Automatic Network Device Reconfiguration via Remote Profile Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network devices require manual reconfiguration and restoration of settings when users travel to different locations, leading to inconvenience and the need for sharing private information, especially for temporary guest access.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an automatic reconfiguration mechanism that allows network routers and devices to be remotely synchronized and restored using provisioning communication channels, enabling seamless access to remote network resources without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual reconfiguration is performed by authorized user at temporary location, then network devices can be customized for guest user, but it requires significant intervention and sharing of private information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoidcomplexity of reconfiguration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service reconfiguration where the network device automatically detects the authorized user's presence and applies the appropriate configuration profile without requiring manual intervention. The device autonomously retrieves configuration data from remote servers and applies it, eliminating the need for the user to manually share private information or perform complex setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A remote server acts as an intermediary between the authorized user's home network device and the temporary location network device. The server stores configuration profiles and facilitates automatic configuration transfer, mediating the entire reconfiguration process without requiring direct interaction or information sharing between users at different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual restoration of configuration is performed after guest user departs, then original settings are restored, but it requires significant time and manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of configuration restorationVSAvoidtime for configuration restoration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically restoring the original configuration profile as soon as the authorized user departs the temporary location. The network device detects user departure and immediately initiates restoration from the remote server, eliminating delays associated with manual restoration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration restoration process is automated and self-service oriented. The network device autonomously detects user departure, retrieves the original configuration profile from the remote server, and applies it without requiring any manual intervention or time investment from the user, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining restoration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If network devices are configured independently at each location, then local customization is possible, but it prevents seamless access for users traveling between locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal customization capabilityVSAvoidease of access across locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universality by enabling network devices at different locations to share common configuration profiles stored on remote servers. Authorized users can access the same customized settings across multiple locations without needing separate configurations at each place, while still allowing local customization when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the network device detects the authorized user's presence and automatically retrieves the appropriate configuration profile from the remote server. This feedback loop ensures that the correct settings are applied dynamically, providing seamless access while maintaining the ability for local customization through selective profile application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3771174B1Mechanism for automatic reconfiguration of stateful devices
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LTD
  • EP3771174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3771174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3771174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mechanism automatically reconfigures and later restores the network configuration and settings for network devices installed at one location according to configuration and settings of corresponding network devices installed at another location. This enables a user to access these network devices the same way in both locations. This mechanism further avoids having to perform any network reconfiguration of mobile devices that may be carried between the two locations.