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The key benefits of AMF
Page 12 | How to Configure and Use AMF on Allied Telesis Switches
The key benefits of AMF
The key benefits of AMF include its: unified command-line, simple configuration backup and
recovery process, and time-saving rolling firmware upgrade.
Unified command-line
The primary means of configuring and controlling AlliedWare Plus (AW+) units is via a text-
based command-line interface. In existing networks, this command-line is available via a serial
console port as well as remote login sessions (e.g. SSH).
Under AMF, this concept is extended to allow control of an entire network of AW+ devices
(or any part thereof) via a single session. It allows a network administrator to nominate all
nodes or a subset of nodes within the AMF network, known as a working-set. Commands can
then execute concurrently across all nodes in the nominated working-set as if it were a single
unit. Any existing configuration or diagnostic actions can thus be applied to multiple devices,
reducing repetitive and error-prone roll-out procedures. In this way, regularities in network
design can be used to reduce maintenance cost and complexity, while still retaining complete
flexibility in network design and control. Currently AMF supports a network of up to 42
nodes, and multiple AMF networks can exist side by side across a single physical network. A
Virtual Chassis Stack (VCStack) is considered to be just one node by AMF.
Configuration backup and recovery
An AMF network has a master node that uses external storage to automatically backup
complete configuration information of all the other nodes, including boot configuration,
firmware, licenses, and user scripts. If a node subsequently fails, the AMF will automatically
recognize and reconfigure an unconfigured replacement unit, completely recreating the
stored state of the failed unit into the replacement unit. This new unit will then reboot and
resume service, without any need for user intervention beyond physical hardware
replacement. In this way AMF provides a complete zero-touch recovery solution.
If preferred (or if automatic recovery fails), the new hardware will be held in a safe non-
forwarding state—ready for a network administrator to configure remotely via the AMF
unified command-line.
Rolling firmware upgrade
Firmware upgrades on a production network are typically an infrequent but sensitive and
labour-intensive process. AMF supports automated firmware roll-out to a user-selected
subset of nodes. The user selects a target group of nodes, and the location where the new
firmware is stored, then AMF takes care of the rest. Nodes are upgraded in a serial fashion,
with each node tested before continuing with subsequent nodes.
If an upgrade fails, the upgrade process is automatically terminated and that node is reverted
to the previous firmware version. In this way firmware updates are almost completely hands-
free, while providing confidence that a bad update will not result in loss of service.