Endpoint Configuration via Hashed Username Tokens

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current IP network configurations face challenges in provisioning endpoints, especially in non-hosted PBX and mobile environments, where manual configuration is often required, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for hassle-free setup and security in these scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method that facilitates hassle-free configuration of IP endpoints by using a provisioning server to send configuration files via email, employing hashed usernames and tokens, and a publicly available redirect server to manage user-device associations, eliminating the need for device MAC addresses and reducing security risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration is used for IP endpoints in non-hosted PBX and mobile environments, then device compatibility and flexibility are improved, but installation complexity and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating configuration files on the provisioning server before the endpoint needs them. The configuration files are prepared in advance with all necessary parameters, and the endpoint simply needs to retrieve them via email, eliminating manual configuration steps while maintaining adaptability across different devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The endpoint device performs self-service by automatically retrieving its configuration file from the provisioning server via email and applying the settings autonomously. This eliminates the need for manual user configuration while supporting multiple device types, as each device configures itself based on the received parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If device MAC addresses are transmitted for device identification, then accurate device provisioning is improved, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprovisioning accuracyVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the device identification function from the MAC address and implements it through a token-based mechanism. The token is generated by the provisioning server and sent to the endpoint, replacing the need to transmit or store MAC addresses. This maintains provisioning accuracy while eliminating security risks associated with MAC address exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The token acts as an intermediary between the provisioning server and the endpoint device. Instead of directly using MAC addresses for identification, the system introduces tokens as a secure mediator that carries the necessary identification information without exposing sensitive device identifiers, thus maintaining reliability while reducing security risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2939367B1Automatic configuration of an endpoint
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 MITEL CORP
  • EP2939367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2939367B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2939367B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for automatically configuring at least one mobile device associated with a user, via a client software application stored on said mobile device using a token generated by a provisioning server and a hashed username with a publicly available redirect server.