Email-Based Configuration Distribution for Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network service providers face inefficiencies in distributing corrective configuration information to customer sites, often requiring manual VPN connections and lacking automated, secure, and efficient methods for updating devices across multiple sites.
Innovation Solution
A central system uses email mechanisms, such as SMTP or POP, to securely distribute corrective configuration information directly to customer sites without relying on VPN connections, allowing dynamic identification and distribution of relevant updates to devices within customer networks, enabling efficient and simultaneous updates across multiple sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual VPN connections are used to distribute corrective configuration information, then security is maintained, but distribution efficiency and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an email system as an intermediary mechanism to transfer corrective configuration information. Instead of requiring direct VPN connections between the network manager and customer devices, the system uses email servers as a neutral intermediary that can deliver configuration data through standard email protocols (SMTP, POP3, IMAP), thereby maintaining security while dramatically improving distribution efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical VPN connection system with an email-based delivery system. Rather than establishing dedicated tunnel connections through complex authentication and encryption handshakes, the system substitutes this with standard email message transmission, which is inherently more efficient for one-way information delivery while maintaining adequate security through email protocols
2Reliability
If manual VPN connections are established for each device update, then secure delivery is ensured, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring email accounts and credentials on customer devices before actual updates are needed. When corrective configuration information needs to be delivered, the system can immediately send emails without requiring real-time VPN connection establishment, thus reducing time consumption while maintaining secure delivery through pre-arranged authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the time-consuming VPN connection establishment process with rapid email transmission. Email delivery can be initiated immediately without the overhead of VPN handshake protocols, making the delivery process significantly faster while still ensuring secure transmission through email security mechanisms
3Reliability
If VPN connections are used for distribution, then secure communication is achieved, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The email system acts as an intermediary that simplifies the overall architecture. Instead of requiring the network manager to directly manage complex VPN connections to numerous customer devices, the email intermediary handles the communication burden, reducing system complexity at the network manager while maintaining secure communication through email protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The email system provides universal functionality that can deliver corrective configuration information to any device with email capability, regardless of the specific customer site or device type. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for device-specific connection management, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure communication channels
4Productivity
If automated distribution methods are implemented, then productivity improves, but security and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the network manager automatically composes, sends, and tracks email deliveries of corrective configuration information without human intervention. This automation maintains security by using pre-configured authenticated email accounts and can automatically retry failed deliveries or notify administrators of security-relevant events, thus improving productivity while preserving reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for allowing a central network manager to distribute corrective configuration information to customers using e-mail are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method includes determining if an issue is reported by a first customer system that supports a first device. The issue is associated with the first device. The method also includes obtaining updating information if the issue is reported by the first customer system, and providing the updating information to the first customer system. The first customer system is arranged to distribute the updating information to the first device and to cause the updating information to be implemented on the first device.