CN102594579A - Automatic configuration and network deployment for network devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for automatically configuring network devices and network system architecture and for configuring one or more devices on a network; a device, a network system architecture and a method for automatically self-starting and for configuring one, a plurality of, or hundreds of wired or wireless network devices; an access point device for automatically configuring a wireless local area network switch and for being connected to the switch; a method for accessing a remote server by using the device so as to obtain configuration information of the device; a method for arranging the network which comprises at least one network device in a facility without participation of a person knowing about the network or the network device; and computer programs and computer program products.

Description

Automated network equipment disposition and network design

The cross reference of association request

[0001] the application is the part continuation application of the U.S. Patent application of the numbering 11/437,582 submitted on May 19th, 2006, and this U.S. Patent application is cited and incorporates the application into.The application and the numbering of submitting on May 19th, 2,006 11/437,537; 11/437,538 and 11/437,387 unsettled U.S. Patent application is relevant, and these U.S.As enclose patent application and also are cited and incorporate the application into.

Background technology

[0002] before this; To one or a collection of network equipment; Like wired or wireless network switch and the one or more access point apparatus that can be connected with this network switch directly or indirectly or be coupled and the configuration of miscellaneous equipment and/or subsystem, made the network manager face the challenge on economy and the wisdom.Arrive world wide in extension of network; Particularly the employee of general headquarters; Management system; Be in different time zone with the network manager of the configuration of responsible initial network, network configuration change and/or extension of network, say different language or when being separated with local network administrators by wide area network (WAN) (like the Internet), these challenges will be more obvious.

[0003] though configure network devices is not difficult especially for housebroken network manager; This possibly have certain understanding to characteristic, network configuration and/or the network software of the network equipment; The ability of also often need promising equipment that can not descend to do or network diagnosis, fixing a breakdown; For example, has identical or afoul IP address as two network equipments because of initial unknown cause.

[0004] in some cases; The network manager may be as without the unprofessional person of technique drill such as the consultant of workman, office management person or other non-technical personnel on factory or the warehouse floor; Through on phone, talking and possibly coming configure network devices by the computer link; If but be several even tens a hundreds of equipment to be made in like this that management goes up will be too time-consuming and expensive, and unrealistic.

[0005] another program of having attempted is before the network equipment being shipped to their remote locations with work, in the place that the network manager resides this network equipment is carried out configuration in advance.This is being called as starting or partly starting of equipment or network sometimes.

[0006] another program of having attempted is at manufacturing location equipment to be carried out pre-configuredly with the configuration information that needs, and again it is shipped directly to long-range field and is used for installation.Yet this requires professional technique relevant with every equipment of customization and the expense of Geng Gao, and can't solve starting from the further problem of configuration of (or terminating in) other equipment works in the device tree of the equipment of configuration.Therefore, this scheme only partly satisfies the needs of static network configuration.In addition, it has also brought safety problem, will be exposed during fabrication and easy the leakage because comprise the configuration information of the required any security information of this network of visit.

[0007] when needs network configured equipment be Wireless Communication Equipment, and the insecure communication of the agreement used of equipment disposition and/or equipment and network be can make this network that external attack defence weakness is predisposed to damage the time, above-mentioned and other problem just becomes especially sharp-pointed.Owing to above-mentioned and other reason, need be used to dispose the simple, reliable of one, a plurality of even hundreds of the identical or different network equipment and equipment, the network architecture and the method for safety.

Description of drawings

[0008] Fig. 1 has described an example of network equipment deployment system.

[0009] Fig. 2 has described the flow process of an example of request and reception configuration information.

[0010] Fig. 3 has described another example of network equipment deployment system.

[0011] legend among Fig. 4 shows and is used for making and obtains or generated an exemplary management-side process of effectively configuration and be sent to the embodiment of remote network equipment by the management-side server from the memory of management-side server.

[0012] legend among Fig. 5 shows and is used to make remote network equipment obtain and the embodiment of the exemplary network equipment side process that storage is effectively disposed.

[0013] Fig. 6 has described to have an independently example of the system of local network device of the part that is associated with wide-area wireless local area network (LAN) (WLAN) strategy.

[0014] Fig. 7 has described to be used to dispose the independently flow chart of an example of the method for the network equipment of part.

Specify

[0015] this explanation discloses safety system, equipment, method and management-side and equipment side process and computer program and the computer program that the automatic network configuration for the network equipment provides.The network equipment can have any form; The for example wired or wireless network switch, Network Access Point or mobile access point, router and/or other network equipment, subsystem or the like; Or similarly need or benefit from by the network equipment or subsystem configures and come the equipment of configuration automatically; But, for fear of each the possible network equipment that repeats to enumerate or enumerate one by one subsystem types at specification in the whole text, with mainly describing the embodiment that innovates part with regard to Wireless Communication Equipment or switch.In certain indefiniteness embodiment, this network equipment comprises the wireless network switch of automatic configuration or self-configuration, for example wide area network (WAN) or Local Area Network switch.

[0016] technology of describing among this paper can provide a kind of like this ability; The network equipment such as wireless network switch are delivered to the Local or Remote place; Allow to have no special technical ability also only to need this equipment is inserted the network connection without the personnel of special training; For example insert the Ethernet cable in the cabinet or the plug-in connector on the shell (like the RJ-45 port connector) of this equipment; Pressing the button with switch open or when power supply otherwise being provided or starting the operation of this equipment; As the result of above-mentioned action, make this equipment send message to the predetermined webserver, and receive conversely all and entire arrangement information or data acquisition system (or be used to expand the supplementary data that data with existing gathers gather) through Ethernet; This network equipment is moved on network, and need not to do any further interaction with this network or network manager.This method can repeat for the such network equipment of any amount, for example, even for a hundreds of network equipment with repeat away from the installation site that is in diverse geographic location of central authorities or general headquarters' management-side server respectively.Although also unnecessary, can incorporate a more than server into this system's operation and/or configuration, or be redundant, or be capacity.Although server will by or maybe be by being described as configuration server at this; Will be understood that; The configuration information service function can be provided by special configuration server, or is provided by the server that various other contents, data and information service function and this configuration information service are provided.

[0017] Fig. 1 is an example of a system, and this system shows and comprises general headquarters or management-side system and the exemplary network equipment with netconfig function.This network equipment can be the network equipment or the subsystem of any available types, and at this, this network equipment is shown the remote wireless network switch on 802.11 networks.

[0018], wherein shows the functional block diagram of the simplified embodiment of expression system 102 referring to Fig. 1.In this configuration; The NMS 104 that comprises the management server 106 with equipment disposition server capability can be coupled to the network equipment 108; So that via network such as the Internet 120 communications, wherein the network equipment 108 is shown the first remote wireless network equipment 1.System, server and miscellaneous equipment can be called engine at this.As used in this article, engine comprises processor, also comprises firmware or the software module of being carried out by this processor usually.Depend on specific to realizing or other considers that engine can be centralized, or according to functional separation.Engine can comprise hardware, the firmware of special purposes or be embedded in the software that supplies this processor to carry out in the computer-readable medium.As it is used in this article; Computer-readable medium comprises that all (for example meet legal medium; In the U.S.; By the 101st regulation of United States code the 35th chapter), and specifically get rid of all and itself do not meet legal medium, its degree makes that said eliminating effectively is necessary for the claim that comprises this computer-readable medium.The known legal computer-readable medium that meets comprises that (for example, register, random-access memory (ram), non-volatile (NV) memory for example), but can be limited to or be not limited to hardware to hardware.The bare machine readable memory can be called " entity computer computer-readable recording medium ".As use in this article, " computer-readable recording medium " is to store the medium of data with nonvolatile property mode, comprises volatibility and nonvolatile memory.

