase in size and complexity and new network services are deployed, the management becomes more complex and error-prone and the configurations can become inconsistent. To enforce the configuration consistence and integrity, it is necessary to enhance the validation capabilities of the management tools. The Meta-CLI Model presented in this paper captures the dependences among the configuration components and the network service properties and translates them into validation rules. It also translates the device configuration information into tree-like models and checks their integrity and consistence using theses rules.

One of the main issues with the existing management configuration is the absence of a transactional model, which should allow the network configuration data to retain their integrity and consistence during the configuration process. In this paper, we propose a mathematical framework based on lattice theory allowing the structuring of configuration operations leading to the concept of component and validation checkpoint, and present polynomial-time algorithms for studying these structures. We will illustrate the model by an example of two examples of configuration operations: the deployment of a VLAN service through SNMP and the deployment of a VPN service through the Netconf protocol.