Auto-Configuration Server Manager for Remote Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote device management systems require pre-configuration of dedicated auto-configuration server addresses for CPE devices, making installation complex and prone to errors, as each device must be set up to address a specific ACS based on service level, device type, or customer group.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the available auto-configuration server for a manageable electronic device dynamically, allowing configuration without pre-configuring dedicated addresses, and enables rerouting to simplify setup and maintenance by using an auto-configuration server manager that directs devices to the appropriate server based on service provider identity and device information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-configuration of dedicated auto-configuration server addresses is performed for each CPE device, then the device can be properly directed to the appropriate ACS, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auto-configuration server manager as an intermediary component that receives requests from CPE devices and automatically directs them to the appropriate auto-configuration servers. This manager acts as a mediator between the device and multiple specialized ACS instances, eliminating the need for complex pre-configuration of dedicated server addresses for each device type or service level.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto-configuration server manager provides a universal entry point that handles multiple device types, service levels, and customer groups through a single interface. Instead of requiring separate configuration procedures for different device scenarios, the manager universally processes all requests and internally routes them to the appropriate specialized servers based on device identity and service requirements.
2Reliability
If pre-configuration of dedicated auto-configuration server addresses is performed, then the correct server can be addressed, but errors and mistakes during installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration where the CPE device simply contacts the auto-configuration server manager with its identity information, and the manager automatically determines and directs the device to the appropriate auto-configuration server without requiring manual configuration or user knowledge of server addresses. This eliminates human error in the configuration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto-configuration server manager performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the mapping between device identities and appropriate auto-configuration servers. When a device requests configuration, the manager has already prepared the routing information based on the device's service level, type, and customer group, eliminating the need for manual pre-configuration of dedicated addresses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated auto-configuration servers are set up for different service levels and device types, then proper service provisioning is achieved, but the setup and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the auto-configuration functionality into multiple specialized auto-configuration servers, each dedicated to specific service levels, device types, or customer groups. The auto-configuration server manager then coordinates these segmented servers, allowing each to specialize in a particular domain while maintaining overall system versatility through the segmentation of responsibilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for remote device management includes in a network an auto-configuration server managing device, at least one database, and a plurality of auto-configuration servers. The auto-configuration server managing device and the database are coupled in a communicative connection. The database holds information for identification of electronic devices. The auto-configuration server managing device is arranged for communication with a manageable electronic device over the network. The auto-configuration server manager is further being arranged for: - receiving a request from the manageable electronic device for configuration data, - determining an identification of the manageable electronic device by comparing the request with the information for identification of electronic devices of the database, - determining an identification of an auto-configuration server from the plurality of auto-configuration servers in accordance with the identification of the manageable electronic device.