Virtual Devices for IoT OAM and Onboarding

The patent introduces virtual devices as intermediary entities in intermediate nodes that mediate between the actual IoT devices and the network management system. These virtual devices serve as proxies that can perform OAM functions independently, allowing reliable monitoring and diagnostics without requiring direct access to or increasing complexity of the actual IoT devices. The virtual device acts as a buffer layer that simplifies the overall system architecture while enhancing OAM capabilities.

The patent creates virtual copies (digital twins) of IoT devices that replicate device behavior and characteristics. These copies enable OAM functions to be performed on the virtual representation without affecting the actual device, providing reliable monitoring and diagnostics while keeping the physical infrastructure unchanged. The copying approach allows comprehensive OAM capabilities without adding physical complexity to the device layer.

The patent implements preliminary actions by creating and configuring virtual devices before the actual IoT devices are fully onboarded. This allows OAM functions, network configuration, and diagnostics to be prepared in advance on the virtual representation, significantly expediting the onboarding process. When the actual device connects, the pre-configured virtual device can immediately begin monitoring and management without waiting for device initialization.

The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where the virtual device continuously updates its state based on information received from the actual IoT device once connected. This feedback loop ensures that the virtual representation remains synchronized with the physical device, maintaining information accuracy while allowing the productivity benefits of early virtual device activation. The feedback mechanism corrects any information loss by continuously refreshing the virtual device state with real device data.