Layer 2 Device Configuration via DLTP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring multiple networked devices are time-consuming and costly, especially for large-scale deployments, and are not suitable for devices without an IP address or appropriate protocol drivers, as they require manual configuration and temporary IP address settings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Data Link Transport Protocol (DLTP) packets to communicate with devices at the data link layer, allowing for automatic configuration of multiple devices without the need for IP addresses or protocol drivers, using a deployment tool that broadcasts MAC addresses and transfers configuration data via DLTP packets, and utilizing a portable storage apparatus with deployment logic to receive and apply configuration files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration method using browser and temporary IP address is used, then devices can be configured, but configuration time and cost increase significantly for large-scale deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process into automated discovery phase and configuration application phase. The system automatically discovers multiple devices on the network segment, extracts their MAC addresses, and applies configurations in bulk without requiring manual intervention for each device, thereby resolving the contradiction between configurability and configuration time
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically discovering devices, identifying their MAC addresses, and applying configurations without human intervention. The automated discovery mechanism and bulk configuration capability allow the system to serve itself and multiple devices simultaneously, eliminating the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining full device configurability
2Adaptability or versatility
If temporary IP address setting is required for device configuration, then communication with device is established, but devices without IP address or protocol driver cannot be configured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses MAC address as an intermediary identifier that works at the data link layer, bypassing the need for IP address configuration. By using DLTP packets with MAC addresses as identifiers, the system can communicate with and configure any device on the network segment regardless of whether the device has IP addressing or protocol drivers configured, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the configuration approach from the network layer (IP address-based) to the data link layer (MAC address-based). This dimensional change in the network protocol layer allows the system to configure devices without requiring IP address settings or protocol drivers, enabling universal device configuration while simplifying the overall process
3Reliability
If one-by-one configuration approach is used, then each device can be properly configured, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual configuration operations into a single bulk configuration process. By discovering all devices on the network segment and applying configurations in batch mode, the system maintains the reliability of proper device configuration while dramatically increasing throughput and reducing overall configuration time and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous automated configuration by maintaining an ongoing discovery and configuration process. Rather than stopping between devices, the automated system continuously discovers devices, extracts MAC addresses, and applies configurations in an unbroken sequence, ensuring reliable configuration while maximizing productivity through continuous operation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for configuring a set of devices at layer 2 are disclosed. The configuration employs a deployment tool disposed at the computer and a deployment agent disposed at the devices. Using DLTP (Data Layer Transport Protocol), network discovery and configuration data transfer are facilitated even if the devices do not have IP addresses or protocol drivers to communicate at layer 3. Each deployment agent automatically configures its associated device after receiving the configuration data via layer 2. Other embodiments permit configuration of devices using data stored in a portable storage apparatus. In this manner, devices can be configured automatically without the need to manually configure devices one-by-one.