Skip to content

Model Integration Assessment

This document analyzes the current state of Nokia and OpenConfig BGP model integration within PoMa, addressing validation status, interoperability challenges, and practical migration considerations.

Current Validation Status

✅ Working Models

Model Category Status Validation Tree Generation Notes
Nokia BGP Submodule ✅ Fully Functional ✅ Pass ✅ Complete Isolated BGP models work perfectly
Nokia BGP Test Model ✅ Complete ✅ Pass ✅ Complete Comprehensive tree generation
OpenConfig BGP Core ✅ Fully Functional ✅ Pass ✅ Complete All BGP models validate successfully
IETF Base Types ✅ Working ✅ Pass ✅ Complete Standard type definitions

❌ Problematic Models

Model Category Status Issues Dependencies
Nokia Router State ❌ Fails Validation Missing 70+ dependencies Service modules cascade
Nokia Full Router ❌ Complex Dependencies Circular references Architecture issues

Key Integration Findings

Based on our detailed incompatibility analysis, several critical challenges have been identified:

1. Fundamental Architectural Differences

Nokia State-Only Model vs OpenConfig Config/State Model - Nokia: Read-only operational monitoring - OpenConfig: Full configuration lifecycle management - Impact: Cannot directly configure Nokia devices via YANG models

2. Structural Incompatibilities

Peer Group Organization - Nokia: Groups contain neighbors directly (group/neighbor*) - OpenConfig: Separate containers with references (peer-groups/ + neighbors/) - Impact: Requires data structure transformation for migration

3. Address Family Naming Conflicts

Different Naming Conventions - Nokia: family/ipv4/unicast - OpenConfig: afi-safi-name="IPV4_UNICAST" - Impact: Direct field mapping impossible without translation tables

Practical Interoperability Assessment

High-Level Comparison

Capability Nokia Strength OpenConfig Strength Integration Complexity
Configuration Management ❌ Not supported ✅ Native YANG-based 🔴 High - Requires external config
Operational Monitoring ✅ Rich statistics ⚠️ Basic counters 🟡 Medium - Feature mapping needed
Vendor Neutrality ❌ Nokia-specific ✅ Multi-vendor 🔴 High - Vendor lock-in vs standards
Feature Coverage ✅ Advanced Nokia features ✅ Standard features 🟡 Medium - Feature gap analysis

Migration Scenario Analysis

Scenario Feasibility Effort Recommendation
Nokia → OpenConfig 🟡 Partial 🔴 High Hybrid approach recommended
OpenConfig → Nokia ❌ Limited 🔴 Very High Configuration limitations
Dual Model Support ✅ Achievable 🟡 Medium Recommended approach

Current Nokia Router State Issues

The broader Nokia router state model currently fails validation due to missing dependencies:

1. Circular Dependencies

Router submodules (IGMP, LDP, MPLS, OSPF3, RSVP) create circular references to the main router module. This is a fundamental architectural issue in how Nokia structured these modules.

2. Missing Service Dependencies

Need 23+ service state modules (nokia-state-svc-*):

  • nokia-state-svc-epipe
  • nokia-state-svc-sdp
  • nokia-state-svc-vpls
  • nokia-state-svc-vprn
  • Plus 19 additional service modules

Service modules have their own dependency chains, creating a cascade of requirements.

3. Missing Type Dependencies

Need 49+ type definition modules (nokia-types-*):

  • nokia-types-filter
  • nokia-types-eth-cfm
  • nokia-types-l2tp
  • nokia-types-ppp
  • Plus 45+ additional type modules

Effort Analysis

Minimal Approach (70+ files)

What's needed: - Create symlinks for all 23 service state modules - Create symlinks for ~25 additional type modules - Add service and additional type paths to validation scripts

Estimated effort: 2-3 hours

Challenges: - Still leaves circular dependency issues - May not fully resolve all validation errors - Significant increase in repository complexity

Complete Approach (100+ files)

What's needed: - Create comprehensive Nokia module structure - Handle circular dependency issues (may require module modifications) - Create robust search path management - Add ~100 additional symlinks

Practical Recommendations

Based on our analysis, the optimal strategy is to maintain both models in parallel:

For OpenConfig Integration

  • ✅ Configuration Management: Use OpenConfig for vendor-neutral configuration
  • ✅ Policy Management: Leverage OpenConfig routing policy framework
  • ✅ Standards Compliance: Ensure consistency across multi-vendor environments

For Nokia Integration

  • ✅ Operational Monitoring: Use Nokia models for rich operational insights
  • ✅ Vendor-Specific Features: Access Nokia-only capabilities (origin validation, flowspec)
  • ✅ Detailed Statistics: Leverage comprehensive Nokia operational data

Migration Strategy

  1. Phase 1: Parallel Operation
  2. Maintain both model environments
  3. Develop transformation utilities

  4. Create mapping documentation

  5. Phase 2: Feature Bridging

  6. Implement vendor-specific feature alternatives
  7. Develop operational data correlation

  8. Create unified monitoring interfaces

  9. Phase 3: Selective Migration

  10. Migrate vendor-neutral features to OpenConfig
  11. Retain Nokia-specific monitoring capabilities
  12. Implement hybrid operational workflows

Nokia Router State Challenges

Beyond the interoperability issues, the broader Nokia router state model faces validation challenges:

Core Technical Issues

  1. Circular Dependencies: Router submodules create circular references
  2. Missing Service Dependencies: Requires 23+ service state modules
  3. Architectural Complexity: Interdependent module cascade

Scope Assessment

Current Working State: - ✅ Nokia BGP models: Fully functional - ✅ OpenConfig BGP models: Complete validation - ❌ Nokia Full Router State: Complex dependency issues

Recommendation: Maintain BGP-focused approach rather than pursuing full router state validation due to scope creep and maintenance complexity.

Integration Tools and Examples

For practical implementation guidance:

Alternative Solutions

If broader Nokia model support becomes necessary:

Option 1: Vendor-Specific Environment

Create isolated environment with complete Nokia dependencies

Option 2: Containerized Approach

Package complete model environment for specialized use cases

Option 3: Selective Protocol Support

Add specific non-BGP protocols based on actual requirements

Conclusion

The dual model approach is optimal for current needs:

  1. OpenConfig: Configuration management and vendor-neutral operations
  2. Nokia BGP: Operational monitoring and vendor-specific features
  3. Focused Scope: BGP-centric approach avoids complexity while maximizing functionality

This strategy provides maximum value while maintaining manageable complexity and clear architectural boundaries.