Support Signature Variables in NIT Replication Settings

A signature variable is a specialized type of variable that supports two value formats: Single value and Table. It is designed to expose key variable values used by the parser during NIT (Network Intent Template) replication. These values can be:

• Output to ADT (Automation Data Table) as row-level data based on an ADT-defined table structure.
• Used as building blocks when constructing ADTs.

Example Use Case:

• To create an OSPF configuration table, you can use variables such as device name, OSPF ID, area ID, and the OSPF config-let.
• To generate an interface status table, use variables like device name, interface name, interface status, and interface CRC.

Common ADT Structure Scenario:

In intent-based network assessments, a common table pattern emerges where a single device (e.g., Device "R1") may have multiple rows in the ADT, each with different parameters.

To build such an ADT, a Network Intent Configuration (NIC) using signature variables is typically required. However, this approach can be complex to maintain and reuse.

Simplifying with Signature Variables in NIT Replication:

This complexity is addressed by using signature variable support in NIT replication settings, which offers the following benefits:

• The logic for constructing the base ADT table is encapsulated within the NIT, making it easier to maintain and update after deployment.
• Execution of the NI is not required. This separation of ADT compilation and execution streamlines ADT development.

Workflow for Using Signature Variables:

1. Define signature variables as table columns in the NIT replication settings.
2. During the decoding process, signature variables are computed and stored in the NIT decoded database. Duplicate values are automatically eliminated.
3. When building an ADT from the NIT, the signature variables are available to be directly added as table columns.