Mobile Wireless Access Point Remote Configuration via Intermediary Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Enterprise IT administrators face challenges in remotely managing and securely configuring mobile wireless access point devices, particularly due to the lack of remote configuration mechanisms, leading to increased manual configuration time, security risks, and unauthorized use, especially with the proliferation of 'Bring Your Own Device' (BYOD) and mobile hotspot devices.

Innovation Solution

A system where mobile wireless access point devices securely pair with end-user devices via short-range communication and connect to a mobile broadband configuration server, receiving configuration files that set operational rules for data network access, allowing IT administrators to remotely manage and update settings, ensuring secure and consistent configuration across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mobile wireless access point devices are distributed to employees for remote access, then employee mobility and access flexibility are improved, but device configuration and management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemployee access flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A configuration server is introduced as an intermediary between IT administrators and mobile wireless access point devices. The server receives configuration requests, processes them, and automatically pushes updated configuration files to the appropriate devices, eliminating the need for manual physical configuration and simplifying management of distributed devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of physically connecting to devices via USB ports to change settings is replaced with an automated electronic system. The configuration server communicates with devices over the air through wireless networks, automatically deploying configuration files and updating settings without physical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If IT administrators manually configure each mobile hotspot device, then configuration control is maintained, but time and resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration controlVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Configuration templates and policies are prepared in advance on the configuration server. When devices are deployed or need updates, the pre-configured settings are automatically pushed to multiple devices simultaneously, eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each device individually and significantly reducing configuration time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service configuration where the configuration server automatically manages device provisioning and updates based on predefined policies. The server autonomously handles configuration deployment, monitoring, and updates without requiring continuous manual intervention from IT administrators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If remote employees must physically return devices for reconfiguration, then configuration accuracy is ensured, but operational disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidoperational continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The physical mechanical process of device return and manual reconfiguration is replaced with automated over-the-air configuration delivery. The configuration server transmits updated configuration files wirelessly to devices, allowing employees to receive configuration updates instantly without physically returning devices, thus maintaining operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If mobile wireless access point devices lack remote configuration capability, then device security is simplified, but unauthorized use and security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidunauthorized use risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration server acts as a secure intermediary that manages device configuration and enforcement. It implements security policies, controls configuration changes, and monitors device usage, preventing unauthorized modifications while enabling necessary remote management capabilities through a controlled interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9549329B2Remotely configurable mobile wireless access point device

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

Provided is an intelligent mobile wireless access point device that is set-up to allow for remote configuration of the access point device, via a mobile communication network, by a configuration server. A configuration file for a mobile wireless access point device is maintained by a service provider in a configuration server. The configuration file is delivered to the mobile wireless access point devices over the mobile communication network, which allows multiple mobile wireless access point devices to be configured substantially simultaneously and without the multiple mobile wireless access point devices being physically located at an enterprise location. In addition, the remote configuration examples of a mobile wireless access point device mitigate the opportunities for unauthorized use of the mobile wireless access point, and provide additional security features for authorized users.