Zero-Touch Client Deployment with Dynamic Configuration Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approaches for remotely distributing and installing content or settings on client devices require significant manual intervention and inefficiencies arise when addressing modifications post-deployment, discouraging administrators from optimizing configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing zero touch deployment and dynamic configuration methods that allow administrators to remotely configure client devices without physical interaction, using a management server to determine configuration settings, generate mapping information, and send it to client devices, which can dynamically adjust settings based on device status changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If administrators manually configure each client device individually, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but deployment time and administrative workload increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses configuration templates that can be copied and applied across multiple client devices. Administrators create a master configuration template once, which is then automatically distributed and applied to numerous devices, ensuring consistent accurate configuration while dramatically reducing deployment time from manual device-by-device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by pre-defining configuration templates before actual device deployment. Configuration settings, policies, and parameters are prepared in advance as reusable templates that automatically apply to target devices, eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each device individually during deployment.
2Productivity
If configuration settings are made dynamic and automated, then deployment efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration management server as an intermediary between administrators and client devices. This server handles the complexity of dynamic configuration generation, template management, and automated distribution, while administrators interact with a simplified interface. The intermediary absorbs system complexity without burdening the administrator or end-user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration where client devices automatically receive and apply configuration templates from the management server without requiring manual intervention. Devices self-configure based on predefined policies and parameters, improving deployment efficiency while the centralized server manages the complexity of configuration logic.
3Manufacturing precision
If administrators have full control over configuration changes, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but adaptability to device status changes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration templates that can automatically adjust configuration parameters based on device status changes, environmental conditions, or usage patterns. Configuration settings are no longer static but can dynamically adapt while maintaining accuracy through predefined rules and parameters, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions without sacrificing configuration integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where configuration templates can respond to device status information and automatically adjust settings. The management server receives feedback from devices about their operational state and can trigger configuration updates based on predefined conditions, maintaining accuracy through controlled automation while improving adaptability to real-time device status.
4Ease of operation
If physical interaction with client devices is eliminated, then administrative workload is reduced, but configuration reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration actions with automated electronic configuration distribution. Instead of administrators physically accessing devices to change settings, the system uses electronic configuration templates that are automatically transmitted and applied to target devices through the management server, reducing workload while maintaining reliability through standardized automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and distributes precise copies of configuration templates to multiple devices automatically. Each device receives an exact copy of the configured settings, ensuring consistency and reliability without requiring physical administrator intervention. The copying mechanism preserves configuration integrity while eliminating manual workload.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and device embodiments for zero touch deployment and dynamic configuration. A management server receives a dynamic configuration value for a configuration setting via a configuration service, and generates configuration information including a mapping of a configuration setting to the dynamic configuration value. Further, the management server receives a configuration information request including an identifier associated with a remote client device, and sends the configuration information to the remote client device.