Automatic Printer Configuration via NCL Flash and Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual configuration of computer devices, especially printers, on networks is complex and often requires skilled personnel, particularly for secure wireless networks, and can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when devices need to be configured differently for various locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automatic configuration of printers and other network devices, which involves using a Network Control Language (NCL) flash file to download configuration information from a server, assigning a dynamic IP address, and then a static IP address specific to the location, allowing the device to connect securely and efficiently to a network without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is performed by skilled personnel, then device can be configured correctly on secure wireless networks, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The printer automatically configures itself by executing the NCL flash file and downloading configuration information from a server without requiring manual intervention by skilled personnel. The device autonomously obtains network settings, IP addresses, and security credentials, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining correctness through server-validated parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration information is pre-prepared and stored on a server in advance. When the printer needs configuration, it simply retrieves the pre-configured settings from the server, avoiding the need for on-site skilled personnel to perform complex configuration tasks. This preliminary preparation enables rapid deployment across multiple locations.
2Reliability
If skilled personnel travel to configure devices at remote locations, then proper configuration is achieved, but travel and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printer autonomously configures itself by executing the NCL flash file and downloading configuration information from a server without requiring manual intervention by skilled personnel. The device autonomously obtains network settings, IP addresses, and security credentials, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining correctness through server-validated parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
A single server system can provide configuration services to multiple printers across numerous locations simultaneously. The NCL flash file mechanism is universally applicable to any printer in the network, allowing centralized management and configuration distribution without requiring location-specific manual intervention.
3Reliability
If secure wireless networks are used, then network security is improved, but device configuration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The NCL flash file acts as an intermediary that bridges the printer and the secure wireless network. It contains pre-configured security credentials, authentication parameters, and network settings that enable the printer to securely join the wireless network without requiring manual security configuration. The server mediates the distribution of these secure parameters, maintaining security while simplifying the configuration process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If devices are configured differently for various locations, then location-specific requirements are met, but manual configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each location receives customized configuration parameters through the NCL flash file mechanism. The server stores location-specific settings (network credentials, IP address schemes, security parameters) and delivers the appropriate configuration to each printer based on its deployment location. This enables local adaptation without requiring complex manual configuration procedures at each site.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the invention relate to methods for automatically configuring a device and a device capable of being automatically configured. According to one embodiment the device is a printer and a dynamic IP address is obtained using a wired connection; a connection is established with a server using the wired connection and the dynamic IP address; configuration information is downloaded from the server; a static IP address is assigned to the printer using the configuration information; and a connection is established with a server using a wireless connection and the static IP address. The configuration information may include setting information and address information. The setting information may be used to configure the settings of the printer and the address information may be used to assign a static IP address to the printer. The configuration information may include information relating to a wireless network.