What role does conditional processing play in tailoring network configuration documentation for different telecom equipment?

November 10, 2023
|By Bryan Tipper

Conditional processing in DITA plays a pivotal role in tailoring network configuration documentation for different telecom equipment. It allows content creators to include or exclude specific information, sections, or examples based on various conditions such as equipment type, model, or configuration scenario. This capability ensures that documentation remains precise and relevant for specific contexts.

Customizing Documentation for Equipment

Telecom organizations often deal with a range of equipment from various vendors. With conditional processing, documentation authors can create a single source of content that includes information applicable to all equipment types. Then, using conditional processing attributes and elements in DITA, they can specify under what conditions certain content should be included or excluded. For example, details specific to a particular router model can be presented only when documenting that router type.

Configuration Variations

Telecom network configurations can vary significantly based on factors like network size, topology, and service offerings. Conditional processing allows documentation to address these variations efficiently. By defining conditions related to configuration scenarios, authors can provide tailored instructions and examples. This ensures that engineers and administrators receive guidance relevant to their specific network setup.

Example:

Here’s an example of how conditional processing can be used in DITA to tailor network configuration documentation:


<topic id="router_configuration">
  <title>Router Configuration</title>
  <body>
    <section>
      <title>Basic Configuration</title>
      <p>This section contains the basic configuration steps applicable to all router models.</p>
    </section>
    <section conkeyref="router_model_A">
      <title>Configuration for Router Model A</title>
      <p>Specific configuration details for Router Model A are provided here.</p>
    </section>
    <section conkeyref="router_model_B">
      <title>Configuration for Router Model B</title>
      <p>Specific configuration details for Router Model B are provided here.</p>
    </section>
  </body>

In this example, conditional processing attributes like conkeyref are used to include content relevant to specific router models, allowing for customization based on the equipment in use.