Will be understood that according to the description that hereinafter provides that [0019] usually, network can comprise a plurality of network equipments 1,2 ..., N in order to simplify description, only illustrates a network equipment here.Also will understand, when a plurality of network equipment, these network equipments can be dissimilar, or have Different software version or characteristic or functional requirement, and can need different configuration informations.In this embodiment, this remote wireless network equipment 108 is wireless network switch.The network switch 108 shown here can be coupled to one or more access points 132, and these access points 132 itself are coupled to one or more equipment 134,136 like notebook, personal digital assistant (PDA), printer or other network equipment.For example, this management server can be but be not limited to Ringmaster

server that Zhuo Si (Trapeze) network by the California Puleston provides.

[0020] remote wireless network equipment 108 can comprise the memory 110 that is used for remote device identification; This memory can be stored one or more parameters, and said one or more parameters uniquely or even come physics or hardware device in the tag system 102 with this network partly.Remote wireless network equipment 108 also comprises logic OR processor 112 and program information, is used for or starts this network equipment 108 through new configuration information or when hope maybe need continue to safeguard the configuration that is stored in the network equipment 108.Usually, processor can comprise the inside or the external RAM memory of coupling.Provide the continuation or the nonvolatile memory 126 of configuration information to come store configuration information.The continuation memory is used for program command and/or other parameter, and comprising the for example sign in network configuration information source, this network equipment obtains its configuration from this network configuration information source.Clearly, if this network equipment does not have storage networking configuration information in advance, can before operate as normal on the network, possibly need this network equipment 108 to load new configuration information at this equipment so.

[0021] in one embodiment, the configuration information that loads in advance in the network equipment is held when the network equipment 108 starts or resets.No matter when start or optional reset process in press the button 116; Or by software setting or in software optional automatic configuration=" launching " state and this state are set and before startup, preserve; To trigger a series of incident; Wherein, this network equipment sends a configuration information (" disposing me ") request 122 to NMS 104, and then receives requested configuration information item or ensemble of communication 124 from this NMS 104.Said startup or mode state 114 provide storage and indication, then when this network equipment starts, can carry out a inquiry to this state, thus can understand to the configuration information that please look for novelty or to the suitable decision of the configuration information that continues maintain old.Said state is stored in the memory or by other physical attribute such as switch, line, or the state of other physical component (for example, open or closed, high impedance or Low ESR, high voltage or low-voltage, or the like) directly indication of institute.This network equipment is programmed the state according to the start-up mode state of preserving 114 to adopt or carry out different paths and carry out different initiating sequences.In at least one embodiment, this network equipment can move automatically.

[0022] the invention is not restricted to the set of any specific configuration information item or configuration information.For example, can only ask a configuration information item or ask a plurality of configuration information items.Can this configuration information be called sets of configuration data, this sets of configuration data is appreciated that and is individual data item or a plurality of data item.Configuration information or data acquisition system can be complete; As required without network configured equipment; Or part or complementarity, though as the network equipment of complete configuration not required or the complete configuration network equipment in configuration information need change or upgrade the time required.

[0023] above-mentioned request can comprise; For instance but be not limited to; The Internet protocol of equipment (IP) address, device levels, equipment place, equipment place, netmask (netmask), network identity, treat configuration device type, software version sign, firmware version sign, manufacturer's data, DHCP (DHCP) source sign, pre-configured fixed address sign, sequence identifier (SID), and their combination in any.Above-mentioned software, firmware or device hardware version table prescribed server or equipment can maybe can be done; Thereby the configuration information based on version is provided; This configuration information main (but being not removing property ground) helps the configuration based on agreement, because different versions possibly have the unavailable different or senior characteristic that maybe can not move in other version.When the configuration of using based on device identification, this device identification for example Equipment Serial Number can provide the clear and definite information of each or combination in any in hardware, software and the firmware characteristic about this network equipment.

[0024] in embodiment or configuration, can in any specific configuration information that is addressed to the network equipment by network device requests then or sets of configuration data, different information or data be provided as alternative.

[0025] this configuration information or data acquisition system should be enough to allow customer equipment or user to connect with the mode of hope or accesses network.For example; When said visit to network is carried out through wireless connections and the said network equipment is a wireless exchange board; This customer equipment for example notebook or out of Memory device will be through wireless access point device with this network of wireless mode visit, and this wireless access point device will come and said network switch coupling through wired or wireless connection or communication link.Under this exemplary situation, should provide relate to access point radio frequency or other wireless device (through under the Windows of the Microsoft operating system background environment or the so-called network of under service set (SSID) background, supporting more at large by this access point) configuration information and should be allowed to or should not be allowed to be connected to the configuration information of the entity of this network about people, user, ID, machine identification or other through this network equipment (for example through this access point and switch).

[0026] configuration information that sends to the network switch can comprise through switch and comes the configuration information with one or more access points of network service.In another embodiment, configuration information or data acquisition system have defined and how to have disposed these access point apparatus.In another embodiment, this configuration information or data acquisition system have defined and how to have verified user or customer equipment.In another embodiment, this configuration information or data acquisition system can define a network equipment (like, first switch) and another network equipment (like, second switch) or with the correlation of a plurality of switches.

[0027] for instance, relation can be considered mobile domains, and mobile domains is to know each other and the set of the switch of long-range connection session (sessions) each other.Can be for the switching in moving of the roaming of the miscellaneous equipment that allows this equipment or be connected or physics with this equipment, said miscellaneous equipment possibly comprise computer, PDA etc.So relation is valuable when moving everywhere, allow relation and switching.Like this, system and network can provide VLAN, even and user and customer equipment in a zone, roam, also still can be in the same VLAN.

[0028] in one embodiment, the network equipment comprises switch, and the customer equipment that access point and switch are configured to allow all to find this network or SSID is connected to this network.Frequently, access point can be broadcasted their network identity and/or SSID.Therefore; On commission control to the owner, operator or other manager of the visit of particular network selected to allow be hopeful or ask this network of visit can both visit under the situation of this network like the user of acquiescence local area network (LAN) or Virtual Local Area Network, this configuration information can explain easily that the subscriber set of Any user can be connected to this network and on this network, inserts through this access point and switch so.

[0029] more generally, this network manager can selectional restriction to the visit of this network.The sign of the potential customer equipment that configuration information or the data acquisition system that in this case, sends to this equipment (in this example for the network switch and access point) is allowed to explanation to visit.

[0030] in this case; Tool limitedly for instance and not; Possibly provide about following configuration information: the user of which type of customer equipment or customer equipment is an empirical tests as far as this network; Which type of wireless protocols can be used; Any authentication information, new fixed ip address (if the IP address of usefulness is set up by DHCP or other entity), and/or any useful or favourable out of Memory, parameter or data of operation that other will carry out this network equipment or the miscellaneous equipment that is attached thereto.

[0031] necessarily, to appear on the network equipment sufficient configuration information allow to make client's (for example wireless client) with correct safe class (if any) climb up this network or SSID (but not other network or SSID that they do not belong to) under their.

[0032] access point (AP) is broadcasted network (under the environment based on the Windows of Microsoft) or the SSID (under more general wireless network environment) that they are supported.Generally speaking, each access point wireless device can be broadcasted single SSID or any amount or a plurality of SSID.Access point and/or the client who is connected to SSID broadcast this SSID and broadcast the attribute of this network (such as dot1X, key authentication, or the like or other attribute).The attribute of the switch that the attribute of customer equipment broadcasting need be connected to network with this customer equipment is complementary or has common composition at least, possibly also need to mate these and/or other authority and judge whether go up at that network (SSID) and allow this customer equipment.Can on server or in this locality, accomplish the storage and/or the coupling of these parameters or attribute.If switch is not known this user and/or this user's customer equipment; This switch can not be carried out this inquiry and coupling so; So in visiting with the controlled embodiment of certain mode, the configuration information that sends to the network equipment can comprise user or client access attribute or configuration information.

