Automated Network Device Configuration via Secure Server Bootstrap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring multiple network devices, especially in geographically diverse and remote locations, is challenging due to the need for skilled administrators, high costs, and security concerns when pre-configuring devices with sensitive information at the point of manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A system where network devices, such as wireless switches, can automatically request and receive configuration information from a management server over a network, allowing untrained personnel to initiate the process by simply connecting the device and applying power, enabling secure and efficient configuration of multiple devices without on-site technical expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network devices are pre-configured with required configuration information at the place of manufacture, then configuration speed is improved, but security is worsened since configuration information including security information would be exposed at the point of manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring devices with minimal bootstrap information (device identifier and configuration server address) at manufacture, then completes the full configuration automatically after deployment through communication with the configuration server, thus balancing early preparation with security
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts sensitive configuration information from the device manufacturing process and transfers it to a secure configuration server, where it remains protected until automatically deployed to specific devices through secure communication channels
2Manufacturing precision
If skilled network administrators manually configure each network device, then configuration accuracy is improved, but labor cost and time consumption are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing network devices to automatically request and receive their own configuration information from the configuration server using their device identifiers, eliminating the need for manual administrator intervention while maintaining accuracy through server-side validation
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration server acts as an intermediary between device manufacturing and deployment, automatically matching devices with their correct configuration information based on device identifiers, thus replacing manual administrator work with automated server-side processing
3Ease of operation
If configuration information is communicated over unsecure networks, then ease of operation is improved, but network security is worsened exposing the network to compromise and vulnerability to outside attack
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the security parameter of communication by implementing encryption and authentication protocols between devices and the configuration server, allowing secure configuration updates even when communicating over unsecure networks like the Internet
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.