Location-Aware Support Device for Network Configuration Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technical support personnel face challenges in accessing and updating the configuration of complex communication devices due to the need for direct connection or separate database access, which is time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially when multiple devices are present at a location.
Innovation Solution
A portable technical support device equipped with a location-determining element and a communicating element that allows it to access a network management system, enabling it to obtain and update configuration information for communication devices based on their geographical location without direct interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If technical support personnel use a diagnostic device to connect directly to the communication device or access a separate database to obtain configuration information, then they can obtain the precise configuration information needed for troubleshooting and maintenance, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location-aware portable technical support device as an intermediary between the technical support personnel and the communication device configuration database. This portable device automatically determines the location of the communication device using location-determining elements (such as GPS or other positioning systems) and uses this location information to automatically retrieve the appropriate configuration information from a database, eliminating the need for manual connection or database access by the support personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable technical support device performs self-service by automatically determining its own location, identifying the communication device at that location, and retrieving the configuration information without requiring manual intervention from the technical support personnel. The device autonomously completes the information retrieval process, saving time and resources.
2Loss of information
If technical support personnel manually access separate databases or connect directly to communication devices to obtain configuration information, then they can retrieve the needed data, but the process becomes complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single portable technical support device: location determination, device identification, configuration retrieval, and update capabilities are all integrated into one device. This consolidation simplifies the support process by eliminating the need for separate diagnostic devices, manual database access procedures, and multiple connection steps, reducing both device complexity and procedural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If direct connection to communication devices is established for configuration access, then configuration information can be obtained, but firewall clearing and connectivity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The portable technical support device serves as an intermediary that accesses configuration information through a database using location-based queries rather than requiring direct connection to the communication device itself. This approach bypasses firewall restrictions and connectivity issues that would otherwise prevent or complicate direct access to device configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable technical support device includes a location-determining element configured to allow the portable technical support device to be location-aware, and a communicating element configured to allow the portable technical support device to access a network management system, the network management system having information relating to a communication device, wherein the portable technical support device obtains from the management system the information relating to the communication device by making the network management system aware of the location of the communication device using the portable technical support device as a location-determining element.