[0033] configuration information can also be explained the relation between the network equipment such as the switch; Therefore; For example; The user of a roaming or customer equipment can remain to the suitable connection of network, though this customer equipment from the wireless range of an access point and/or switch move to another and make take place flawless from a seamless switching to another, meanwhile; Be within the good wireless frequency range of access point or switch with regard to network that is not authorized to connect for it with regard to this equipment at last or the SSID, also do not allow this user or client terminal to switch or be connected to this network.

[0034] should be appreciated that in these two exemplary situations, one relate to not limited access and one relate to limited access, configuration information or data acquisition system comprise some clients or other subscriber identity information.Yet, if the network equipment can partly be programmed or started, thereby the explanation be allowed to or forbidden access, even this information or data need not be included in the configuration information at the network equipment place that sends to the request of sending.Will be understood that; Example described herein is that equipment provides structure and method; Supply equipment is for example beamed back via network by server computer for obtaining the configuration information request of sending and receiving another equipment or configuration information that system beams back, and no matter this configuration information is why.Perhaps need to confirm, upgrade, check that renewal or checking are stored in all or part configuration information or the data at this network equipment place before this.And unnecessary this system is limited to any specific configuration information or sets of configuration data, also unnecessary it is limited to the generation or the storage mode of configuration information.

Will be understood that [0035] this configuration request message can be asked any information, server can be complete to the response of this message, part or the network equipment to the request of sending in the single config update of the configuration of preserving.The configuration information that sends can also fully controlled by the configuration distribution management mechanism that is rendered as management-side configuration server centralized (or distributed) in this paper explanation.

[0036] Fig. 2 has described network device requests and has received the flow chart of an example of the process of configuration information or data acquisition system from the system management configuration server.This process starts from step 141, and after this, remote network equipment (like the network switch) is to this management system (step 142) request configuration information.Then, management system is confirmed suitable or suitable remote equipment configuration information and is sent it to the network equipment (step 143) that this sends request.Then, this remote equipment is oneself to receive configuration information, can also be optional but advantageously be optional equipment reception configuration information, the one or more access points (step 145) that for example link to each other with this telecommunication network switch.At last, this remote equipment and network use the said configuration information (step 145) that sends or be pushed to this remote equipment downwards for the further operation on network, this process leave it at that (step 146).Wherein network equipment information is sent to the management-side server and/or is used by the management-side server; This network information can be each or the combination in any in the following: network device hardware information, network device software information, network equipment positional information, network device requests information, identification can move any other parameter of configure base, and/or the combination in any of above each item.

[0037] according to introduction provided herein; Be to be understood that; When the network equipment of the request of sending sends its request message; After receiving, this management system based on one or more network equipments identify, network configuration strategy and/or be configured the searching of database or the generation of configuration information based on the combination of they and possible other factors.In searching or generating, this management-side system can consider that existing pre-configured strategy on the network that this management-side or centralized management set up, rule, preferred, existing configuration, service time, long difficult equipment and/or any other of safeguarding can maybe should influence the parameter or the characteristic of this network equipments configuration.It will create the proper configuration that need send back to this network equipment.As far as this network equipment, this similarly is that it has received its entire arrangement.For example, network switch or comprise that the entire arrangement of the network equipment of the network switch can comprise about following configuration information just: how to move its access point (AP) or mobile access point (MP), which kind of SSID is provided (server set sign), dispose which kind of Virtual Local Area Network, whom allow visit and which kind of visit and any other make this equipment that is configured such as desired move required information.Above-mentioned only is the example of indefiniteness that the configuration information classification that possibly receive like network equipments such as switches is made.

The overview of the method that appears among the introduction that the example system configuration with among Fig. 1 that [0038] provides is relevant and Fig. 2 provides the overview of the example of the technology of introducing among this paper.The other introduction that provides below will be described the configuration as alternative of management system 104 and the network equipment such as remote wireless network equipment 108; And being used for total method of communicating by letter between management system and the remote network equipment, this method comprises process, the process of only in this management system, carrying out of only in this remote wireless network equipment, carrying out and comprises other process by the performed part of this management system 104 and the one or more combination in a plurality of remote wireless network equipment 108.

[0039] referring to Fig. 3; Wherein show another embodiment of this novelty system; This system shows management system side structure 104, go-between such as the Internet 120 and a plurality of network equipment 108-n, and each among said a plurality of network equipment 108-m is remote wireless network equipment.Advantageously, these wireless devices can meet in WI-FI or 802.11 wireless protocols, although the expansion, development and the improved qualification that do not need only to be directed against this agreement or only be directed against this agreement.

[0040] introduces various characteristics below in the future; Comprising but be not limited to: the novelty aspect that is particularly useful for replacing the network equipment of inefficacy; The method and structure of novelty aspect is in the release in the new place with hundreds of platform need network configured equipment or the application aspect layout and the configuration; With to the centralized control of network equipments configuration and/or based on the relevant novelty aspect of the control of strategy; The novelty aspect relevant with the new features of physical hardware switch itself; With this method expanding application when the large number quipments aspect the particularly favourable novelty; With the mutual safety certification of equipment room with encrypt relevant novelty aspect, this method not only is used to dispose this equipment and also is used for the application with the configuration aspect of the miscellaneous equipment of the tree-shaped or level form of the device coupled of this configuration, is applicable to keep the novelty aspect that continues or viscosity disposes; With select and push hardware based configuration or the relevant novelty aspect of flexibility during based on the configuration of strategy to equipment, also have certainly and set up automatically and the application of layoutprocedure on the network equipment that transportation and sales are directly sold.These aspects can merge and work in coordination with use in every way.

[0041] next will note the exemplary application of system, equipment and the method for novelty, the technology of introducing among this paper has special advantage therein.

[0042] a kind of common situation is that the network equipment such as the network switch lost efficacy in the cyberspace.In the long-range place that does not have available network manager or information technology (IT) expert, this inefficacy may be particularly thorny.In an enforcement, confirm to send or to be pushed to the configuration information of replacement equipment with device identification (and/or network strategy).In the scene of this replacement; Having case that a network equipment provider or manufacturer will be equipped with this alternate device takes off from their shelf; Do not open this case and equipment is not done any configuration yet, use alternate network equipment directly to be transported from manufacturer or provider to be sold to alternative place such as Courier Service etc.Meanwhile, manufacturer or provider can notify the buyer with this equipment mark, so, can import to the configuration information database, be ready to receiving request back acquisition configuration information.Then; Anyone that should substitute the place opens this case, breaks off the Ethernet cable from the network equipment that lost efficacy, and this Ethernet cable is connect the jack on this alternate device into again; (if on-off formula switch is provided on this equipment) plugs in; When off-state switches to on-state, press the start-up mode button on this equipment at on-off formula switch, ask configuration information so this replacement network equipment initiates a message to this management-side server.

[0043] also will understand; Enforcement can utilize the network equipment identity and the combination of strategy to confirm one or a set of network devices configuration information; With regard to based on the configuration of identity or based on regard to the configuration of strategy; To based on the use of the identity and the configuration of strategy can through calculate in advance with and storage should configuration in database; Calculation this configuration in real time or basically in real time or confirm that dynamically configuration information realizes after receiving the request that requires this configuration information or data acquisition system, perhaps through storage in advance, in real time or dynamically definite combination in any that disposes realize.Be the information dynamically confirmed of an equipment even can store and be used to after through the necessary modification that this configuration information is carried out for new request or requestor's customization or part is reused in similar configuration.

[0044] this alternate network equipment is known its message sent to and is positioned at the locational particular server of particular ip address; Because at least one embodiment; This alternate network equipment is connected to specific known DNS domain name system (or domain name service through programming (perhaps, if before shipment, start, then when starting) during fabrication; Or name server), this is an Internet service that domain name is translated as the IP address.

[0045] more specifically, search and finally be connected to the configuration information source for example configuration information server can realize in several ways.In one embodiment, confirm a special title, in the network environment of local network or other definition, search or this title of inquiry for this network equipment.

