Proxy Network Device Management via Short-Range Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network management and troubleshooting become unfeasible when connections between network devices and remote management servers are lost or compromised, hindering effective monitoring and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a neighboring network device within a customer site, communicating via short-range wireless protocols like Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy, to act as a proxy for a faulty device, enabling cloud servers to perform troubleshooting operations by connecting, transmitting instructions, and receiving execution results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct connection between network device and remote management server is used, then network management reliability is improved, but network management feasibility deteriorates when connection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a neighboring network device as an intermediary proxy between the faulty network device and the remote management server. When the direct connection is lost, the cloud server establishes a tunnel through the neighboring device (which has working network connectivity) to enable indirect management and troubleshooting of the faulty device, thus maintaining management feasibility despite connection loss.
2Ease of operation
If neighboring network device is used as proxy, then network management feasibility is improved when direct connection is lost, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neighboring network device serves multiple functions: it acts as a relay for cloud server connections, provides short-range wireless communication capabilities, and functions as an authentication intermediary. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated hardware or complex alternative solutions, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If short-range wireless protocol is used for proxy connection, then network management accessibility is improved, but connection security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and authorization of the neighboring network device before allowing it to serve as a proxy. The cloud server verifies the legitimacy of the neighboring device and establishes secure credentials in advance, preventing unauthorized devices from exploiting the short-range wireless connection for malicious purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a device and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for network device troubleshooting involves at a cloud server, connecting to a neighboring network device of a faulty network device, where the neighboring network device and the faulty network device are located within a network deployed at a customer site, and where the neighboring network device communicates with the faulty network device according to a short-range wireless communications protocol, and at the cloud server, performing a network device troubleshooting operation on the faulty network device using the neighboring network device as a proxy.