Network Device Auto-Configuration via Interface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network systems face challenges in efficiently establishing communication between communication devices due to human errors in wiring and device setting configurations, which can lead to connection errors and decreased operation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A network system that automatically generates and reflects device setting configurations based on the wiring between communication devices, using a device setting control device with databases and units to acquire and transmit necessary configuration information, ensuring correct interface settings without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual checking of interface combinations and communication cables is performed multiple times, then human errors such as connection errors can be prevented, but operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device automatically detects the connected interface and autonomously determines the appropriate device setting configuration without requiring manual checking by operators. The system performs self-verification by detecting the physical connection state and automatically selecting the corresponding configuration, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining high operation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking operations with automated detection mechanisms. The detection unit automatically identifies the connected interface through electrical or optical signals, substituting the manual visual inspection and physical verification process with an automated sensing system that provides accurate and efficient connection verification
2Reliability
If identification tags are added to communication cables and multiple checks are performed, then connection errors can be reduced, but the complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from physical tags on cables and transfers it to the communication devices themselves. The detection unit directly identifies the connected interface through electrical or optical characteristics, eliminating the need for external identification tags and reducing operational complexity while maintaining connection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device performs multiple functions including connection detection, interface identification, and configuration selection through a single integrated detection unit. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate identification tags and multiple checking procedures, reducing operational complexity while ensuring accurate connections
3Reliability
If loop detection function is used to detect Ethernet loops, then broadcast storms can be prevented, but connection errors that do not cause loops cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of detecting problems after they occur (like loop detection), the patent inverts the approach by proactively detecting the connection state and pre-determining the appropriate device setting configuration before communication begins. The detection unit identifies the connected interface and the system automatically selects the correct configuration, preventing connection errors before they affect network stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection and configuration selection before actual communication occurs. The detection unit identifies the connected interface and the control unit determines the appropriate device setting configuration in advance, ensuring that the correct settings are applied before data transmission begins, thereby preventing both loop-related and non-loop connection errors
4Ease of operation
If device setting configurations are manually input to interfaces, then communication can be established, but human errors in configuration input can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device automatically determines the appropriate device setting configuration based on the detected connected interface without requiring manual input. The control unit autonomously selects and applies the correct configuration, eliminating human error in configuration input while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit provides feedback about the connected interface to the control unit, which then automatically determines the appropriate device setting configuration. This feedback mechanism ensures that the configuration accurately reflects the actual physical connection state, eliminating mismatches between wiring and device settings that occur with manual configuration input
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a means for causing wirings and device setting configurations to conform between communication devices and then establishing communication by generating a device setting configuration in accordance with wirings between the communication devices and reflecting the device setting configuration in interfaces of the communication devices. A device setting configuration for establishing communication between communication devices is generated based on information regarding an adjacent device acquired from each communication device, using a network setting information database configured to hold, in an associated manner, information regarding the communication device, information regarding the adjacent device connected directly to the communication device via a communication cable, and information regarding a device setting configuration to be set for an interface of the communication device used to connect to the adjacent device.