[0046] for example, in the embodiment of indefiniteness, when the energising of this network equipment and begin to start or be in to restart or other starting stage; And activate under automatic configuration mode, if it does not have the IP address (perhaps, alternatively; Even it has the IP address), will send DHCP request to Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server, in the hope of obtaining first or new IP address (because it possibly not possess the IP address waking fashion up first); Also can distribute a dns server or come it is discerned for it with this dns server; At last, according to an embodiment, it can receive domain name from Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server.As alternative, partly or entirely can be pre-configured advance this network equipment in these, for example dispose during fabrication or in advance and start the stage.This pattern as alternative can be helpful when having the possibility that does not have available or addressable Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server when installing, disposing or producing in batches.

[0047] next, on server, carry out domain name lookup, in automatic configuration with known or other come this server to be confirmed as the server that carries out inquiry through back or front that title that identify or well-known is attached to domain name for this network equipment.In a kind of realization, this known title is " wlanconfigserver ", and is still, unimportant to the selection of title itself.In addition, really need not know this address; Use domain name to be enough to find suitable server.

[0048] this domain name will have or recognition application in the valid ip address in specific DNS territory.DNS is the acronym of domain name system (or domain name service again or name server), i.e. network service that domain name is translated as the IP address.Because the DNS system is actually originally on one's body network of system, if dns server does not identify or knows a specific domain name, it can inquire another dns server, up to finding correct IP address.

[0049] network equipment of initiation request is indicated and is used this title to seek server.Usually, network manager or information technology (IT) group joins this name in their the local dns database with the address.So, only need this title, and the said address that this title can the mark location server.This DNS scheme can the foundation of living in of central authorities or general headquarters field and send to subsequently different acting servers (if any), so this operation also can be installed or long-range realization carried out in the position of deployment at equipment.

[0050] known or well-known title (or other sign) is programmed before deployment or loads or deposit in the network equipment, and (in configuration operation automatically) uses dns lookup address address acquisition based on title in deployment.The dns server that this dns lookup is confirmed or provided by Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server is carried out, and domain name is provided by this Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server.

[0051] when this title is unavailable in the dns server, that at least a portion in this operation needs is pre-configured (for example before shipment or starting in the stage), so come to obtain remaining configuration from server through network.Note in this example, can come pre-configured all network equipments, so it is pre-configured to use simple relatively process, less data acquisition system and the lower personnel of technical merit to carry out batch when needed with same name information.

[0052] in another embodiment, manufacturer or provider can advantageously open network equipment canister, this network equipment is programmed to entity determined IP address or server by this alternate network equipment of purchase send message.In another embodiment; The entity that wherein need change the inefficacy network equipment has kept the stock of standby; This entity can programme alternate network equipment so that its know for each standby connect central authorities or other management-side server the IP address that should get in touch; Then, this entity takes out standby simply from stock, and it is shipped to the place that needs it.If before producing the demand of substituting, programme, so just do not relate to emergency, generally do not have reason to require network manager or IT expert's participation yet.Attention need be programmed in alternate network equipment or store only is the IP address of the server that will get in touch, and other configuration information downloads to this equipment when mounted.Therefore, the network manager can, for example, buy 10 switches and be used as substituting standby and use, come each switch is programmed with the used server ip address of request, it is subsequent use that they are put back to the standby frame.Need not customize, because wherein in a single day each be mounted all and can receiving obtaining entire arrangement information after its request responding for their final position.

[0053] in case the management-side server receives request message, it identifies the network equipment (the initial evaluation of for example using the exclusive hardware identifier of the network equipment to carry out) of initiation request alternatively, and sends configuration information to the equipment of initiation request.Therefore, will be understood that in fact disposing this alternate network equipment does not need the expert.

[0054] although may come configuration device based on device identification, in some implementations, based on for example Equipment Serial Number, secure ID (SID) or other sign related with physical hardware is set up or configuration device maybe may not be favourable.Although may do like this, it may not be effective as other method of the configuration of devices that lost efficacy before duplicating.This is a kind of reasonable plan, also possibly under a lot of network configuration environment, belong to preferred version.

[0055] yet; In other cases; When this inefficacy occurs; It possibly be preferred that the disabling devices that alternate device is carried out being substituted with it carries out identical setting up (or basic identical, as to need or benefit from this processing is rised in value when changing in some hardware, firmware or software version variation).In a kind of realization, have that a group network collocation strategy is set up to be used for whole or partial in, configuration and operational network equipment.These strategies it is also conceivable that specific device identification or use device type or other characteristic.Therefore; According to an embodiment; Will not interrelate, but will interrelate, perhaps as alternative the configuration of the alternate device of disabling devices and physical location or position to the configuration of alternate device and the physical label that is associated with this equipment; Interrelate with the strategy that is applied to the equipment in this position or environment, so that its operation suitably and with miscellaneous equipment in environment and this physical location or the environment is associated.Will be understood that the strategy that is applied to configuration of devices and operation also can be considered the characteristic of equipment itself.One of attribute of the general network that is associated with physical location is subnet address and Internet protocol (IP) address that is associated with address and subnet.Use this localized information, can dispose alternate device based on the standard strategy of the equipment that is applied to the of the same type or similar type in this position or the environment (perhaps, alternatively, custom strategies).Different equipment such as wireless network switch can receive the configuration information that is different from wireless router or access point, but according to strategy, possibly confirm in one type or one-level equipment that how configuration should be, but not device identification separately itself.For example, the position can refer to specific company's office location or building, town or other political area under one's jurisdiction, specific operation like the research laboratory of research and development in the complex to being arranged in the storage facilities of same complex.Security feature possibly comprise the network insertion tabulation, also can be a kind of configuration based on strategy.Therefore, the place relevant with strategy and the notion of position also can be the difference in functionality sexualities on the same position.

[0056] ability of configure network devices is based on its physical identity or be applied to the basis that the association of this locational equipment changes, and perhaps even based on the combination of equipment identities with strategy, wherein each all provides extra benefit and the flexibility that substitutes.

[0057] embodiment of the network equipment such as wireless network switch can operate with server interaction, this server for example the Zhuo Si network of California Puleston make based on RingMaster ^TMServer and network software, perhaps operate configuration device and automatically set up (bring up) through network configured equipment and network system with other server and/or software interactive.

[0058] in a kind of realization; Provide system, equipment and method to allow the needs that are in a position are disposed so that the network equipment that on network, moves carries out the configuration of automatic touchless or basic touchless; Wherein, participate in or participation at the scene that need not technical staff, information technology (IT) keeper or other housebroken expert.The setter that the operation of touchless refers to the network equipment only needs is connected to communication link with this network equipment, and for example wired or wireless Ethernet or other can arrive the network of source of configuration.General this information source can be the webserver (the management-side server of having addressed for example), and said network can be or comprise the Internet that is connected to this network equipment through Ethernet cable or wireless equivalent.In case this network equipment is connected to the network that can arrive or be connected to this configuration information source; Thereby and the energising of this network equipment its start self operating system in case as this type network equipment as the network switch move, this network equipment is programmed to get in touch with its configuration information source and obtains its configuration information and then need not any other help or intervention and being installed on the network voluntarily.In another embodiment; Must someone press (and continue alternatively to press) button or switch or other and be used to adjust the electricity or the mechanical device of logic state; So this network equipment will got in touch with the configuration information source by indication, but not use the configuration information that has been kept in this network equipment memory or the logic (if any).

[0059] is particularly advantageous in such situation in this respect; Wherein, for example, being positioned at lost efficacy and needed away from the locational network equipment in a place of the general headquarters' facility that has IT keeper or other IT technical staff to reside changes; Perhaps; Need in new facility, dispose a large amount of network equipments, even can send IT keeper or technical staff to accomplish deployment, the journey that it relates to and increased in field time and the expense brought is thus accomplished the related time of network design.Provide this two extreme situations; One of them relates to the inefficacy network equipment of single needs replacement; Whole network installed and disposed to another situation need in the place that one or more available IT experts are arranged or in the place that does not have available IT expert; According to following introduction, clearly, novelty system, equipment and method go for those situations between these two kinds of egregious cases.

