Remote Network Device Configuration via Discovery Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices, such as MSAPs and remote gateway devices, often become misconfigured, particularly with incorrect IP addresses, leading to communication issues and the need for costly and time-consuming 'truck rolls' to rectify the problems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a discovery protocol frame, like LLDP, to locate misconfigured network devices within an Ethernet communications network by determining their MAC addresses, allowing remote configuration through Ethernet packets without the need for physical presence, using a remote console terminal connected over the Ethernet network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a network administrator physically travels to remote locations to configure network devices, then configuration accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical travel (truck rolls) with an electronic communication system. Administrators use remote console terminals connected via Ethernet network to access and configure misconfigured devices remotely, eliminating the need for physical presence while maintaining configuration accuracy through direct device communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of discovery protocol frames and remote console terminals. The discovery protocol acts as a mediator to locate misconfigured devices by identifying their MAC addresses, while the remote console terminal serves as an intermediary interface between the administrator and the misconfigured device, enabling remote configuration without physical travel.
2Productivity
If network devices are configured quickly during installation, then installation productivity is improved, but configuration errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically detecting and identifying misconfigured devices through discovery protocol frames before administrators need to manually configure them. The system proactively locates devices with incorrect IP addresses by matching MAC addresses from discovery frames against known misconfigured device identifiers, allowing correction before deployment issues arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where discovery protocol frames provide information about device MAC addresses and network presence. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically identify misconfigured devices and alert administrators, enabling verification and correction of configuration errors that occurred during rapid installation without requiring slow manual testing of each device.
3Ease of operation
If administrators use serial cables to configure remote devices, then configuration capability is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the remote console terminal to function through multiple pathways. The terminal can access misconfigured devices either through direct Ethernet network communication or by establishing connections through intermediate properly configured devices in the network. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized serial cable connections while maintaining full configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual representation of the serial console interface through the Ethernet network. The remote console terminal replicates the functionality of a physical serial connection over IP network protocols, allowing administrators to interact with misconfigured devices through familiar console commands without the physical complexity of serial cable connections and modems.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a non-limiting example, a communications method and system locates a network device that has been misconfigured by propagating within the same broadcast domain of an Ethernet communications network to which the network device is connected a discovery protocol frame and determining the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the remote device. A remote console terminal is connected for communications to the Ethernet communications network to the network device after discovering the network device. The remote console terminal communicates with the network device using Ethernet packets and configures correctly the network device such as by configuring a correct internet protocol (IP) address of the remote device.