XML-based configuration management for IP network devices

As the Internet continues to grow, the tasks of operations and management of IP networks and systems are becoming more difficult. Over the past few years, much effort has been given to improve the deficiencies of SNMP, but most have failed to be standardized. One critical deficiency of SNMP is in the area of configuration management. Recent work focuses on the use of XML technology for network and service management as an alternative or complementary approach to SNMP. This article presents the IETF's latest effort, Netconf, which is viewed by many as a promising revolutionary solution for configuration management. To validate this new effort, we present the design and implementation of an XML-based configuration management system based on Netconf. We also discuss our experience with XCMS and make some suggestions for improving the current Netconf protocol.