[0060] since the structure of the novelty network equipment (for example can copy on the equipment of not limitting quantity; A hundreds of in practice or several thousand); The management-side webserver can be configured to this equipment with any amount and carry out interactive operation so that dispose this or these equipment; Relate generally to this management-side webserver and single network equipment owing to equipment is configured related method, process and communicates by letter at every turn, at first introduce and the device-dependent realization of single network.The introduction according to here will be understood that, this system can extend to and comprise and carry out interactive operation with any a plurality of equipment, comprises such as the system that only has several equipment, and even has tens, a network configuration of hundreds of even several thousand equipment.In addition, treat that network configured equipment can belong to different physical type, can need various network configuration, also can be in different physical locations, more than only lift several possible different situations.

[0061] primary tactful these two of introducing configure network devices.First kind of strategy design is disposed this network equipment based on the physical characteristic of equipment, and this physical characteristic is Equipment Serial Number, IP address of equipment, safe ID or other sign that is associated with the physical hardware of this network equipment arbitrarily for example.These configuration means become configuration or the IBC based on identity.Second kind of strategy relates to the network equipments configuration of carrying out based on one or more available network strategies, and wherein, for instance, this strategy can be specific to the position that this network equipment is mounted or substitutes.This network strategy it is also conceivable that types of network equipment, and/or other physics of this network equipment or functional aspect.At least part this second kind of configuration Network Based or management strategy is called the configuration (PBC) based on strategy.Can use one or more strategies to select, generate or confirm to send to the configuration information or the data acquisition system of particular network device (the main network equipment); Said one or more strategy can also be used for confirming to send to through particular network (the main network equipment) configuration information or the data acquisition system of miscellaneous equipment, and said miscellaneous equipment possibly comprise other network equipment (auxiliary device or adjunct network device) that links to each other with this network equipment.As an example, as far as the network switch as the main network equipment, access point apparatus is exactly an adjunct network device.

[0062] all sharing some common structural, functional and operational aspects based on the configuration of identity with based on the configuration of strategy, so as much as possible, will introduce together, and introduce its difference when needed both.Yet, will be clearly, based on the configuration means of strategy than only having some special advantages based on the means of identity.This narrative mode will provide the understanding best to the novelty aspect to the reader, and the understanding of the various distortion that the technology of introducing among this paper is supported is provided.

[0063] memory is with reference to the example of Fig. 1; A kind of enforcement comprises two basic hardware elements; The network equipment 108 that needs configuration information 126; With other source of server 104 or configuration information 107, this network equipment 108 can for example communicate with other source of this server 104 or configuration information 107 on the Internet or other network at communication link 124, ask 122 these server places storages (for example based on equipment identities) or generate (for example; Based on strategy predetermined or that dynamically confirm) configuration information 124, thus this configuration information is sent to the particular network device 108 of this request of initiation via this communication link.

[0064] graphic extension among Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of a Wireless Communication Equipment; This Wireless Communication Equipment has the embedded model selection button on the outer surface that is exposed to switch; So a people can stay primary importance with this this switch and keep continuing to be kept at the configuration in this equipment, thereby perhaps in energising, startup or other reset process, press configuration data or the information that this button makes that this device request is new.

[0065] referring to Fig. 3, show the alternative of system among Fig. 1, wherein show to refinement other management system 204 and equipment 108.Fig. 3 embodiment is included in the structure of only moving and existing with the configuration (IBC) based on identity under some situation; For example configuration store database and question blank; Or the structure of only moving or being stored in configuration (PBC) embodiment based on strategy; For example based on the configuration maker 210 of configuration with strategy, any structure wherein all can be considered selectable unit; But in some implementations, these two kinds of results exist simultaneously, so the network manager just has several kinds of selections, the flexibility of that option of the most suitable network equipments configuration at that time of selection are arranged also.It should be noted that this system and equipment can come human configuration arbitrary network equipment through this server or to the local interface of this equipment alternatively.

[0066] this embodiment that is used for the inventive process of configuration device will introduce with reference to Fig. 4 in this angle from the network equipment 108.As previously mentioned, one of advantage of the system equipment of this novelty and method is exactly its ability that need not just can the network equipment is connected and be configured to by skilled or trained IT keeper network.For example Ethernet also just can configure network devices to this equipment energising (step 304) possibly to require only need physical network device to be connected to network.Then, this process reads internal unit configuration start-up mode state (step 306).This start-up mode state confirms whether this network equipment 108 has had and stored this equipment and hoped the configuration information that keeps and use, or this network equipment 108 does not have configuration information or hopes to obtain to upgrade or new configuration information.In a kind of realization, this start-up mode state is label, bit, byte, maybe can discerns any other indications of first and second states.If should indication identification first state, this equipment will be taked to move and ask and obtain new configuration information from external source such as management system 204 side servers 206.But if should indication discern second state, then this equipment will can not asked configuration information, and keep its existing and stored configuration information.

[0067] is designated as second state that is in when the start-up mode state; Represent that need obtain to upgrade or the not new configuration information of this equipment; Equipment side process 302 provides the network equipment 108 can and use the old configuration information that continues storage to continue the operation (step 320) on network in operation on the network, and the equipment side process finishes (step 330).

[0068] is in first state when the start-up mode state is designated as, representes that this equipment need obtain initial, that upgrade or new configuration information and send (step 310) obtains configuration from real system request.In a kind of realization, use " disposing me " message that said request to configuration is sent to management system side server 206.Alternatively but advantageously, use based on authentication or other authentication (step 322) of certificate to message transmitted between this network equipment and this management-side system and encrypt 312 (at least for sensitive informations) and carry out communicating by letter between the network equipment 108 and the management system 204.

[0069] is to be understood that; Authentication (step 322) and encryption (step 312) are very important for the maintenance safe network; Maybe possibly comprise like secret informations such as keys because comprised in the agreement of using in configuration information itself and the network; In a single day these secret informations are decrypted and by other people are known, network faces will be attacked and dangerous.Yet, will be understood that authentication is not that this novelty system, equipment or method operation institute are essential with encrypting, authentication is the optional feature that the careful network architecture and manager can be applied protecting network with encrypting.

[0070] there be the authentication and the encryption that can on mutual meaning, be activated.For example, the mutual authentication in both sides can prevent that some people from getting into from the outside and extract configuration data from management server.The management-side server uses the authentication based on certificate to the network equipment; With guarantee to have only the network equipment of being trusted based on the certificate granting certificate by this management server just can be allowed to this management server dialogue or with this management server communication, especially ask to obtain configuration information to server through transmission " disposing me " message.(when management system and network equipment dialogue) can be used the encryption based on Secure Sockets Layer(SSL) in the other direction, so, can carry out the authentication based on the user name cipher mechanism, has the right so to do to guarantee the administrative mechanism that is disposing this network equipment.This can be carried out once by the keeper, so why management system has known voucher that this management system is used for disposing safely this network equipment.Therefore; Will be understood that; The system of this novelty, equipment and method not only provide very strong flexibility, and it can also kept safety and provide all message or wherein in the environment of the subclass mutual servers/devices authentication of encrypting of definition, use.

[0071] then, this network equipment 108 is waited for management system side server 206 response and said requested configuration informations.Be to be understood that; This management system side server 206 can forms identical or that some is different be preserved configuration information 208 when being sent to this network equipment 108 with this configuration information 208, and the network equipment 108 can be and different forms or form band (format band) when still preserving the configuration information that receives and being received with it.This management system 204 can also or have and stores different configuration informations as alternative ground, and the network equipment 108 detects and store configuration information thus.Be independent of the configuration information that can use the network equipment on the management system side server 206 and the difference between 108 configuration informations of storing and using of the network equipment; Be to be understood that; The network equipment receives and stored configuration information satisfies its demand for configuration information fully, so that this network equipment can operation in a desired manner on network.

