Server Apparatus Automating Wireless Base Station VLAN Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In local mobile communication systems, the existing techniques do not automatically set security-related setting information for small wireless base stations, leading to a significant workload for users in manually configuring these settings as the number of base stations increases.
Innovation Solution
A server apparatus, wireless base station, and monitoring apparatus that register and transmit VLAN setting information and address information, allowing automatic configuration of security settings via a communication controlling method and program, reducing the manual effort required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setting of address information is used for small wireless base stations, then security settings can be configured, but the workload increases significantly as the number of base stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-configuration where the wireless base station autonomously obtains address information and VLAN setting information from the server apparatus without requiring manual user input. The base station sends a DHCP request, receives the configuration data, and automatically applies it, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating manual workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The server apparatus acts as an intermediary between the wireless base station and the network configuration system. It stores pre-configured address information and VLAN setting information, then automatically distributes this information to base stations through DHCP protocols, eliminating the need for direct manual configuration by users.
2Productivity
If automatic address assignment via DHCP is used, then manual setting workload is reduced, but security-related setting information cannot be automatically configured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of configuration information (address information and VLAN setting information) into a single DHCP option that is transmitted together to the wireless base station. This merging allows both address assignment and security-related VLAN settings to be automatically configured in one operation, resolving the limitation of traditional DHCP.
Solution Approach 2:
The server apparatus and DHCP protocol are enhanced to serve multiple functions: not only assigning IP addresses but also distributing VLAN setting information for security configurations. This multi-functional approach allows a single automatic configuration process to handle both networking and security requirements simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If VLAN setting information is automatically transmitted via DHCP, then configuration workload is reduced, but existing DHCP protocols do not support this functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the DHCP protocol by introducing new option parameters that carry VLAN setting information. Instead of changing the fundamental protocol structure, the invention extends existing DHCP messages with additional parameters (Option 43 or custom options) that include VLAN ID and other security settings, allowing enhanced functionality without complete protocol redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a server apparatus capable of reducing a workload in a setting process. A server apparatus (10) includes: a registering unit (11) configured to register first address information set in a monitoring apparatus (30) that monitors a wireless base station (20) and VLAN setting information serving as setting information of a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) including the monitoring apparatus (30); a receiving unit (12) configured to receive, from the wireless base station (20), an assignment request for second address information; and a transmitting unit (13) configured to transmit the first address information, the second address information, and the VLAN setting information to the wireless base station (20).