For more transparency in the network, minimisation of operational complexity and associated costs as well as faster implementation of new services to the market:
YUKON – the Xantaro Service Engine
As the central platform for high-performance network and service management, Yukon collects relevant information from a variety of network systems, normalises the data, and correlates it within different applications.
Yukon provides basic features for interacting with network components and provides initial applications to simplify administration and optimise the operation of infrastructures and services. Complex processes are abstracted via an intuitively designed graphical user interface – and can thereby also be handled by users without in-depth specialist knowledge.
A team of experienced developers and engineers who understand the challenges of running complex networks in the field is constantly working to optimise the platform and develop new features.
Yukon – a Service-Engine
developed from networkers for networkers
INVENTORY
MANAGEMENT
- Access to inventory data using RESTful API or via export functions
- Basis for further services such as End-of-Life-Audits
- Compatibility with numerous vendors, flexibly expandable
DATA CORRELATION & FILTERING
- Storage and analysis of historical data, metrics and events
- Correlation of data across technology and vendor boundaries
- Basis for an end-to-end error analysis with an increasing number of applications
XTAC & XCARE
AUTOMATION
- Display of service contract data and support tickets for network elements
- Automated collection and provision of support information
- Central interface for XTAC with Jump-Host functionality
- Quality assurance in the management of service contracts
AUTOMATION
INTERFACES
- Providing a graphical user interface for existing automation solutions
- Use of inventory, performance and status data via API access for further, external applications
As a central tool, Yukon reduces operational costs and offers a wide range of cost saving options.
Automation of Inventory Management
- identification of unused network components and inappropriate service contracts
- development of dynamic service contracts and cost models
Facilitate operations through proactive services
- effort and quality optimisation in incident management
- end-of-life audit of all inventory
- automatic notification of critical and security-relevant vendor information
- cross-technology and vendor-independent correlation of log data
Further development in Automation & Orchestration
- continuous development of new applications for the Yukon Community based on customer use cases
- saving development costs through a reusable basis
Independent, Performant, Intuitive: The Three Basic Principles of Our Service Engine



MULTI-VENDOR ENABLED
Yukon is vendor independent; variable drivers are used to translate the different languages of various network elements. They abstract the collected data and provide it to the platform for further processing.
SCALABLE
Comprehensive scalability is guaranteed by “the heart” of the platform: the Yukon Core. In the loosely coupled microservice architecture, a variety of services process the information provided by the drivers and in turn send requests to trigger functions on network elements.
EASE OF USE
The ease of use is ensured by a web-based graphical frontend based on the Yukon Core. A variety of intuitive applications, presenting and contextualising data, and supporting users in their daily work, are easily activated here using drag’n’drop.
Yukon is integrated into the management LAN via a hardware appliance. Vendor neutral interfaces collect information about components from different vendors implemented in the network.
Only the data that is relevant and provides added value for the operation of the network are taken into account – the utilisation is thus kept to a minimum.
SECURITY:
- Yukon consists of numerous individual parts that only communicate via defined interfaces – the only access to the core, for example, is its REST API. The encapsulation of the elements generally protects against access from the outside.
- In addition, the type of connection ensures further data security. The Yukon core only requires partial access to the management network; it does not have to be opened. Also a connection to the Internet is not required for the use of the data; it can be saved by download and processed accordingly.
- If required, Xantaro service customers can access their components’ XTAC case data directly via a secure direct connection to Xantaro, and thereby benefit from enhanced case-handling functions.
Continuous Integration: ongoing development for the Yukon Community
Each network is different and the requirements are individual. Therefore, in close cooperation with customers, Yukon is constantly being developed and optimised to create the ideal solution to facilitate network operation.
Implementations are performed according to the concept of “continuous integration” with rolling releases: Software updates and new functions are regularly provided by Xantaro and, if requested by the customer, also automatically imported meaning cumbersome release cycles are eliminated.
Over time, the Yukon Community benefits from a growing number of agile applications tailored to the specific challenges of carrier-class networks.
Applications & extended functionality
All apps are based on a “virtual desktop” – an intuitive GUI running in regular web browsers without the need for a local client. All applications for handling data, devices and evaluations are simply started by drag and drop functionality for single or individually grouped network elements.
