Automated Network Node Configuration via Central Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network configuration methods are complex, time-consuming, and prone to errors, especially when adding new network nodes, as they require separate manual configurations at both network and application levels, and do not account for security aspects effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that automates the integration of new network nodes by registering them with a central control unit, using unique identification and functional classes to derive configuration and communication data, allowing for automatic adaptation of the communication structure and enhancing security through authentication, thereby simplifying and streamlining the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration is performed separately at network level and application level, then configuration flexibility and control are improved, but configuration complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate network-level configuration and application-level configuration into a unified automated configuration process. The central control unit integrates both configuration aspects, allowing simultaneous handling of network parameters and application-specific settings through a single automated workflow, thereby reducing overall configuration complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration data as an intermediary element that bridges network-level and application-level requirements. This configuration data structure serves as a mediator that contains both network parameters and application-specific settings, enabling automated derivation of complete configuration without manual intervention at multiple separate levels.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed for new network nodes, then configuration precision can be controlled, but configuration time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining configuration data templates and patterns that contain both network-level and application-level configuration parameters. When a new network node is added, the system automatically derives configuration from these pre-prepared templates, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining precision through the structured template design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the configuration system to serve itself through automated derivation of configuration data. The central control unit automatically generates, validates, and applies configuration settings for new network nodes without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing configuration time while maintaining precision through automated validation rules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate network and service-specific configuration is performed, then configuration adaptability to different services is improved, but configuration complexity and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration data structure that can accommodate multiple services and applications through a single unified approach. The configuration data template includes service-specific parameters that can be automatically instantiated for different services, allowing the system to adapt to various service requirements without creating separate manual configuration processes for each service.
4Reliability
If authentication and verification are performed for new network nodes, then communication security is improved, but configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs authentication and verification as preliminary actions during the initial configuration phase, before the network node becomes operational. By integrating security verification into the automated configuration workflow from the beginning, the system establishes secure communication channels in advance, ensuring security requirements are met without causing delays during subsequent operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for configuring a communication network consisting of a plurality of network nodes (R1, R2, D2, D3) and at least one central control unit (CU). The communication network provides a communication structure through which the network nodes (R1, R2, D2, D3) communicate according to their respective functionality and the services (S11, S12, S21, S22) used. The method comprises the following steps: - Registration of a further, new network node (D1) with a unique identifier at the central control unit, wherein at least one functional class is assigned to the unique identifier (101); - Adding the new network node (D1) (102); - Transmission of configuration information by the new network node (D1), which includes at least the unique identifier of this network node (D1) (103);- Forwarding the configuration information to the central control unit (CCU) (104); - Authenticating the new network node (D1) using the unique identification in the configuration information by the central control unit (CCU) (105); - Deriving configuration and communication data for the new network node (D1) using at least one functional class assigned to the unique identification of this network node (D1) (106); - Reconfiguring the communication structure using the configuration and communication data for the new network node (D1) so that service-specific data can be sent and/or received by the network node (D1) (107).;