Zero-touch configuration protocols for ASIC-based network infrastructure

The combination of cloud computing, 5G, and edge technologies has increased the complexity of network infrastructures. Zero-Touch configuration (ZTC) protocols represent a paradigm shift in which manual processes involved in configuring network devices are eliminated. This review looks at the architectural designs, protocol designs, and experimental analysis of the ZTC systems within ASIC-centric environments. It identifies critical performance indicators including the provisioning latency, scalability, and security compliance in analyzing the limitations in heterogeneous hardware environments. The review ends with an analysis of the current obstacles, such as vendor lock-in, interoperability issues, and firmware immutability, and suggests future research directions of hardware abstraction, vendor orchestration, and secure, energy-efficient onboarding models.