In the basic version, Yukon provides functions for simplified network management via “Community Apps”. There is also a range of fee-based “Premium Apps” to choose from, which add functionality and optimise the individual Yukon use.
COMMUNITY APPS
- provide added value for customer network management and optimise Xantaro services
- are included by default in the Yukon basic version
Although most networks already collect plenty of data, how this data is then processed and presented typically leaves a lot to be desired: Key information will often remain hidden and additional, relevant data such as the maintenance contract status or information on support tickets might be missing entirely.
The Info App generates a comprehensive overview of each network element including both device-specific and additional data.
BENEFITS
- Centralised overview of hardware and software status, interface status, traffic volume, syslog data,
histories of XTAC tickets as well as provision of support data, maintenance contract data and their status - Fast device analysis thanks to important data at a glance, and the option to start other applications
APP FEATURE SET
- Display of all XTAC tickets connected to the device
- Component-related log files
- Overview of link aggregation groups (LAGs) and their elements (if available)
- List of all network ports of a device
- Devices Insight into the individual hardware components of the device
- Display of the software versions of supported devices
- Export of the data as Excel or CSV
In complex and ever-expanding networks, manual documentation and maintenance of inventory data is error-prone and costly in terms of labour. This can quickly result in a loss of quality and a wasted potential for savings.
The Inventory App generates an exhaustive overview of the entire inventory with relevant information on a wide range of components including installed modules, sub-modules, optics, etc.
BENEFITS
- Reliable data quality through automated data retrieval and consolidation
- Time and resource savings through simplified inventory management and improved sparepart
management through a comprehensive overview - Basis for add-on services through optional data transmission to Xantaro
APP FEATURE SET
- Display of the status data of supported components (modules, submodules, optics, etc.)
- Search function
- Export function (Excel or CSV)
- Optional transmission of current inventory data to Xantaro e.g. for capacity management, EoL analysis, review of maintenance contracts, etc.
If the monitoring process identifies any issues within the network, direct access to one or more network elements is usually required to narrow down the problem. In most network management systems, a separate jump host will then be needed.
Together with the jump host, which is integrated into the Yukon core, the Shell App provides secure and direct access to the command lines of network elements and servers with a simple mouse click or via drag and drop.
BENEFITS
- Direct access to the command line of every component in the network
- Simple grouping function for simultaneous access to systems in a logical group
APP FEATURE SET
- Direct device access via mouse click or drag-and-drop
- Logical grouping function – simultaneous opening of several console windows by user-defined groups
- Central remote access – secure network access for remote maintenance in compliance with the highest security standards
At the beginning of an incident, the clues for troubleshooting, e.g. IP or MAC addresses, service end points etc. are often quite unspecific, typically requiring considerable efforts to obtain the correlations in the network in order to detect which network elements and services are affected.
The Locator App finds MAC and IP addresses across all systems as well as VLAN IDs or interface aliases, making it easy to trace the paths used for dynamic communication in the network.
BENEFITS
- Reliable results in finding relevant information based on correlation of variable data
- On-Click information of the selected device
- Fast identification and localisation of interfaces and service endpoints
APP FEATURE SET
- Search for
– MAC addresses
– IP addresses
– VLAN IDs
– Aliases - Display of metrics for the respective component
Having to provide vendor-specific information for every incident or change causes considerable manual effort, ties up resources and can sometimes delay the fault clearance and the restoration of the service.
The XTAC App simplifies and automates this data exchange. Tickets can be opened using drag-and-drop and all relevant system and contract data is automatically transferred to XTAC.
BENEFITS
- Automated collection and transmission of device and support data
- Overview of current tickets and the ticket history
APP FEATURE SET
- Link to the Xantaro ticket system and ticket opening via drag-and-drop
- Automated acquisition of device data and upload of support data
- Central overview of current tickets and ticket history
- Contact for feature requests, bug reports and support around Yukon
Often, interface metrics are displayed statically, can only be opened in different browser tabs and cannot be accessed from the respective context, all of which is unnecessarily cumbersome.
The Metrics App graphically depicts the incoming and outgoing data traffic per interface for individual network components, and allows a user-defined adjustment of the time resolution of the graph.
