Translating configuration files among network devices

Abstract

A system and method to facilitate the translation of Command Line Interface (CLI) configuration scripts associated with a device into the corresponding equivalent CLI configuration scripts of another device. The system includes a translator and one or more data dictionaries. The translator includes a user interface module, a translator logic module to enable the translation, and a current data dictionary module for retaining a selected data dictionary. Each of the data dictionaries includes common syntax generated for a variety of CLI script types. A particular data dictionary is referenced based upon initial input from a network administrator. The translator then generates the automated translation of corresponding scripts from those scripts associated with an original device into a device having differing script requirements.