Auto-Configuration Server Manager Dynamic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote device management systems require pre-configuration of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) with specific IP addresses or URLs for auto-configuration servers, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and does not allow for flexible configuration based on service level, device type, or customer group.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an auto-configuration server manager and databases that dynamically identifies and routes requests from manageable electronic devices to the appropriate auto-configuration servers, eliminating the need for pre-configuration by maintaining server addresses in a central database, allowing for flexible configuration and separation of access networks and service providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CPE devices are pre-configured with specific IP addresses or URLs for dedicated auto-configuration servers, then the device can be properly addressed to the correct ACS, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The CPE device automatically determines which auto-configuration server to contact by evaluating its own characteristics (device type, service level, customer group) against available server information, eliminating the need for manual pre-configuration by service personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-configured ACS assignments to dynamic server selection, where the CPE device can adaptively choose the appropriate ACS based on current conditions and available information
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated auto-configuration servers are assigned to specific service levels, device types, or customer groups, then service provisioning can be customized, but the system complexity increases due to multiple dedicated servers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple auto-configuration servers can serve multiple purposes and customer segments, reducing the total number of dedicated servers while maintaining the ability to provide customized service provisioning for different device types, service levels, and customer groups
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments server selection criteria into distinct dimensions (device type, service level, customer group), allowing flexible combination of these segments to determine the appropriate ACS without requiring separate dedicated servers for each combination
3Reliability
If manual configuration of CPE devices is performed during installation, then proper ACS addressing can be achieved, but the process is sensitive to errors and mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The CPE device autonomously determines the correct ACS address by evaluating its own characteristics and available server information, eliminating manual configuration steps and associated errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback mechanisms where the CPE device receives information about available auto-configuration servers and uses this feedback to automatically select and contact the appropriate server
Data Source
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.