Wireless Access Point Automated Cloud Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment and configuration of wireless access points (APs) in wireless communication systems are inefficient, requiring manual technical intervention and time-consuming configuration processes, especially when integrating with network controllers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automated configuration of APs, where a cloud service stores mappings between unique AP identifiers and network controllers, allowing APs to establish connections and configure themselves upon deployment, querying the cloud for necessary network controller information and settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is used for AP deployment, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but deployment time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring APs at the manufacturer with unique identifiers and storing their information in a cloud database before deployment. When an AP is deployed, it automatically retrieves its configuration from the cloud without requiring manual setup, thus ensuring configuration accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The AP is designed to self-configure by automatically establishing connection to the cloud service, retrieving its configuration data using its unique identifier, and applying the configuration locally. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual technical intervention during deployment, reducing both deployment time and complexity while maintaining accurate configuration.
2Reliability
If manual configuration is required for APs to connect with network controllers, then connection reliability can be ensured, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AP automatically performs the connection process by establishing communication with the cloud service, retrieving its assigned network controller information, and autonomously connecting to the appropriate network controller. This self-service approach maintains connection reliability through controlled configuration while dramatically reducing operational complexity by eliminating manual technical steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud service acts as an intermediary between the AP and the network controller. It stores the mapping between APs and their designated network controllers, and facilitates the automatic connection process by providing the necessary configuration information to the AP, thereby simplifying the overall system operation while ensuring reliable connections.
3Manufacturing precision
If technical knowledge is required for AP configuration, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but ease of deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The AP incorporates automated configuration capabilities that allow it to self-configure without requiring technical knowledge from the deployer. The device automatically connects to the cloud service, retrieves its pre-configured settings including network controller information, and applies the configuration locally, thereby maintaining configuration accuracy while making deployment accessible to non-technical users.
Solution Approach 2:
All configuration data is prepared in advance during manufacturing and stored in the cloud database associated with each AP's unique identifier. This preliminary preparation ensures configuration accuracy is built-in during manufacturing, while the actual deployment process becomes simple and easy by requiring only the automatic retrieval and application of pre-prepared configuration data.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for facilitating automated configuration and deployment of APs are provided. According to one embodiment, prior to deployment of a wireless access point (AP) within a private network, a cloud service receives a unique identifier associated with the AP and information regarding a network controller within the private network by which the AP will be managed. A mapping is stored by the cloud service between the unique identifier and the information regarding the network controller. Responsive to deployment within the private network, automated configuration processing is performing by the AP, including: (i) establishing a connection with the cloud service; (ii) querying the cloud service for the information regarding the network controller; (iii) configuring itself with the information regarding the network controller; and (iv) establishing a connection to the network controller.