Automated Network Device Configuration via Self-Service Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring multiple network devices, especially in geographically diverse and remote locations, is economically and intellectually challenging for IT administrators, requiring skilled intervention and exposing security risks due to manual configuration methods and potential vulnerabilities in communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated network configuration where network devices, such as wireless switches, can request and receive configuration information from a management server over a network, allowing self-configuration without the need for on-site administrators, using a recessed mode selector button to initiate configuration requests and store or update configuration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration methods are used by IT administrators, then configuration accuracy and security can be maintained, but administrative time and costs increase significantly when deploying hundreds of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The network device automatically requests configuration information from a management server using its device identifier, and the server autonomously provides the appropriate configuration without requiring manual administrator intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by eliminating time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining reliable, accurate configuration delivery through automated server-side processing.
Solution Approach 2:
A management server acts as an intermediary between the network device and the configuration database. The server receives automated requests from devices, queries the database using device identifiers, and delivers appropriate configuration information. This intermediary system maintains configuration accuracy through centralized control while dramatically reducing administrative time by automating the entire configuration delivery process.
2Ease of operation
If pre-configuration is performed at the place of manufacture, then devices can be shipped directly to remote sites, but security information is exposed at the manufacturing point and customization costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-programmed with the ability to autonomously request configuration information from a management server using its device identifier. This preliminary action enables direct deployment to remote sites without manual configuration while keeping security information secure in the centralized database rather than exposed at manufacturing or device level.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration information, particularly security-sensitive data, is extracted from the manufacturing process and stored securely in a centralized management server database. The device receives only the specific configuration data it needs through automated requests, eliminating security exposure at the manufacturing point while maintaining ease of direct deployment.
3Reliability
If skilled IT administrators are deployed to remote locations for device configuration, then proper network setup can be ensured, but administrative costs and deployment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network device automatically contacts a management server, provides its device identifier, and receives appropriate configuration information without requiring skilled administrators at the remote site. This self-service approach ensures reliable network setup through centralized expert control while dramatically simplifying deployment complexity by eliminating the need for on-site technical expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The management server serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between device deployment and expert configuration knowledge. It automatically processes device requests, retrieves appropriate configuration data from centralized databases, and delivers properly configured settings, thereby ensuring network setup quality without requiring complex on-site administrative deployment.
4Ease of operation
If configuration information is communicated over non-secure protocols, then device setup can be simplified, but the network becomes vulnerable to compromise and attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The management server acts as a secure intermediary that handles all configuration communications. It uses secure protocols to communicate with devices and to access the configuration database, thereby maintaining network security while preserving configuration simplicity through automated server-side processing that shields devices from security risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously requests configuration information through secure automated protocols without requiring manual administrator involvement. This self-service mechanism maintains configuration simplicity through automation while ensuring network security through the use of secure communication protocols between the device and management server.
Data Source
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AI summary
Automatically configuring network device, network system architecture, and method for configuring one or a plurality of devices on a network. Device and network system architectures and methods for automatically self-initiating and configuring one, a plurality, or hundreds of wired or wireless network devices. Autoconfiguring wireless Local Area Network switch and access point devices connected to the switch. Method for accessing remote server by a device to acquire device configuration information. Method for deploying a network including at least one network device at a facility without the participation of a person having knowledge of networks or network devices at the facility. Computer program and computer program product.