Apparatus to operate and manage a consumer network device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include apparatuses for a console controller in a network device. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a console controller, a display module and an input module in a network device so that a user can view, enter, or program network or network device settings at the network device. In another embodiment, the present invention can be programmed to include automated out-of-the-box initial setup procedures to guide a user in the setup, management and operation of a network devices such a DSL / Cable modems or routers, VoIP routers, wireless access points or gateways with or without remote or onsite technical support or update services.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field [0002] This invention relates to the field of data and voice communications, and in particular, an apparatus to operate and manage a consumer network device. [0003] 2. Related Art [0004] Since the commercialization of the Internet in the 1990s, manufacturers have introduced consumer network products and services at a breathtaking pace. From more technology driven products like telephone modems, ADSL / Cable modems, Ethernet hubs / switches, consumer broadband gateways and routers, and wireless access points, manufactures are moving rapidly integrating networking technologies into more traditional consumer products such as IP telephony adaptors, network audio servers, network gaming consoles, network security devices. In the foreseeable future, there will be many new consumer network products and services, to improve the usefulness of current consumer technology products and services, or to enrich further the contemporary life styles. These emerging products an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] In one embodiment, a control console comprising a display module, an input module and console controller is incorporated into a network device such as, but not limited to, a DSL / Cable router, a switch, a hub, a DSL / Cable modem, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) router, wireless access point, wireless router or residential gateway to facilitate the display, input, programming and configuration of network settings of said network device without the use of a separate device or computer. By providing for a means of retrieving and entering data about the network device on the actual network device, a console controller can greatly reduce the difficulty associated with current state of the art set up, management and operation of the network device.

Problems solved by technology

Yet at the same time the products and services employ more and complex technologies than most consumers can comprehend.

The proliferation of these consumer network devices creates a new set of problems because most consumers do not possess the necessary technical knowledge to operate and to manage the products.

Due to the incompatible settings, the Web browser returns an error message indicating the failure to access the URL.

However, the consumer becomes frustrated and he cannot get further information which step in the initial set-up he has a mistake.

However, the new wireless network access point includes a DHCP server and was interfering with the DHCP server running in an existing consumer broadband gateway in his consumer network.

This interaction caused the network to malfunction after a couple of days.

The consumer's personal computer was not able to reach the wireless network access point, the consumer broadband gateway, nor other consumer network devices in his consumer network.

After numerous calls to the customer support of the manufacturer of the wireless network access point, the manufacturer of the consumer broadband gateway, the manufacturer of the personal computer and the broadband service provider, The consumer suffered a lot of frustration as the problem remained unsolved.

She faced the same problem as the consumer in the above embodiment that the factory preset IP address and subnet mask were incompatible to that of her consumer network.

After great frustration and many service calls, the problem was eventually resolved by an onsite service person, a costly experience for the consumer as well as the IP telephone service provider.

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