[0072] if do not receive the configuration information of being asked in the given time, the equipment side process 302 of novelty will be submitted new request or inquiry (step 314) to and continues to detect to the reception of requested configuration information and/or initiate the once new request of this configuration information is satisfied until request for this information.This equipment side process 302 can also be alternatively but is advantageously comprised at the server place any configuration information that receives is carried out authentication (step 324), and when configuration information and/or the message followed are encrypted, needs deciphering., hereinafter will no longer do more specifically and introduce known in the art based on the verification process of encryption, deciphering and certificate authority.

[0073] in a single day receives configuration information, will be saved in this configuration information (step 318) in the memory or other storage tool on the network equipment 108.Next, will when network equipment operation needs, (step 320) read and use this configuration information, this equipment side process 302 finishes (step 330).

[0074] introduces corresponding management-side process 401 referring now to Fig. 5.Will be understood that; Can serve maybe with before this configuration information transmission or being delivered to the network equipment of initiation request in management-side system 204; This configuration information must on this network system side server 206 be available (only if; According to an alternative, after the request of receiving, generate this configuration information immediately or in real time or basically in real time).Therefore, this management-side process 401 comprises the step of preparation and stored data base, and this database can be the database of tabling look-up, and it confirms configuration information for each physical network device ID (step 401).

[0075] configuration information strategy Network Based confirm or the alternative that provides in; For example; This database can comprise or use one or more strategies, and said one or more strategies are used for to provide or generate appropriate configurations information for the network equipment of said initiation request based on network strategy that is associated with the network equipment of initiation request and parameter.For example; Can possibly include but not limited to the parameter that strategy together uses: location parameter, device type parameter, facility level parameter; Office or position specific function parameter; Or other parameter or the characteristic of this network equipment, network equipment place, network equipment position, or the combination in any of these parameters, it can together make with strategy and be used for confirming the most appropriate configuration information that generates that will read from memory for the use of the network equipment or instant.

[0076] said network had the configuring information of network appliance of storage before receiving request; Maybe can generate suitable network equipments configuration for the network equipment of initiation request; Said network can (step 403) send after receiving configuring request, preferably with push mode configuration information is sent to the network equipment.Therefore; This server is that configuring request (step 403) to be received is waited for a circulation; When receiving the request of configuration device (step 405), the request (step 407) that receives of authentication equipment identities sign Network Based again (step 409) or network strategy (step 411) determine whether and send configuration information to the equipment of initiation request alternatively for it.For based on the configuration (IBC) of identity or based on the configuration (PCB) of strategy, the configuration information that provide can obtain by the database lookup process or by the configuration information generative process, wherein said generation is only carried out after receiving configuration request.

[0077] uses this device specific sign to identify appropriate configurations based on the configuration (IBC) of identity, or receive at this server and saidly to generate appropriate configurations for the equipment of initiation request after to the request of configuration information from the available data storehouse that has generated that receives this configuring request.In one embodiment; Said configuration based on strategy (PBC) mainly depends on one or more strategies predefined or that dynamically confirm; Said Policy description; For example, the network equipment group of the network equipment of networks of different type equipment, different stage or other parameter property definition will as the different functions group deploy in different office location, company or the enterprise of company or layout or according to any Else Rule set or policy deployment or when arranging can as how consistent (or different) mode dispose.

[0078] in one embodiment, above-mentioned distinctive sign can select do be selected from below the sign or the identifier combination arbitrarily of corresponding to sign set: Equipment Serial Number, Internet protocol IP address, media interviews control (MAC) address, set of service sign (SSID) and two or more combination in any wherein.

[0079] is independent of the type of the configuration information that will send; Configuration information is optional but advantageously through encrypting, thereby prevents that unauthorized side from carrying out undelegated decoding and to the configuration information visit (step 419) of (wherein possibly comprise the secret information such as key, agreement or the like).At last, the management-side system server sends (step 421) configuration information to the equipment of initiation request, and it alternatively but advantageously have authentication.To on non-safety chain, transmit when any information wherein, and for example on the Internet 120 or other non-safety or PERCOM peripheral communication framework, transmit, encryption and/or authentication are all especially favourable.Authentication is all optional with encryption, although careful network management selects to encrypt and often require at least the mutual authentication of management-side and equipment side usually.

[0080] the management-side server can wait for alternatively that the requesting party acknowledges receipt of the configuration information (step 423) that sends, and then this management-side process finishes (step 430).

[0081] in a kind of realization, alternatively but advantageously provide configuration successful indication.In one embodiment; After the management-side system receives the configuring request from remote network equipment; It is the controlled state of internal conversion remote network equipment at once or at the fixed time, so network operator, keeper or other entity (people or machine) receive the indication of said remote network equipment successful request or failure.Final effect is if automatic configuring request and response interaction success; The operator will see that this place (for example has first state; Success status) or become " green ", perhaps, if should request and the mutual failure of response; The operator will see that this place has second state (for example, status of fail) or becomes " red ".In one embodiment, can generate and show through the success of this network equipment of graphic user interface or other expression or figure, symbol or the literal of status of fail alternatively.This management system also provides the remote request tabulation of failure alternatively and allows the user that it is diagnosed.

[0082] in a kind of realization; To management-side configuration server 106 request configuration informations, this management-side configuration server can be set up a formation, so configuration request will be put into this formation according to the order that is received like a plurality of network equipments; Each request is by sequentially; So first configuration request is placed on the stem of formation, at first come to send configuration information to the network equipment of initiation request for this first configuration request, then handle each request one by one with the reception order.Other realization can, for example, priority is provided, so confirm as the particular request with higher priority will break away from they reception order and be processed.Can realize priority based on any amount factor.For example, server can based on indicate for example device identification, this request from Internet protocol address and/or other factors identify the configuring request that obtain higher priority.Configuration request can be known by server as the state of high priority requests, and need not that server is deciphered, authentication or open or this request message of basic handling is confirmed priority state.

[0083] briefly introduced from server to network equipment transmission, download or propelling movement configuring information of network appliance; The network equipment also need dispose with other or the coupling of the network equipment of configuration information or the situation of communicating by letter under, the system of novelty, equipment and method also provide other function and advantage.

[0084] for example, request network configured device coupled can connect via Ethernet to server and the network equipment and receives configuration information.In addition; Any adjunct network device of the network equipment 108 that is called the initiation request of the main network equipment at this that is connected to; These adjunct network devices itself can receive their configuration information from the main network equipment, and the request that the main network equipment is initiated to the management-side server can and will be included as arbitrarily in a preferred embodiment and all are connected to the request of the adjunct network device request configuration information of this main network equipment.

[0085] especially; The main network equipment initiating initial configuration request is under the situation of the network switch; This management-side server will not be merely this network switch configuration information will be provided, and also can configuration information be provided for coupling or the access point (AP) or the mobile access point (MP) that are connected to (maybe possibly being coupled or being connected to) this main network equipment or switch.This is optional implicit not to be merely the network equipment main or initiation request also for this main network equipment coupling or be connected to the configuration request that other auxiliary device of this main network equipment carries out, the burden that can reduce the quantity of the request of carrying out fully and on the webserver 206, produce thus.

[0086] means for switch and the ability that the access point that is connected to switch obtains configuration information simultaneously; With any human configuration or the network manager is long-range but non real-time or off-line carry out replys configuration and compare, the process of setting up and dispose whole network will more convenient and greatly simplification.In addition; For after the request of receiving, generating equipment identities Network Based or based on the realization of the configuration information of strategy; The completion whenever that generates above that algorithm, process and the strategy of network configuration information set can be before they be required, and when disposing or arranging the network equipment, get involved without any need for programming personnel or network manager with the place.

