Lifeline Connection for Remote Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote management solutions for service subscriber devices, such as TR-069, fail to re-establish communication when the connection is lost due to certificate expiration, configuration issues, network topology changes, or user intervention, leading to devices becoming unmanageable and requiring costly physical replacement or manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a 'lifeline connection' to re-establish a remote management connection by transmitting a message with re-establishment commands and credentials over a different connection port, allowing the device to recover and reconfigure itself, even if the primary remote management connection is lost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TR-069 protocol is used for remote management with authentication and security measures, then security of remote management is improved, but reliability of connection is worsened because the connection can be lost due to certificate expiration, configuration issues, or network changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the remote management functionality into two independent components: the primary TR-069 management connection and the alternative lifeline connection. Each connection has its own protocol and authentication mechanism, allowing them to operate independently. When the TR-069 connection fails, the lifeline connection can still function without being affected by the complexity or failures of the TR-069 protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alternative connection mechanism (lifeline connection) that mediates between the device and the ACS when the primary TR-069 connection fails. This intermediary provides a fallback path that bypasses the complex authentication and certificate verification processes of TR-069, using simpler HTTP/HTTPS protocols instead.
2Reliability
If TR-069 protocol with certificate verification is used, then security is improved, but connection establishment is worsened when certificates expire or configuration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring alternative connection parameters and authentication credentials in the device before the primary connection fails. The device stores fallback ACS URLs, alternative authentication methods, and lifeline connection parameters in advance, so when TR-069 connection fails due to certificate expiration or configuration loss, the device can immediately switch to the pre-prepared alternative without requiring reconfiguration or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the device to dynamically switch between different connection parameters (ACS URL, port numbers, authentication methods) based on the status of the primary connection. When TR-069 fails, the device changes to alternative parameters stored for the lifeline connection, such as different HTTPS ports or alternative authentication credentials, thereby maintaining connection availability without requiring complex real-time negotiation.
3Reliability
If manual intervention is required to restore lost connections, then security control is improved, but productivity is worsened due to costly physical replacement or engineer deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the device to automatically detect connection failures, switch to alternative lifeline connections, and restore management capability without human intervention. When the primary TR-069 connection is lost, the device autonomously uses the lifeline connection to communicate with the ACS, receive updated configuration or certificates, and re-establish the management connection, thereby eliminating the need for manual field service while maintaining security through controlled automatic restoration.
4Reliability
If alternative network interface is used to reestablish connection, then connection availability is improved, but the underlying problems (certificate expiration, configuration loss) are not resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the lifeline connection as an intermediary channel that specifically serves to restore lost configuration information and certificates. Unlike simply using an alternative network interface for the same TR-069 protocol, the lifeline connection is designed to deliver remedial configuration data from the ACS to the device, addressing the root cause of connection failures (expired certificates, lost configuration) rather than just bypassing the network path issue.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the field of remote management of devices, and devices for implementing the method. In particular the invention relates to a lifeline connection for remote manageable devices, which lifeline connection can be used to re-establish a communication that has been lost between a remote configuration management server and a remote manageable device.