Add a new channel sub-interface type #5521

New Issue

adam · 2025-12-29T19:28:58+01:00

adam commented

2025-12-29 19:28:58 +01:00

Originally created by @sleepinggenius2 on GitHub (Oct 15, 2021).

NetBox version

v3.0.7

Feature type

Data model extension

Proposed functionality

The proposal is to add a new class of interface to represent channel sub-interfaces. This new sub-interface type would be required to have a parent interface as well as a parent position. The parent may be either a physical interface or a breakout sub-interface, if #7552 is implemented. Once associated, the parent interface may only have children of this type and positions must be unique. This interface type would be virtual, in that it cannot have a cable attached.

Ideally, the Connection column in the interfaces table should follow the same trace as the parent interface, but continue to any breakout sub-interface on the far end with the same position.

Use case

When working with SONET, OTN, WDM, or DOCSIS, it would be helpful to represent one or more channels present on an interface. In combination with #6346, this could become extremely powerful. For example, when adding cross-connects for SONET paths or OTN channels, connecting wavelengths for WDM, especially in a ROADM environment, or tying upstream and downstream channels into a DOCSIS MAC domain.

Database changes

Add a parent_position field to the current Interface model. This should be a short (maybe 16 character) string, preferably with natural ordering, to support both numeric and textual positions.

This would only be required if #7552 is not also implemented.

External dependencies

None

Originally created by @sleepinggenius2 on GitHub (Oct 15, 2021). ### NetBox version v3.0.7 ### Feature type Data model extension ### Proposed functionality The proposal is to add a new class of interface to represent channel sub-interfaces. This new sub-interface type would be required to have a parent interface as well as a parent position. The parent may be either a physical interface or a breakout sub-interface, if #7552 is implemented. Once associated, the parent interface may only have children of this type and positions must be unique. This interface type would be virtual, in that it cannot have a cable attached. Ideally, the Connection column in the interfaces table should follow the same trace as the parent interface, but continue to any breakout sub-interface on the far end with the same position. ### Use case When working with SONET, OTN, WDM, or DOCSIS, it would be helpful to represent one or more channels present on an interface. In combination with #6346, this could become extremely powerful. For example, when adding cross-connects for SONET paths or OTN channels, connecting wavelengths for WDM, especially in a ROADM environment, or tying upstream and downstream channels into a DOCSIS MAC domain. ### Database changes Add a *parent_position* field to the current *Interface* model. This should be a short (maybe 16 character) string, preferably with natural ordering, to support both numeric and textual positions. This would only be required if #7552 is not also implemented. ### External dependencies None

adam added the type: feature pending closure labels 2025-12-29 19:28:58 +01:00

adam closed this issue

2025-12-29 19:28:58 +01:00

adam commented

2025-12-29 19:28:58 +01:00

@github-actions[bot] commented on GitHub (Dec 15, 2021):

This issue has been automatically marked as stale because it has not had recent activity. It will be closed if no further activity occurs. NetBox is governed by a small group of core maintainers which means not all opened issues may receive direct feedback. Please see our contributing guide.

@github-actions[bot] commented on GitHub (Dec 15, 2021): This issue has been automatically marked as stale because it has not had recent activity. It will be closed if no further activity occurs. NetBox is governed by a small group of core maintainers which means not all opened issues may receive direct feedback. Please see our [contributing guide](https://github.com/netbox-community/netbox/blob/develop/CONTRIBUTING.md).

adam commented

2025-12-29 19:28:59 +01:00

@github-actions[bot] commented on GitHub (Jan 15, 2022):

This issue has been automatically closed due to lack of activity. In an effort to reduce noise, please do not comment any further. Note that the core maintainers may elect to reopen this issue at a later date if deemed necessary.

@github-actions[bot] commented on GitHub (Jan 15, 2022): This issue has been automatically closed due to lack of activity. In an effort to reduce noise, please do not comment any further. Note that the core maintainers may elect to reopen this issue at a later date if deemed necessary.

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Reference: starred/netbox#5521