[0087] in each instance; This means since each network equipment through physical connection and energising; It can " be called out starting point (call home) " or get in touch given automotive engine system side server 206; Ask its configuration information, and be that the network of standard receives own configuration information, in a few times in second, accomplish the actual disposition that is coupled to this network equipment and with this capital equipment or is connected to any adjunct network device of this capital equipment.Even decision intactly (for example connects all; 100 or more) network equipment but up to the scheduled time just to they energisings; Each is configured to ask the network equipment of initial or new configuration information to beam back message to system server with secured fashion, and hopes that its request meets with a response in can be in a few minutes to ten minute.The queue mechanism at server place notices that the request that receives simultaneously, the reception of these requests are or perhaps are in time than from database, obtaining and to send or generate and send the response message that contains configuration information more approaching.

[0088] clearly, this automatic configuration is not merely the installation faster and to one's profit of single network equipment and gets ready, and also has to expand to a large amount of unique advantages new or alternate device and efficient.

[0089] embodiment of the network equipment 106 of memory novelty can comprise two-state button and/or switch; It should be sent out to be designated fully at the network equipment and start or " launching " or " forbidding " request configuration information during energising, and it can be that this network equipment represent that " launching " or " forbidding " starts or the state that disposes is asked in the energising back that software can be provided with and reset the state of putting.

[0090] in one embodiment, in the shell of this network equipment or depression on the annex or hole, button is provided.Advantageously, this button caves in, so can not pressed by mistake under the situation that especially this network equipment has been switched in the process of this equipment of deployment.Can use the button or the switch of any kind.In some were realized, the degree of depth of this button depression made and needs little sharp objects for example clip tip or electric wire come near this button and change its state.In one embodiment, temporarily press when this button only need or start in energising, in further embodiments, this button need be held one to the several seconds in energising or start-up course, make it have Expected Results thereby activate this button.

[0091] in one embodiment, continue to safeguard in this equipment of this network equipment maintenance or non-volatile the current configuration settings of storing, be pressed in the energising of equipment or in starting up to button 116.Can in this equipment, realize a kind of default alternative, wherein the configuration that please look for novelty of the network equipment 108 is pressed until this button, but this default condition is not preferred, because cause increase and unnecessary burden possibly for management-side server 106.

[0092] software or firmware Set Status can be used to make the network equipment 108 to ask configuration information for this equipment (also for through should main (initiation request) equipment being connected to the miscellaneous equipment of network) with being equal to.In one embodiment, the start-up mode state is set to launch (or when making this network equipment and load software/firmware, or when preparation machine is disposed or installed), so when this network equipment is mounted and switch on first, it can ask to dispose.When after this startup or energising, this start-up mode state is changed to forbidding, so will keep the configuration information that is loaded in advance in this network equipment.In one embodiment, this start-up mode state only just changes forbidding into from launching when configuration information successfully is loaded in this equipment.In one embodiment, in when energising but not start or start-up phase by the button of lower recess, will be reset to predetermined configuration to this network equipment, for example producer's acquiescence or replacement condition.

[0093] be appreciated that the configuration based on identity or strategy based on database or question blank according to introduction provided herein, database or question blank information can be at configuration information by any time input database or question blanks before actual needs or the request.Therefore, can information be inserted database or question blank at deployment system former hours, several days, a few week or some months.The layout of said information or storage can be accomplished in non real-time, so, do not need IT or network manager to give special heed to.Said information or wherein arbitrary portion confirm, arrange and storage also can be accomplished by third party or contractor.Some responsive information of character can be by the entity of being trusted in later joining database or question blank.

[0094] as if originally some other ubiquitous system and method can come partly self-configuration to local set through the button of pressing on the device outer surface.Yet these systems generally come work through the local wireless signal that meets 802.11 standards that exists in the testing environment.The equipment that comprises wireless access point device by the same manufactured of making wireless router can be communicated by letter with this wireless router under certain conditions; And, confirm that these two equipment can be so as to the setting that communicates based on the intercommunication mutually between this wireless router device and this wireless access point device.These systems can not be automatically send message via connecting to come like Ethernet to remote server, for they itself and alternatively for being connected to their miscellaneous equipment request network configuration.The further feature that equipment that these are commonly used or method for building up all are not provided at this introduction.

[0095] is to be understood that; At least because this network equipment receives configuration information to the specified server request of sending, have a responsibility for defining the entity (the for example authorized network manager of company) of the configuration information (no matter be stored in advance in the existing database or after the request of receiving and generate) that will send to every network equipment and can select only configuration information at this moment.In addition, this configuration information can be at the server place as requested or need and change every now and then.In addition; These network equipments itself can be by control by this way; Wherein when needs or requirement change, new configuring information of network appliance is pushed or is downloaded to this equipment, and perhaps server or other entity meeting pass-along message or order guide this network equipment when start next time; Or at specific date and time, or the configuration of that ask to upgrade according to other strategy, that change or replacement.

[0096] a kind of management-side server possibly need the existing situation at the network equipment that moves of change to be, this network equipment has by DHCP mechanism or the initial network ip address that obtains of DHCP.This association of DHCP changes the devices allocation dynamic IP addressing on the network into, even can support mixing of static and dynamic IP addressing.

[0097] may become in problem or the unquestioned example in the existence of some uses, may need the all-network equipment on the network to use static ip address to move based on the network equipment of the IP address of DHCP.Therefore, in a kind of realization, this management-side system configuration server will distribute fixed ip address for the network equipment of initiation request, even act normally and be no problem in this its IP address based on DHCP of network equipment use.The network equipment that also might allow to have fixed ip address obtains DHCP IP address, but is not concerned about this situation especially at this.

[0098] in a kind of realization, this network equipment sends configuration request to this server, and server receives this request with the mode of describing in this specification.The special domain of this request is checked in that this management-side server can then be checked specific territory, program command (statement) or this request message (or any annex of this request message) or wherein other data or indication.For instance, these territories can comprise each or the combination in any in the following: the residing current IP address of this equipment, and to discern this equipment be to dispose the indication that obtains its current IP address from DHCP or through static ip address.If this management-side system confirms that the network equipment of this initiation request has static ip address and it hopes that this network equipment continues to possess static IP address; It can not carry out any operation so that this static address remains unchanged; Perhaps distribute another static ip address and send it to this network equipment with requested configuration information, this network equipment and this management-side (comprising this management-side server) will use said another static ip address with communicating by letter therebetween afterwards.On the other hand; If this management-side system confirms the equipment of said initiation request and is using dhcp address and hoping that this network equipment uses static ip address that it can (to this DHCP IP address) send the network equipment use that desirable new static ip address supplies said initiation request in this configuration information.After this this new static ip address will be used to communicating by letter between other entity on this network equipment and this management-side server or the network.

[0099] the single network equipment or a plurality of network equipment use and seek the IP address like DHCP and have considerable flexibility; This allows them at first to appear on the network and sends and receive internet message and the IP address that need not to be associated with all the time the specific I P address or dynamically confirm, changes the management-side system is satisfied in its IP address to for example management-side static ip address preference subsequently.Therefore said system and method also comprises the management-side intelligent assembly; For instance; This this management-side of intelligent assembly permission is recognized an initial message (or follow-up message) and is utilized the specific IP address based on DHCP to come this management-side server; Utilize current specific IP address to send new configuring information of network appliance, be included in newly assigned static ip address in this configuration information and come to carry out communicating by letter afterwards with this network equipment so then upgrade its record or its use of information to the equipment of initiation request based on DHCP.

[00100] next pay close attention to this novelty the network equipment some other and/or other characteristic or characteristic.

