R12.1 Project Publication-2025Dec23

Device Config Parameters

In the Rule Discovery process, once the corresponding Golden Config is identified, the Assessment Rule can further evaluate the Intent diagnosis based on the configuration content. These extracted variable values from the config can then be used as macro variables in the Golden Intent Generator. 

To support this advanced intent diagnosis, follow the sequence below. The flow outlines how the system identifies, stores, and utilizes config parameters for use in Golden Intents.

Process Flow

  1. Rule Discovery to Identify Feature and Config Parameter:

    This step initiates the identification of relevant Features and the extraction of their associated Variable Values using Rule Discovery. Variables typically represent critical configuration details (e.g., IP addresses, VLAN IDs, VRFs) essential for feature instance grouping and intent-based analysis. In addition to extraction through match conditions, the Additional Variables section allows access to other important variables. Below is the definition of a feature that determines how rule discovery works.

    All variables excluding those prefixed with $_dummy will have their values identified and then organized into a structured table, enabling them to be referenced in subsequent operations such as rule creation or intent generation. The system plugin will automatically extract the corresponding Variable Values based on the content matched in this section.

    • Within the Match Condition of a related Feature, users can define the required variable list using the format $variable_name.
    • Additionally, under the Additional Variables section, users can define more variables discovered within the current Configlets for subsequent use. At the stage Discover Rules, these variables have already been extracted.

  2. Save the Variable to Config Parameter Table:

    This section will store the extracted device variable values in the Config Parameter Table using expanded GDR properties. This storage ensures that variables are available for further use in intent generation. In addition, by viewing these extracted critical config variables associated with each device, engineers can gain insights and use these variables for other diagnostic purposes.

  3. Pass the Config Parameter Table Variable to Golden Intent Macro Variable:

    In the final step, the stored variables are passed to Golden Intent Macro Variables through the Golden Intent Generator definition. And these values are then utilized by intents via macro variables defined in the replication settings.

Example Use Case: In the context of the Interface QoS Class Map ACL, we want to identify the interface with QoS configured

  1. Step 1: During the rule discovery process, when you select a configuration rule template, the system will scan the configuration file of each device. And identifies and extracts key parameters. The following table outlines the five critical configuration parameters identified during the rule discovery process which are essential for analysis and intent generation:
    • $acl
    • $class_map
    • $policy-map
    • $interface
    • $ip_address
  2. Step 2: Once critical config parameters have been identified and stored, users can view the data within the GDR of each device. This table allows engineers to see the features recognized on the device and view the variable values that can be used for further analysis.

    Config Parameters Tab Overview: In the Config Parameters tab of a device instance, you can view parameter values grouped under corresponding features. The structure of this table is as follows, the top level represents the base feature, followed by the config rule template, and the innermost level is the config rule instance. 

    Drill-Down Table: This window displays detailed information related to the current instance, including:

    • For export or review, the key columns in the current instance maps are the same as in the CSV file. For example, exported files are named config_parameters_sfb-voice-telephony_custom.csv for easy correlation.
    • Breakdown of variable values: Config variable values are presented by displaying all values of key parameters, as shown in the diagram below.

  3. Step 3: Using Critical Config Parameters in Golden Intent Macro Variables
    1. Manual Selection of Config Parameter Table: In the Golden Intent Generator, select the Config Parameter Table to set a value to the macro variable manually. This allows control over how variables are mapped into the intent logic.

      A screenshot of a computerAI-generated content may be incorrect.

    2. Config Parameter Filter: Based on the previous data, to build only those with the policy-map name voip_control and use them in intent replication. Create a filter by selecting the variables from the config parameter table. This ensures macro variables are accurately populated during intent execution.

Rule Discovery Assessment Library