Generic VoIP Provisioning via DHCP and TLS

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Solution Overview

Problem

The variability in starting points for VoIP service provisioning leads to increased costs and complexity for equipment manufacturers and service providers due to diverse equipment options and provisioning operations, necessitating a generic and flexible method for secure accommodation.

Innovation Solution

A provisioning system that includes a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server, initialization server, and configuration server, utilizing transport layer security (TLS) connections and CPE-specific certificates for secure and flexible VoIP service setup, allowing CPE to connect to a VSP through a web portal or being VSP-locked, with pre-stored URLs for initialization and configuration servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If diverse equipment options and provisioning operations are supported to accommodate various subscriber starting points, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal provisioning architecture where a single CPE device can serve multiple subscriber starting points through standardized interfaces. The system uses a common provisioning server that can handle different provisioning scenarios (new service, service migration, equipment replacement) through a unified process, eliminating the need for multiple specialized provisioning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter-based configuration where subscriber-specific parameters (such as service profile, equipment type, provisioning method) are stored and retrieved during the provisioning process. This allows the same basic provisioning framework to adapt to different scenarios by changing operational parameters rather than requiring different system architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If diverse equipment options and provisioning operations are supported to accommodate various subscriber starting points, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent consolidates multiple provisioning functions into a single integrated provisioning server that handles all subscriber starting points through one system. This merging of previously separate provisioning operations into a unified platform reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual provisioning operations are used to handle diverse starting points, then flexibility is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated self-service provisioning where the CPE device automatically discovers its configuration parameters, retrieves necessary provisioning information from the provisioning server, and configures itself without manual intervention. This automation maintains flexibility by adapting to different subscriber scenarios while dramatically improving provisioning speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the CPE device communicates with the provisioning server during the automated provisioning process. The device provides information about its current state and received configuration parameters, allowing the system to automatically adjust the provisioning steps based on the specific subscriber starting point, thereby maintaining flexibility while achieving automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8134999B2Generic provisioning of voice over internet protocol (VoIP)

Publication Date: 2012.03.13 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a provisioning method for establishing a telecommunications service including the operations of sending a resynchronization message to a user terminal unit, redirecting the resynchronization message to a customer premises equipment (CPE) unit, acquiring the configuration server network address from the resynchronization message, connecting the CPE unit through the network to a configuration server specified in the configuration server network address, receiving subscriber configuration data from the configuration server; and initializing the CPE unit with the received subscriber configuration data to establish service between the CPE unit and the telecommunications service provider.