Network Access Device Configuration via Subscriber Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network access devices, such as Distribution Point Units (DPUs), face challenges in flexible and cost-efficient configuration due to potential configuration data corruption during initial power-up and the lack of external ports for reconfiguration, especially when external power and secure access are limited.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable configuration of network access devices through their subscriber interface if configuration data cannot be obtained via the network interface, by checking predefined conditions and enabling the subscriber interface for configuration purposes, allowing configuration via the subscriber interface if specific conditions are met, such as no active connections to subscribers or successful identification/authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If configuration data is obtained via the network interface during initial power-up, then the device can be configured automatically, but the configuration may become corrupted or fail, requiring costly manual repair
Solution Approach 1:
The device checks whether it is in a first state (initial power-up without existing configuration) before attempting to obtain configuration data via the network interface. This preliminary check prevents corrupted configuration attempts by establishing proper initial conditions, ensuring the device only performs automatic configuration when appropriate and ready.
2Ease of manufacture
If external ports are omitted for cost and security reasons, then device security and cost are improved, but the device becomes difficult to reconfigure when configuration issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The subscriber interface, originally designed for customer communication, is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a service interface and as a configuration interface. When the device detects it is in the first state, it enables the subscriber interface for configuration purposes, allowing technicians to reconfigure the device without needing external management ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically detects its own state and enables configuration capabilities through its existing subscriber interface when needed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate external configuration ports while maintaining the ability to perform reconfiguration when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the subscriber interface is always enabled for configuration, then configuration flexibility is improved, but security and unauthorized access risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration capability of the subscriber interface is made dynamic rather than static. The interface is enabled for configuration purposes only when the device detects it is in the first state (initial power-up without configuration). This dynamic state-dependent enabling provides configuration flexibility when needed while maintaining security by limiting configuration access to appropriate circumstances only.
4Ease of operation
If optical fiber uplink is used for configuration, then configuration capability is maintained, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The subscriber interface is designed to serve multiple functions: customer communication during normal operation and configuration access during initial setup. By enabling this existing interface for configuration purposes when the device is in the first state, the patent eliminates the need for separate optical fiber uplink configuration capabilities, significantly reducing deployment costs while maintaining full configuration functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for utilizing interfaces of a network access device is provided, wherein the network access device comprises a subscriber interface with at least one subscriber port and a network interface, the method comprising (i) checking whether configuration data can be obtained via the network interface; (ii) if the configuration data cannot be obtained from the network interface, checking a predefined condition at the subscriber interface; and (iii) if the predefined condition is fulfilled, enabling the subscriber interface for configuration purposes. Furthermore, an according device and a system are suggested.