IP Telephone Self-Provisioning via Numeric Extension and PIN
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for provisioning IP telephones are cumbersome and error-prone, requiring administrative support and additional costs, especially when users move or need to access different locations, as they lack a convenient way to enter alphanumeric usernames and passwords using numeric keypads.
Innovation Solution
A system that assigns a numeric user identifier and PIN to users, allowing them to provision their IP telephones by inputting these via a keypad, which then authenticates and registers with an enterprise communications server, enabling automatic discovery and authentication without pre-configuration, and can generate a certificate for subsequent connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If MAC address-based provisioning is used, then device identification is automated, but provisioning cost increases due to administrator involvement and database requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The IP telephone performs self-provisioning by automatically sending its MAC address to the communications server and receiving configuration parameters without administrator intervention. The server autonomously provisions the device based on the MAC address, eliminating the need for manual database lookups and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communications server acts as an intermediary between the IP telephone and the provisioning database. It receives the MAC address from the phone, performs the lookup autonomously, and returns the configuration, thereby shielding the device from complex database operations and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If alphanumeric username/password entry is required on IP phone, then user identity authentication is accurate, but ease of operation deteriorates due to keypad limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input system with an automatic electronic identification system. Instead of requiring physical keypad entry of alphanumeric credentials, the system uses the MAC address (automatically available in the device) as the identification mechanism, substituting manual mechanical input with automated electronic provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication parameter is changed from alphanumeric username/password to MAC address. This parameter change allows the device to be identified using its inherent hardware address rather than requiring manual entry of complex credentials, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining authentication accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user moves to new location, then adaptability improves, but provisioning time increases due to reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary provisioning actions by automatically configuring the IP telephone with the user's identity and location information when first connected. When a user moves to a new location, the same automatic provisioning process occurs without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby reducing provisioning time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning system is made dynamic and adaptive to location changes. The communications server automatically detects the new location based on network information and re-provisions the device accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to user movement without manual intervention and minimizing provisioning time.
Data Source
AI summary
Architecture for a communications system enabling a user to provision a telephone at a new location without network administrative pre-configuring. An input component (e.g., keypad) receives a numeric extension and PIN. The extension is a telephone extension of the user and the PIN can be administratively assigned. A location component provides location information of an enterprise communications server to the telephone based on the extension. The telephone uses the location information to send messages to the enterprise communications server. A registration component registers the telephone with the enterprise communications server based on the numeric extension. A telephony address is returned to the telephone. An authentication component authenticates the telephone based on the PIN. Upon authentication, the extension is assigned to the telephone, and telephone communications can be sent and received from that location.