BENEFITS
- Troubleshooting based on high-resolution interface metric data
- Overlay and correlation of metrics from different interfaces on the same system
- Data storage over long periods of time
APP FEATURE SET
- Graphical representation of the incoming and outgoing data traffic per network interface in bit(s) per second or packet per second
- Correlation of values within one representation
- User-defined adjustment of the time resolution of the graph
PREMIUM APPS
- provide additional added value in network management
- chargeable apps that expand the functionality as an add-on, and optimise individual Yukon use
Many management systems collect data that is relevant for network elements. However, it is often not possible to process and display the specific functions in a practical manner. In particular, there is typically no way to correlate the system data across OSI levels and technologies.
Within the Dashboard App, internal device tagging is used to automatically select and display data relevant to the application. Its innovative graphical user interface allows for overlaying and service-centric correlation.
BENEFITS
- Cross-technology, service-centric views of the network
- Simple data comparison through the parallel display of metrics from several components in customisable diagrams
- Fast identification and analysis of anomalies and problems using graphs
APP FEATURE SET
- Correlation of performance data from different vendors and technology levels
- View of individual network elements or user-defined services
- Predefined visualisation and analysis of the data relevant to the device type (e.g. CPU / memory usage, list of interfaces, BUM traffic, network queries, outgoing traffic)
- Trend analysis to identify impending problems
In modern networks, special monitoring systems are used to ensure availability. However, the use cases to be monitored can differ greatly, and not every tool is capable of retrieving all relevant data across the entire technological spectrum.
Dashboard Plus adds to the functionality of the Dashboard App with a proactive alerting and notification system (via e-mail, SNMP etc.) whenever pre-defined thresholds such as CPU usage, number of sessions etc. are exceeded.
BENEFITS
- Add-on to existing monitoring systems for problem identification in special use cases
- Entire feature set of the regular dashboard app plus proactive alarms for defined events
APP FEATURE SET
- Threshold-based alerting including notification via individual channels (e.g. email, SNMP, etc.)
- Dashboard App features:
– Correlation of performance data from different vendors and technology levels
– View on individual network elements or user-defined services
– Predefined visualisation and analysis of the data relevant to the device type
– Trend analysis to identify impending problems
Most of the time, analysing syslog data only leads to results if performed across different network elements. Consolidation is usually done manually and outside the management system.
The Watchlog App correlates the log data of various network components in a detailed overview and supports both real-time and time-delayed analysis and supply.
BENEFITS
- Fast identification of network and protocol errors
- Shorter response times and simplified troubleshooting in the event of a fault
- Central overview and analysis of all syslog files
APP FEATURE SET
- Parallel display of the logs of any network elements in real time
- Selection of history of the log data via slider or a time stamp
- Colour categorisation of the log messages according to priority
- Sorting and filtering function
- Export of consolidated log data over a desired period
Many networks only collect metrics that provide information about the amount and type of network traffic, omitting flow data for cost-related reasons or because of its complexity.
The Flow App allows for a comprehensive evaluation of collected meta communication information. The incoming and outgoing data of individual components can be searched and analysed with the help of filters.
BENEFITS
- Filter-based traffic analysis and insight into source IP addresses, ports and protocols
- Improved resource utilisation through an overview of application and network usage
- Fast identification of anomalies and the effects of changes in the network
APP FEATURE SET
- Graphic display of different data types such as flows, packets and traffic
- Insight into source IP addresses, ports and protocol
- Search function
- Complex filter functionality, adjustable timeline
The continuous development of technologies means that the vendor will sooner or later discontinue and no longer support individual systems. In complex networks, however, it is difficult to keep track of all individual system data. Furthermore, hardware and software renewal projects must be thoroughly planned and implemented.
The Lifecycle App maps the devices integrated into Yukon on the network and allows for a number of functionalities, such as adding status and planning information or comments to better manage the respective life cycle status. As part of an optional service, data can also be made available to external systems via API.
BENEFITS
- Improved network, budget and resource planning through an overview of the End-of-Life and End-of-Service components
- Easier administration, updating and optimisation of maintenance contracts through service and support analysis
APP FEATURE SET
- Grouping of superordinate and subordinate components with drill-down functionality
- Representation of dependencies (e.g. parent-child relationships)
- Colour coding of the life cycle status (End-of-Sale / End-of-Service), processing status and prioritization
- Adding of individual free text notes
Adjustments within a network often bring about undesired side effects. Changes made to individual network elements are often not adequately tracked and the root causes tend to be difficult to determine in retrospect.
