Network Device Self-Provisioning via Automatic Role Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional enterprise network deployments require expert-level knowledge and are time-consuming and costly due to the need for manual configuration of each device, limiting scalability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Network devices can automatically recognize their roles and configure themselves within the network, allowing for self-provisioning without manual intervention, using hardware and external connection information to determine roles such as Router, Storage, Base Station, Relay, or Gateway Nodes, and provision accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of each network device is performed, then network deployment reliability is improved, but deployment time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic role recognition and self-provisioning mechanisms. Network devices automatically detect their roles based on hardware configuration and external connections, then self-configure and self-provision without manual intervention. This eliminates the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining deployment reliability through automated role-based configuration protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring role recognition logic and self-provisioning capabilities into network devices before deployment. Devices come pre-equipped with the ability to automatically determine their roles and configure themselves, so that when deployed, they can immediately self-configure without requiring manual setup, thus reducing deployment time while ensuring proper configuration.
2Reliability
If manual configuration of each network device is performed, then network deployment reliability is improved, but deployment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for expert-level manual configuration by implementing self-service automation. Network devices automatically recognize their roles and provision themselves, removing the requirement for expensive expert technicians. This maintains configuration reliability through automated role-based protocols while significantly reducing labor costs and making deployment more economically feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated role recognition mechanism that mediates between device hardware/configuration and network provisioning. This intermediary system automatically determines device roles based on hardware configuration and external connections, then triggers appropriate self-provisioning actions, eliminating the need for expensive manual expert intervention while ensuring reliable configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If network devices require expert-level knowledge for configuration, then configuration accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by embedding automatic role recognition and self-provisioning capabilities directly in network devices. The system automatically determines the correct configuration based on detected hardware and connections, then self-configures accordingly. This maintains configuration accuracy through role-based automation while eliminating the need for expert knowledge, thereby reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming role recognition logic and self-provisioning routines into devices before deployment. These preliminary embedded capabilities automatically execute upon device activation, ensuring accurate role-based configuration without requiring operational expertise. This transfers complexity from operation to pre-configured automation, reducing the skill level needed for deployment.
4Productivity
If manual configuration methods are used, then network scalability is limited, but configuration control is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation that enables network devices to automatically recognize their roles and provision themselves without manual intervention. This allows for rapid deployment and easy scaling of networks, as devices can be added en masse and will automatically configure themselves. Configuration control is maintained through automated role-based provisioning protocols that ensure proper setup regardless of scale.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies directed to determining a role of a network device, configuring the network device according to the role, and provisioning the network device to a network are described. In one method, the hardware configuration information and external connection information are stored by the network device. The network device determines a role using the hardware configuration information and the external connection information without any manual intervention or manual configuration. The role can be any one of a Router Node, a Storage Node, a Base Station Node, a Relay Node, a Gateway Node, or a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) Node. After recognizing the role, the network device can be configured and provisioned to the network without any manual intervention or manual configuration.