Virtual Local Area Network auto-discovery methods
First Claim
1. A VLAN auto-discovery application tool comprising:
- a. a activator for initiating a VLAN configuration auto-discovery process performed on field installed communications network equipment;
b. a correlator processing VLAN configuration information; and
c. a plurality of interactive elements collectively displaying VLAN provisioning information on an associated human-machine interface the correlator derives VLAN-specific configuration ensuring data traffic differentiation between provisioned VLANs.
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Abstract
A method of automatic discovery of existing Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) configuration in a bridged network is provided. The method includes steps of: reconciling a data transport infrastructure in a data transport network; reconciling data transport node configurations; gathering nodal VLAN configurations from all data transport nodes; correlating the data transport infrastructure information, node configuration information and nodal VLAN configurations; and extracting network-wide provisioned VLAN configuration subject to discrepancies. A VLAN auto-discovery application tool having human-machine interface is also provided. The VLAN auto-discovery application tool is operable to initiate the VLAN auto-discovery process and to display the discovered VLAN configuration. The VLAN auto-discovery human-machine interface also is adapted to display a VLAN-specific provisioning status. Advantages are derived from a centralized VLAN auto-discovery solution which reduces VLAN provisioning overheads, enables fast recovery from Network Management System (NMS) failures, reduces recovery times from network wide failures, etc.
158 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A VLAN auto-discovery application tool comprising:
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a. a activator for initiating a VLAN configuration auto-discovery process performed on field installed communications network equipment;
b. a correlator processing VLAN configuration information; and
c. a plurality of interactive elements collectively displaying VLAN provisioning information on an associated human-machine interface the correlator derives VLAN-specific configuration ensuring data traffic differentiation between provisioned VLANs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of automatically determining Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) configuration in a communications network comprised of network nodes and interconnecting links, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. correlating VLAN configuration information gathered from a plurality of communications network nodes in the communications network by;
i. synchronizing access port and trunk port VLAN configuration information for all discovered standard VLANs, ii. synchronizing stackable trunk port VLAN configuration information for all discovered backbone VLANs, and iii. synchronizing tunnel access port to VLAN Identifier associations; and
b. resolving VLAN configuration discrepancies. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification