Home Network Terminal Auto-Configuration via GACS and TACS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for automatically configuring IP application terminals in home networks are insecure due to the use of plain text in DHCP, which can lead to URL interception issues, and using PPPoE increases software complexity, making secure automatic configuration challenging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that employs a Gateway Automatic Configuration Server (GACS) and Terminal Automatic Configuration Server (TACS) within a home network, utilizing the Customer Premises Equipment WAN Management Protocol (CWMP) to securely obtain the URL of the ACS without increasing the complexity of the application terminal software, where the home gateway receives and forwards the URL information through DHCP or PPPoE securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If DHCP is used to automatically configure application terminals, then automatic configuration is achieved, but security is compromised due to plain text URL transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Gateway Automatic Configuration Server (GACS) as an intermediary component between the application terminal and the public network. The GACS receives configuration requests from terminals, obtains URL information securely through PPPoE authentication, and forwards this information to terminals without exposing them to direct public network risks. This intermediary approach enables automatic configuration while maintaining security by preventing direct URL transmission over unsecured channels.
2Reliability
If PPPoE is used to automatically configure application terminals, then security is improved, but software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration system into distinct functional components: a GACS for handling gateway-level configuration requests, a TACS for terminal-level configuration, and a home gateway for local routing. This segmentation allows each component to have specialized, simplified functionality. The GACS manages secure URL acquisition through PPPoE, while terminals only need basic DHCP client functionality, reducing overall software complexity despite maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The GACS acts as an intermediary that handles the complex PPPoE authentication and URL acquisition processes, shielding application terminals from these complexities. Terminals simply send DHCP requests and receive URL information from the GACS without needing to implement PPPoE client functionality. This intermediary approach maintains security through PPPoE while keeping terminal software simple.
3Reliability
If URL of ACS is pre-configured for CPE before delivery, then security is maintained, but retail flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where the GACS obtains URL information from the public network at the time of terminal activation rather than using pre-configured static URLs. This dynamic approach allows operators to update URL information remotely without affecting already deployed terminals, maintaining both security through current network parameters and flexibility for future network changes. Terminals receive updated URL information through subsequent configuration requests.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for automatically configuring application terminals in a home network are provided. The apparatus includes a gateway automatic configuration server (GACS) and a home gateway. The system includes a GACS, a home gateway, and an application terminal. The method includes the following steps: the application terminal obtains address information of the GACS from the home gateway and sends a configuration request message to the GACS; the GACS obtains address information of a terminal automatic configuration server (TACS) through query after receiving the configuration request message and sends the address information of the TACS to the application terminal through a configuration response message; and the application terminal sends the configuration request message to the TACS according to the returned address information of the TACS from the GACS to obtain configuration information from the TACS for automatic configuration. The present invention may ensure that the application terminal securely obtains the address information of the TACS and thus obtains the configuration, without increasing the complexity of the application terminal.