The Differ App compares the current state of a network element, with a snapshot created in the past or other comparable systems, whilst visually highlighting any changes and allowing the user to export them for further analysis.
BENEFITS
- Fast analysis of problems by easy comparing device states at different times
- Vendor- and system-independent comparison
- Easy consistency check of the configuration of a device with a comparable variant in the network
APP FEATURE SET
- Storage of device states for later comparison
- Hierarchical display of the differences between different versions and components
- Export of the difference data for further use
REPORTING AS A SERVICE
- Reporting services provided by Xantaro based on the use of Yukon in the customer network
Plans to expand a network and market services in a targeted way require information on the current network capacity that may not be available. It is often difficult for network operators with a large installation base and high dynamics to retrieve and keep track of this information.
The Capacity Report compares any inventory data, regarding the network elements retrieved by Yukon, with their maximum capacity and highlights any bottlenecks and untapped potential. The result supports operators in terms of quality assurance and targeted network expansion.
BENEFITS
- Avoidance of bottlenecks and loss of quality through timely implementation of hardware upgrades
- Marketing of unused potential through a holistic overview of free and unused capacities in the network
SERVICE OVERVIEW
- Yukon-based query of inventory data
- Report generation for all integrated devices
- Reporting according to the agreed cycle
With the level of requirements constantly on the rise, innovation cycles in network technology become increasingly shorter. To compensate, operators of high-performance network infrastructures in particular are under considerable pressure to regularly renew both their hardware and software. Individual service step-downs, introduced by vendors, and their frequent adjustments, however, are often unclear or difficult to apply to the existing inventory.
With the XCare End-of-Life reporting system, Xantaro takes care of analysing the life cycle of all components covered by XCare maintenance. Service step-downs such as end-of-life, end-of-service etc. are duly documented in a detailed report, making it easy to identify the resulting need for action.
BENEFITS
- Reduced operational efforts and expenses in life cycle management
- Timely planning of projects to replace hardware
- Ensuring operation through vendor-supported software
SERVICE OVERVIEW
- Inventory by Yukon including product type and serial number
- Assessment of the inventory status based on vendor information
- Reporting in the agreed cycle
Across networks, alarms triggered on network elements are often overlooked or ignored by the operations team as a result of technical conditions, since they do not (yet) have any direct influence on the service. In the event of an actual error that impacts the service, however, such alarms make troubleshooting more difficult and delay recovery.
With the Alarms Report, Xantaro supports Yukon users in systematically checking and eliminating alarms. The incidents of individual components in the network are consolidated, while any relevant information is documented and made available in a report.
BENEFITS
- View of pending alarms, their priority and history
- Basis for eliminating potential sources of error
- Improved troubleshooting in the event of faults that actually occur
SERVICE OVERVIEW
- Aggregation and storage of the alarms of the network elements
- Evaluation and processing of the collected data
- Reporting in the agreed cycle
With the level of requirements constantly on the rise, innovation cycles in network technology become increasingly shorter. To compensate, operators of high-performance network infrastructures in particular are under considerable pressure to regularly renew both their hardware and software. Individual service step-downs introduced by vendors and their frequent adjustments, however, are often unclear or difficult to apply to the existing inventory.
With its End-of-Life-Audit (EoL), Xantaro takes care of analysing the lifecycle of any component in the network and checks for service step-downs of the respective vendor. Lifecycle information such as end-of-life, end-of-service etc. are duly documented in a detailed report, making it easy to identify the resulting need for action.
BENEFITS
- Vendor-independent life cycle analysis of all network elements
- Consulting services for all aspects of sustainable technologies
- Support in the exchange and migration of network elements
SERVICE OVERVIEW
- Project-based consulting services in combination with Yukon deployment
- Comprehensive documentation of all results
Supported Vendors
The system drivers for different vendors are constantly being extended to enable the retrieval of data from more and more components. Implementations are carried out according to the concept of “Continuous Integration” as rolling releases.
Yukon currently supports components from the following technology vendors:
Would you like to learn more about Yukon?
Contact your Account Manager or send your request directly using the contact form below.