DSL Modem Preconfigured Default Credentials for Simplified Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of installing Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modems is increased due to the need for subscribers to manually enter unique user names and passwords, especially for those unfamiliar with computers or the Internet.
Innovation Solution
Preconfiguring DSL modems with default user names and passwords allows them to transmit these credentials to an authentication server for authentication, which then provides unique user names and passwords for subsequent network access, reducing subscriber intervention during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the subscriber manually enters unique username and password during installation, then the authentication can be performed, but the installation complexity increases especially for subscribers unfamiliar with computers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the DSL modem with a default username and password before delivery to the subscriber. This allows the modem to automatically transmit credentials to the authentication server during installation without requiring the subscriber to manually enter information, thereby simplifying the installation process while maintaining reliable authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the DSL modem to automatically transmit its own default credentials to the authentication server without subscriber intervention. The modem performs the authentication initiation and credential transmission autonomously, reducing the operational burden on the subscriber during installation
2Ease of manufacture
If the subscriber uses a CD-ROM for installation, then the modem can be configured, but the installation procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the credential configuration function from the CD-ROM installation medium and embeds it directly into the DSL modem's memory. This eliminates the need for the subscriber to load and use a CD-ROM, simplifying the installation procedure while maintaining the ability to properly configure the modem for network access
3Extent of automation
If default username and password are transmitted to authentication server, then automatic authentication is achieved, but the system requires additional communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by utilizing the existing network connection between the DSL modem and authentication server for multiple purposes: both the default credential transmission and subsequent unique credential transmission occur through this same infrastructure. This approach achieves automatic authentication without requiring additional dedicated communication infrastructure, as the existing network path serves multiple authentication functions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing communications can include transmitting a default username and password for a subscriber account from a Digital Subscriber Link (DSL) modem to an authentication server. The subscriber account is authorized based on the default username and password subscriber. A unique username and password for the subscriber account is transmitted to the DSL modem if the subscriber account is authenticated.