Provisioning remote access points

Abstract

Provisioning remote access points for use in a telecommunication network. A remote access point contains identity information established during manufacturing; this identity information may be in the nature of a digital certificate. The identity information is stored in the remote access point, and may be stored in a Trusted Platform Module if present. When the remote access node is powered up in unprovisioned state, outside the manufacturing environment, it attempts to establish an internet connection via a first wired interface, and queries a user for information representing the TCP/IP address of its controller via a second wired interface. Once an internet connection is present, and a TCP/IP address has been provided, the remote access point attempts to connect to the controller at that address. The controller may filter connection requests through a whitelist of approved remote access points. Once a connection is established, controller and access point exchange and verify each other's identities. This may be done through the exchange and verification of digital certificates. Provisioning information is downloaded from controller to remote access point and installed. This may be done via a tunnel such as an encrypted tunnel. Software updates may be applied. The provisioned remote access point is placed in operation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to telecommunication networks, and in particular, to the problem of setting up (provisioning) remote access points for use in telecommunication networks.[0002]Remote networking allows the extension of a networking environment, such as a corporate networking environment, to remote locations. In operation, a remote access point at a remote location establishes a connection with its home (corporate) controller over the switched internet. In most cases this connection is an encrypted tunnel. The remote access point, connected to the home controller, extends the services available in the corporate environment through wireless and / or wired connections with the remote access point. This allows corporate users full access to systems and services in remote locations, such as remote offices or homes. It also allows corporate information technology groups to provide such access in a controlled and secure manner.[0003]An issue with ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

An issue with remote access points, and in particular to deploying remote access points to a large number of users and / or locations is the time and labor required.

While such provisioning may be acceptable for a small number of units, such a process does not scale, becoming burdensome when more than a few units are involved.

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