CPE Configuration Management via File Server and XML Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current configuration management systems for customer premises equipment (CPEs) face challenges in efficiently managing diverse types and versions of CPEs, leading to high costs and difficulties in batch management due to differences in configuration parameters and interaction methods.
Innovation Solution
A configuration management method and system that uses a uniform file interaction interface, with a file server as an intermediary, employing an XML-based configuration template to generate personalized configuration files for each CPE, and providing two validation methods based on TR069 and SNMP protocols, allowing for simpler interaction between the Configuration Server and CPEs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a passive management model with RPC is used to read and write configuration parameters of CPEs, then the CPE can autonomously initiate configuration requests, but the CS cannot achieve batch management and configuration due to differences in CPE types and versions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a File Server as an intermediary component between the Configuration Server and CPEs. The File Server stores configuration files centrally and provides a unified file access interface, enabling the CS to manage multiple CPEs of different types and versions through a standardized file-based interaction model, thus achieving batch management capability while maintaining CPE autonomy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the configuration management approach from direct parameter reading/writing via RPC to file-based parameter management. Configuration parameters are encapsulated in structured files with standardized formats, allowing the CS to perform batch operations by manipulating files rather than individual parameters, thereby improving adaptability to diverse CPE types
2Adaptability or versatility
If the CS needs to comprehend and configure different configuration parameters for different types and versions of CPEs, then each CPE can be configured appropriately, but the system implementation becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration file format and file interaction interface that can serve multiple CPE types and versions through a single standardized system. The File Server provides unified file storage and retrieval capabilities, while the configuration files use standardized structures that can be adapted to different CPE types through configuration content rather than system architecture changes, reducing implementation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration management system into distinct functional components: the Configuration Server for policy and template management, the File Server for centralized configuration file storage and management, and the CPEs for local configuration application. This segmentation allows each component to have a specialized, simplified function while the overall system maintains high adaptability
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If RPC is used for reading and writing configuration parameters, then direct parameter access is achieved, but batch management of a large number of CPEs cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual configuration operations into a single batch operation by using file-based configuration management. Instead of issuing separate RPC calls for each CPE parameter, the system uses standardized configuration files that can be distributed to and processed by multiple CPEs simultaneously through the File Server, dramatically improving batch management efficiency while maintaining parameter access capability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a technology for terminal equipment configuration management of a communication system, and embodiments of the present invention disclose a configuration management method and system for a customer premises equipment, which enable simpler interaction between a CS and CPEs in the case of batch configuration management on the CPEs. In the embodiments, a uniform file interaction interface is used, and a file server is provided as an intermediate for the interaction of configuration files; a uniform XML-based configuration template is used to embody therein configuration items common to the same type of CPEs, and personalized data of each CPE is further incorporated to generate a personalized configuration file for the CPE. Respective elements of the configuration file are also specified comprehensively. Furthermore, two methods for validation of the configuration are proposed respectively based upon the TR069 and the SNMP.