Understanding conventional head end devices

A conventional head end device acts as the configuration controller for one or more head end managed devices. Changes made to the head end configuration can be targeted at specific head end managed devices. System administrators apply these changes to specific head end managed devices through some internal protocol.

Conventional head end devices are the most common form of head end device. Examples of conventional head end devices include:

  • Hypervisors — Hypervisors are software programs designed to manage multiple operating systems running on the same computer system. Typically, hypervisors manage the operating systems' processor, memory, and other resources.
  • Rack controllers
  • Devices such as the Juniper ERX that model their configuration in terms of virtual routers. Another example is the CISCO Nexus, which provides access to the virtual blade servers through an FSM head end.