Smart Wall Plate with Storage-Enabled Modular Jacks for Secure VLAN Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring network switches to assign end devices to specific VLANs can be complex and error-prone, especially when done manually, and existing security measures may not provide sufficient protection against unauthorized cable connections.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with front connectors that read storage devices associated with plugged cables, automatically configuring the network by determining authorization and VLAN settings based on data stored in these devices, using programmable processors and switches to manage connections and VLAN tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of network switches for VLAN assignment is used, then flexibility in network management is maintained, but configuration complexity and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration where the network device automatically configures VLAN settings by reading authorization information from the storage device in the connector. The programmable processor autonomously determines VLAN assignment and configures the switch without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Authorization information and VLAN configuration data are pre-stored in the storage device associated with the connector. This preliminary preparation of configuration data eliminates the need for manual setup during deployment, allowing the system to automatically apply pre-determined VLAN settings when the connector is inserted.
2Reliability
If physical keying techniques are used for cable authentication, then basic security against unauthorized connections is provided, but additional security layers are still required
Solution Approach 1:
A storage device is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector and the network switch. This storage device contains authorization information that mediates the authentication process, providing an additional security layer beyond physical keying while maintaining compatibility with existing connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the authentication parameter from purely physical (mechanical keying) to include logical/digital parameters (authorization information stored in the storage device). This allows for more flexible security configurations, such as different authorization levels and VLAN assignments, while maintaining physical connection compatibility.
3Device complexity
If centralized management systems are used for network configuration, then centralized control is achieved, but system complexity and dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration management function is extracted from the centralized management system and embedded directly into the network device's programmable processor. This local extraction of configuration capabilities eliminates the need for external centralized control while maintaining configuration control, thereby reducing system complexity and dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device performs self-configuration by autonomously reading authorization information from the storage device and automatically configuring VLAN settings locally. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on centralized management systems while maintaining configuration control, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to an apparatus comprising one or more front connectors, wherein each front connector comprises a respective interface configured to read a storage device associated with a connector that is adapted to be connected to the front connector. The apparatus further comprises one or more rear connection points and one or more switches. The apparatus is configured to automatically configure the apparatus at least in part based on information read from the storage device.