Method for creating and / or operating network having plurality of network devices with NFC tags

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for creating and / or operating a network having a plurality of network devices which are connected to and communicate with one another, each network having a memory device which has at least configuration data for its function in the network, at least one network device, preferably each network device, of the network has a readable identification means, to which the configuration data is assigned when the network is planned and / or when a network device is replaced in an operating network, and after the identification means of the network device is read, the configuration data is assigned to the identification means. When the identification device is put into operation for the first time or a new network device is used after a damaged network device is replaced, configuration data of the network device is distributed to the network device, and the identification device does not store the configuration data. However, the identification means are utilized to find the stored configuration data and invoke the configuration data for transmission to the network device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a method for creating and / or operating a network having a plurality of network devices, which are connected to one another and communicate with one another, according to the features of the preamble of claim 1. BACKGROUND

[0002] In creating a network, the functions of the individual network devices are planned in advance, while these functions have not yet been configured on the new network devices that are to be installed. There is therefore a need to simplify the flashing of the configuration for enabling the functions of the network devices when the network is built using these network devices.

[0003] In operating a network, there is a need to capture the existing configuration of a damaged network device and transfer it to a new, not yet configured network device in the case of damage to a network device, replacement of the network device, and subsequent replacement of the damaged network device with a new network device. SUMMARY

[0004] The invention is therefore based on the task of providing a method for creating a network or a method for operating a network with which the configuration of network devices can be simplified, but at the same time is carried out securely.

[0005] The task is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0006] According to the invention, at least one network device, preferably each network device, has a readable identification means, wherein the configuration data are assigned to the identification means when the network is planned and / or when a network device is replaced in an already operating network, wherein after reading the identification means of a network device, the network device is assigned its configuration data at first commissioning or when a new network device is used after replacement of a damaged network device, wherein the identification means itself does not store the configuration data, but rather the identification means is used to find the configuration data stored at another location, for example an external memory, a network management station or the like, and the configuration data can be called up for transfer to the network device. After identification of the network device and calling up and transfer, the configuration data required for the network device are saved in its memory.

[0007] At first commissioning, the configuration data can be transferred from a suitable storage medium connected to the new network device to the network device. It is also conceivable that the new network device, which already has a basic configuration, calls up the configuration data required for the planned network for the network device from a network management station or similar device.

[0008] The same applies to the replaced network device. The replaced network device can also be connected to a storage medium from which the configuration data is loaded onto the replaced network device. Alternatively, and if necessary additionally, the configuration data can be retrieved by the new network device from the network management station via the already functioning network.

[0009] As identification means on the network device, in particular an NFC tag is considered. Such an NFC tag in or on the network device can be called by an external device, such as a laptop, smartphone, tablet or similar. This has the further advantage that such a device is equipped with a memory in which the configuration file to be transmitted is stored in advance. After the external device, which is configured as a preferably mobile device, has recognized the network device by means of the NFC tag, the configuration data can be transmitted wirelessly or wired from the memory of the device onto the network device either at first commissioning or after replacement. After the transmission, the network device can receive the acquired configuration data and start the operation of the network device on the basis thereof. This can take place automatically after the complete transmission of the configuration data or, if necessary, only after a start instruction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] In Figures 1 to 4 the method according to the application is shown and briefly described as follows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Figure 1 On the left side a network device, in particular a switch, is shown, which is equipped with an NFC tag. Figure 1 The right-hand figure in shows the switch in operation in a network which is not further shown, which has common data lines via which at least two switches, in practice usually a significantly higher number of switches, are connected to one another and exchange data. Supplementary or alternatively, wireless data connections are also considered.

[0012] Figure 2 It is shown exemplarily that the identification means of the network device according to Figure 1 can be responded to by a laptop or smartphone via a wireless connection, here by means of NFC. Here, the network device responded to is identified by means of its identification means, here the NFC tag, by means of the device (laptop, smartphone or similar).

[0013] Figure 3The sequence is shown from the planning of the network up to the use of the new network device with an identification means. The identification means is read with a suitable device and with the read identification data the configuration data to be transferred to the network device is selected and recalled from a suitable storage medium. Subsequently, the selected configuration data is transferred to the network device and saved there in a storage means of the network device.

[0014] Figure 4 Different applications of the method according to the application in the areas of identification, diagnosis, configuration, automation, security and the application of the method at third parties are shown.

Claims

1. A method for creating and / or operating a network having multiple network devices connected to and communicating with each other, wherein, Each network has a storage device having at least configuration data for its function in the network. The network is characterized in that at least one network device, preferably each network device, has a readable identification device. The configuration data is assigned to the identification device during network planning and / or when replacing a network device in an already operating network. The network device's configuration data is assigned to it upon initial operation after its identification device is read, or when a new network device is used after replacing a damaged network device. The identification device itself does not store the configuration data; instead, it is used to locate and retrieve the stored configuration data for transmission to the network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, NFC tags are used as identification devices on network equipment.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Identification devices, particularly NFC tags, set in or on network devices are invoked by external devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, or similar devices.

4. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method can be applied to every network device in the network.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, After an external device, preferably a mobile device, identifies a network device using an identification device, particularly an NFC tag, configuration data is wirelessly or wiredly transmitted from its memory to the network device, either upon initial operation or after replacement.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, After transmitting the configuration data, the network device receives the obtained configuration data and starts operating the network device accordingly.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, It automatically starts running after the complete transfer of configuration data.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The process begins only after the startup command.

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