Things You Should Know About NETCONF

What Is NETCONF?

NETCONF, short for Network Configuration Protocol, is a network management protocol that enables a Network Management System (NMS) to deliver, modify, and delete configurations of network devices. Network devices provide standard Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for the NMS to manage them using NETCONF.

NETCONF utilizes Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based data encoding to represent configuration data and protocol messages. It employs a straightforward Remote Procedure Call (RPC) mechanism to facilitate communication between a client and a server. The client can be a script or an application running on an NMS, while the server typically represents a network device.

The Role of NETCONF in Switches

NETCONF plays a crucial role in managing switches by providing a standardized and efficient means of configuration and management. Traditional methods like Command Line Interface (CLI) and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) have limitations in scalability, automation, and security, which NETCONF effectively addresses.

Disadvantages of CLI and SNMP that NETCONF overcomes:

• 1. Complex Configuration: CLI-based configuration is complex and varies greatly among vendors. Users need to learn and adapt to each vendor's CLI, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in managing switches.

• 2. Unpredictable Output: CLI output is structure-agnostic and prone to changes, making it difficult to parse and automate configuration tasks. This unpredictability adds to the challenges of maintaining CLI scripts.

• 3. Limited Efficiency: SNMP lacks transaction support, resulting in low configuration efficiency. It is primarily used for monitoring purposes and does not provide robust mechanisms for configuration management.

• 4. Security Concerns: SNMP uses User Datagram Protocol (UDP), which lacks reliable and ordered data transmission and effective security mechanisms. This exposes switches to potential security vulnerabilities.

In contrast, NETCONF addresses these shortcomings by:

• 1. Simplified Configuration: NETCONF streamlines the configuration process with structured XML format, making it easier to define and manage configurations for switches.

• 2. Automation: NETCONF enables automated configuration deployment across multiple devices, reducing errors and speeding up provisioning.

• 3. Interoperability: NETCONF's standardized protocol and use of YANG data models promote interoperability between switches from different vendors, facilitating seamless integration and management.

• 4. Security: NETCONF provides robust security mechanisms like authentication and authorization, ensuring secure communication and preventing unauthorized access.

• 5. Transaction Support: NETCONF's transaction mechanism ensures atomic configuration changes, maintaining network consistency and integrity.

• 6. Event Notification: NETCONF allows switches to send event notifications, enabling proactive monitoring and timely response to network events or changes.

How Does NETCONF Work?

Fundamental Network Structure of NETCONF

NETCONF operates within a network architecture comprising at least one Network Management System (NMS) responsible for managing network devices. The following figure shows the basic network architecture of NETCONF.

Basic network architecture of NETCONF

The fundamental network architecture of NETCONF consists of two primary roles: the client and the server.

Client Functions:

• Manages network devices using NETCONF protocols.

• Initiates Remote Procedure Call (RPC) requests to a NETCONF server to query or modify parameter values.

• Receives status updates of managed devices through alarms and events sent by the NETCONF server.

Server Functions:

• Maintains information about managed devices and responds to client-initiated requests.

• Parses incoming requests from NETCONF clients and sends replies accordingly.

• Reports alarms or events to clients, notifying them of any faults or changes in the managed device status.

Establishing a NETCONF Session:

NETCONF clients and servers communicate via the RPC mechanism within a secure and connection-oriented session. The client sends an RPC request to the server, and the server returns a reply to the client after processing the request.

Process of establishing a NETCONF session

Here's the process for establishing and terminating a NETCONF session:

• 1. The client establishes an SSH connection with the server, ensuring authentication and authorization.

• 2. Following successful authentication, the client initiates a NETCONF session with the server.

• 3. Both client and server exchange Hello messages to negotiate capabilities.

• 4. The client sends one or more RPC requests to the server, which may include configuration modifications, queries, or maintenance operations.

• 5. Upon completion of the session, the client terminates the NETCONF session.

• 6. Subsequently, the SSH connection is terminated, closing the communication channel between client and server.

How FS Can Help

In conclusion, NETCONF revolutionizes network management by offering a standardized and efficient approach to configuring and managing network devices, particularly switches.

As a frontrunner in the telecommunications industry, FS is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive digital transformation. The data center switches provided by FS all support the NETCONF protocol, enabling your enterprise to embrace advancements in network management and seamlessly drive digital transformation.