Network Asset Commissioning via QR-Based IP Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commissioning of network asset devices is time-consuming and prone to errors due to mis-entry of network configuration data, requiring skilled technicians and increasing installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using QR codes and a specialized tool to assign network IP addresses and determine configurations, allowing for efficient commissioning of assets into functional groupings, reducing the skillset required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of network configuration data is used, then flexibility and control are maintained, but commissioning time increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses templates to store predefined network configuration data that can be copied and applied to multiple assets. The template contains asset information, network parameters, and functional groupings that are replicated across similar devices, eliminating manual entry errors and reducing commissioning time through automated copying of proven configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating network configurations from scanned asset information. The commissioning tool extracts device details via QR code or barcode scanning, matches assets to appropriate templates, and autonomously creates network settings without requiring manual technician input, thereby reducing both time and errors.
2Reliability
If skilled technicians perform commissioning, then accuracy is improved, but labor cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The commissioning tool is designed to perform self-service by automatically extracting asset information through scanning, matching devices to templates, and generating network configurations without requiring technician expertise in network protocols. The system handles complex matching and configuration generation autonomously, reducing skill requirements while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a commissioning tool as an intermediary between the asset and the network configuration process. This tool mediates by scanning asset identifiers, automatically matching them to predefined templates, and generating appropriate network settings, thereby eliminating the need for skilled technicians to perform complex manual configuration tasks.
3Productivity
If automated IP assignment is implemented, then commissioning speed increases, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining network configuration templates that include IP addressing schemes, subnet masks, gateway settings, and functional groupings before actual commissioning. These templates are prepared in advance with all necessary network parameters, allowing the system to rapidly assign configurations during commissioning without requiring complex real-time calculations or manual network design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer device and method for automatically generating network configurations for connecting a plurality of network asset devices to a common network. Receiving, in a network configuration device, is metadata associated with each of the plurality of network asset devices to be installed on the common network. Assigning, in the network configuration device, for each of the plurality of network asset devices, a defined functional group consisting of one or more network asset devices. And generating, by the network configuration device, a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) reservation table defining a subnet mask for configuring the common network for implementation of the plurality of network asset devices for each defined functional group of network asset devices.