Configuration Server Automating Device Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices connected to packet-switched networks, such as the Internet, require manual, provider-specific settings for various services, limiting their marketing as retail devices independent of Internet service providers and making provider-specific configuration changes cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A configuration/software update server provides configuration parameters automatically to communication devices, allowing users to select query data based on user or device-specific circumstances, enabling quasi-automatic configuration and software updates without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual provider-specific configuration is required, then device can be configured for specific services, but configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device automatically performs configuration by querying a configuration server using device identifier and service type, receiving configuration parameters, and applying them without user intervention. This transforms manual configuration into an automated self-service process.
Solution Approach 2:
A configuration server acts as an intermediary between the communication device and the service provider's configuration data. The server receives queries from devices, retrieves appropriate configuration parameters, and delivers them to devices, simplifying the configuration process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If retail devices are made independent of ISP, then device versatility improves, but configuration setup becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Retail devices independently query the configuration server using their device identifier and service type to automatically obtain provider-specific configuration parameters, enabling ISP-independent operation without increasing user burden.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration parameters are pre-stored on the configuration server organized by service type and provider. When a device needs configuration, it automatically retrieves the pre-prepared parameters without requiring users to manually set anything.
3Reliability
If provider-specific configurations are implemented, then service functionality is achieved, but configuration modification becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
When configuration changes are needed, the device automatically queries the configuration server again with updated parameters, retrieves new configuration data, and applies changes without user intervention, making configuration modification as easy as the initial setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system transitions from static manual configuration to dynamic automated configuration. Configuration parameters can be easily updated by querying the server again, allowing flexible adaptation to changing service requirements.
4Reliability
If software updates are performed manually, then device can be updated, but update process requires user intervention and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device automatically checks for software updates by querying the configuration server, downloads update packages if available, and installs them without user intervention, eliminating manual update steps and reducing update time.
Solution Approach 2:
The device continuously checks for software updates by periodically querying the configuration server, ensuring the device remains up-to-date without requiring users to manually initiate update processes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for configuring, in a semi-automatic manner, a communication device (KG), connected to a packet-switched network (PNW), especially Internet, for communication with another, especially remote, subscriber. For this purpose, configuration data (KFD) are provided on a configuration/software update server (KSS) and are retrieved by the user of the device according to the user-specific or device-specific conditions by selecting from at least two types of inquiry data (AD1, AD2) characterizing the conditions, e.g. inquiry data (AD12) containing first country information items and second inquiry data (AD2) containing second Internet service provider (ISP) information items, and determination data (ED1, ED2).