Automated Configuration File Validation for Device Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The provisioning process for computing devices is prone to errors due to incorrect user input, erroneous data, and improper server or application settings, leading to costly help desk and support time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for real-time automated generation and validation of configuration files, where a provisioning server generates configuration files, tests them against the intended service, and automatically corrects errors before deploying the files to the device, using credentials to simulate user access and validate settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated validation and testing of configuration files is implemented, then reliability of provisioning is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by validating and testing configuration files before they are deployed to computing devices. The system performs automated validation against service endpoints and generates test configuration files to verify connectivity and authentication credentials in advance, preventing errors from reaching production devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation layer between configuration generation and deployment. This intermediary system acts as a mediator that tests configuration files against actual service endpoints, verifying connectivity, authentication, and service accessibility before the configurations are applied to devices.
2Reliability
If automated validation and testing of configuration files is implemented, then provisioning error rate is reduced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs validation and testing in advance before deployment, catching configuration errors early in the process. This preliminary action prevents the need for time-consuming troubleshooting and support interventions later, ultimately reducing total provisioning time despite the added validation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the validation system tests configuration files against actual service endpoints and receives responses about connectivity, authentication status, and service accessibility. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically detect and report configuration errors, enabling rapid correction without manual intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive testing of configuration settings is performed, then configuration accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the validation process into distinct, modular components: connectivity testing, authentication credential verification, service endpoint accessibility checks, and configuration file generation. Each component handles a specific aspect of validation, making the overall complex process manageable and maintainable through clear separation of concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for real-time automated generating and validating configuration files for provisioning computing devices. For example, method for provisioning a computing device includes receiving a user request to configure a computing device to access a service, generating a device configuration file to enable access to the service, validating the configuration file before deploying the configuration file to the computing device by testing configuration settings of the configuration file against the service for which the configuration file is generated to access, and deploying the configuration file to the computing device when the configuration file is deemed valid.