Automated Wireless Device Configuration via Master Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration of wireless peripheral devices, such as printers, in network environments is time-consuming and requires significant technical skill, especially when adding multiple devices, as it necessitates intimate knowledge of network topology and device settings.
Innovation Solution
A method where a 'master' device, pre-configured within the network, automatically configures additional 'peripheral' devices by transmitting a network configuration dataset, allowing each newly configured device to assume master duties and replicate the process for further configurations, thereby reducing configuration time and eliminating the need for user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of wireless peripheral devices is performed, then network settings can be customized according to specific requirements, but configuration time increases significantly and technical skill is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a master wireless peripheral device that has been pre-configured with network settings to automatically configure additional peripheral devices. The master device transmits its configuration data to new devices, creating copies of the proven working configuration. This eliminates manual configuration time while preserving the adaptability of network settings through the master device's pre-configured parameters including SSID, security settings, and IP address information.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device is pre-configured with all necessary network settings before being deployed to automatically configure other devices. This preliminary configuration action includes setting up network credentials, security parameters, and operational settings in advance, so that when new peripheral devices are added to the network, they can be automatically configured without requiring real-time manual intervention or technical expertise.
2Reliability
If manual configuration of multiple wireless devices is performed, then each device can be properly integrated into the network, but the process becomes increasingly tedious and requires significant technical skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the master wireless peripheral device automatically performs the configuration of new devices without requiring user intervention. The master device autonomously transmits configuration data, monitors the configuration process, and ensures proper integration of new devices into the network. This self-service approach maintains reliable device integration while eliminating the tedious manual steps and technical skill requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The master wireless peripheral device acts as an intermediary between the network infrastructure and new peripheral devices. Rather than requiring direct manual configuration of each device, the master device mediates the configuration process by transmitting necessary network settings and credentials to new devices, thereby simplifying the integration process while ensuring reliable network connectivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a network administrator individually configures each wireless device, then proper network settings are applied, but productivity decreases as the number of devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration task by designating one master device to handle configuration for multiple peripheral devices. Instead of the network administrator individually configuring each device, the configuration function is segmented and assigned to the master device, which then automatically distributes configuration data to all new devices. This segmentation maintains precise network settings application while dramatically improving deployment productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The master wireless peripheral device performs multiple functions: it serves as a regular network device while simultaneously acting as an automated configuration server for other devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain precise network settings application through the master device's pre-configured parameters while enabling rapid deployment of multiple devices without requiring network administrator intervention for each individual device.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for automatically configuring a plurality of wireless peripheral devices within a network environment. The method includes identifying a plurality of wireless peripheral devices, including one existing networked wireless device. The existing networked wireless device is configured to function as a master device. The master device identifies one of the remaining wireless peripheral devices that has yet to be configured. The master device replicates itself by wirelessly transmitting the configuration data to the identified wireless peripheral device. The configuration data enables the identified peripheral wireless device to assume network operation and to assume functionality of the master device so as to be capable of automatically causing the configuration of additional peripheral devices.