Remote Network Device Configuration via Install and Discovery Protocol

The patent introduces a network device as an intermediary that facilitates remote configuration of IP parameters. The network device receives configuration requests from a remote client, extracts IP configuration information, and transmits it to the target device via UDP broadcast. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for physical connection while maintaining configuration reliability through structured communication protocols and error handling mechanisms.

The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection system with an electronic network communication system. Instead of requiring physical cable connections between the administrator's workstation and the target device, the system uses UDP network protocols to transmit configuration data. This substitution maintains configuration reliability while dramatically reducing time consumption and enabling remote operation.

The patent extracts the IP configuration push functionality from the centralized BOOTP server model and implements it directly at the network device level. Each network device independently receives configuration requests from clients and pushes IP parameters to target devices as needed. This extraction eliminates the single point of failure and complexity associated with centralized BOOTP servers while maintaining configuration efficiency through distributed operation.

The patent enables network devices to autonomously handle IP configuration tasks without requiring centralized server coordination. When a client requests configuration, the network device independently processes the request, formulates appropriate UDP broadcast messages containing IP parameters, and delivers them to the target device. This self-service approach reduces system complexity by eliminating dependencies on centralized BOOTP infrastructure.