[00101] this network equipment itself (for example in the wireless network exchange switch) must identify when to go for when it starts and ask and obtain its configuration information, and when does not remove to obtain this configuration information.Advantageously, this network equipment is not thought going to obtain once more configuration behind (although not getting rid of this operation) or the contingent each power supply trouble behind each the startup.Possibly there is not any problem in this for this equipment itself or network or server; If but in about 200 network equipments in facility each all goes for the configuration information of looking for novelty behind the interim power supply trouble in summer of sweltering heat, can increase burden to other content that the network traffics on the network, processing and/or this server provide.For this is handled; This network equipment starts or the start situation, and little button, bifurcation key, switch or other are used for when starting state will be started at request configuration information first state (launching) and the button of not asking to change between configuration information second state (forbidding) the special activation sequence or the program of this equipment disposition of reception.If place the second place left side of extended position (for example do not press or) not start activation sequence or get around program code, will be in addition to external source request configuration information.This allows this network equipment such as switch or uses its existing sets of configuration data, perhaps replacement at any time and obtain and obtain new sets of configuration data (" conifig ").Notice that the computer software order can be used to change the state of the logic of the label of storage, mark, data item or other this physical switch identical function of realization.

[00102] in addition; If available network manager or other people or entity are arranged, it can understand the network equipment program or the data of storing in the network equipment but alternatively; And can be before the network equipment be sent to the installation site (start-up mode before the shipment is set) or said network equipment program or data are changed at this erecting bed (the start-up mode setting before installing) of living in; This people's volume can the capable interface of utility command (CLI) be provided with the automatic configuring request pattern (like, " disposing me " or " straight transportation and sales are sold " pattern, existing configuration mode is relative with keeping) that gets into this network equipment; So no longer need in start and automatic start-up course, press the button; Only need to connect network and connect (for example Ethernet cable) and power supply is provided, in addition, this disposes automation fully automatically and need not to touch.In other words, exist in the software of the network equipment with button and press the mechanism that mechanism is equal to mutually, it is provided with this start-up mode or causes (for example, in other logic of processor, ASIC or the network equipment) executive software and/or firmware in this network equipment.For example; In one embodiment, special software command is arranged, for example " be provided with automatic configuration=launch "; In case it is set up and this network equipment band automatically and disposed=launch this startup is set, this network equipment will be when starting for the first time the request configuration information.After starting for the first time, this disposes automatically and is activated, and this pattern is got back to forbidding, so start afterwards will can not cause new configuration request.As described herein; This means if alternate network equipment is shipped to a place do not have or the remote location of technical support of minimum level is only arranged before just be provided with automatic configuration=" launching "; Only need replace inoperative component, comprise and extract and insert again simple Ethernet cable and power line with this substitutions of elements.When the start of this substitutions of elements, it can detect the pattern of the automatic configuration that has been provided with in this equipment=launch, and makes this alternate network equipment obtain its oneself configuration information from network.Carry out the personnel that this time substitute and need not have professional knowledge, and what can not know to take place fully.This is just the same simple with the telephone set that inserts a standard basically.

[00103] in one embodiment, in case it has obtained oneself configuration information, data or file, this automatic configuration settings can be disabled, so when it starts, will not need outwards its configuration of request acquisition once more next time.In another embodiment, in case configuration is set to launch automatically, it will keep this setting until changing or resetting, so this equipment will request obtain its configuration when each the startup.These means are also not preferred, because can unnecessarily increase the burden on network and the server.

[00104] computer program and computer program can comprise procedural model, and procedural model has to be used for carrying out at processing logic realizes the instruction of inventive process as herein described and process and optional data and/or parameter.For example; Introduce among this paper and can be used as running software in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and the illustrated method of Fig. 5 exemplified; This software is carried out in the processor of this network equipment or processing logic; Or carry out, or carry out by the combination of the two by the processor of management-side or processing logic such as management-side server computer (management-side process).The memory that plural types of processings device, microprocessor, ASICs and be connected or are coupled can should be used for realizing required Processing tasks in this management-side server and the network equipment.

[00105] in a kind of realization, the network equipment is the agreement based on XML on the http with the employed agreement of communicating by letter between the management-side server.The scheme of this novelty can also or change use as alternative ground with other Languages or association, such as but not limited to, SNMP, and CMET or any other agreement, and need not with the XML operation or be limited to XML.

[00106] Fig. 6 has described have the partly independently system 600 of local network device related with wide area WLAN strategy.This system 600 comprises the wireless lan (wlan) management engine 602 that is coupled to first network 604.Comprise among the embodiment of wireless network that at this first network 604 this WLAN management engine 602 can managing network device, for example wireless exchange board on first network 604 and access point (APs).

[00107] in the example of Fig. 6, first network 604 is coupled to wide area network (WAN) 606.This WAN 606 can comprise such as but not limited to the Internet.The network of the use specific protocol that used term " the Internet " refers to be formed by network among this paper; This specific protocol is ICP/IP protocol for example; Also possibly be the HTTP(Hypertext Transport Protocol) that other agreement for example is used for the HTML(Hypertext Markup Language) document, this html document mark World Wide Web (WWW) (this network).The physical connection of the Internet and the agreement of the Internet and transmission course are known as far as those skilled in the relevant art.If WLAN management engine 602 can pass WAN 606 and manage WLAN, then this WLAN management engine 602 can be managed wide area WLAN.

[00108] in the example of Fig. 6, second network 608 is coupled to first network through WAN 606.AP controller 610, AP612 and etwork service engine 614 be coupled to second network, 608 these parts can generically become this second network 608 " on ".Can carry out in the realization of wide area WLAN management at WLAN management engine 602, this WLAN management engine 602 can be managed the one or more network equipments on this second network 608.If WLAN management engine 602 gives the network equipment with certain autonomous power, when making its operation for example the time need not at WLAN management engine 602 places authentication, the network equipment on second network 608 can be called as " part is independent ".This is favourable for being avoided the delay on the WAN 606, because of some reason (because problem or other reachability problem of first network 604, WAN 606, second network 608, WLAN management engine 602) then especially favourable when forfeiture is connective.

[00109] AP controller 610 can comprise wireless exchange board and to " intelligence (intelligence) " of AP 612.AP 612 may comprise the function that does not seldom even comprise AP controller 610; In this realization, AP can be called " fool (dumb) AP ".AP 612 may comprise the part or all of intelligence of AP controller 610; In this realization, AP can be called as " intelligent AP ".Have all AP of intelligence of controller for those, will not need controller.Therefore, AP controller 610 can be regarded as AP 612 " part " under some situation.Some AP than other AP more " clever " depend on that the function that can put into controller has and how much be placed into AP.

[00110] in a kind of realization, this AP controller 610 (reach other network components, for example AP 612, as available) physically places the place that is associated with second network 608." physically place " and represent that this second network 608 and AP controller 610 are in the not homonymy of WAN 606 than first network 604 and WLAN management engine 602.

[00111] in a kind of realization, this AP controller 610 (and other network components, for example AP 612, as available) when physically placing with place that this second network 608 is associated at first without configuration.The electricity operation energy is provided for the operation that this network equipment starts the computer program sequence; This computer program sequence generates a piece of news, and this message comprises network equipment identity information and the request of asking to be sent to this network equipment via this WAN by WLAN management engine 602 sets of configuration data of this network equipment.This AP controller 610 (and other network components, for example AP 612, as available) can have distinctive sign, this sign is encoded or is represented by electronic signature or numerical data.When WLAN management engine 602 received the request that has this peculiar sign, this WLAN management engine 602 provided the configuration data of the network equipment that is suitable for being identified through WAN 606.Advantageously, once configuration by this way, will need not use WAN606 from the flow of the resource of visit second network 608 of AP 612 to second networks 608.

[00112] in the example of Fig. 6, second network 608 can comprise a plurality of wireless transmissions and/or receiving node.Among this paper such node is called AP 612, can and/or realizes with technology changing although be to be understood that this term.For example, in point-to-point (ad-hoc) network, " AP " generally do not use a technical term.Consideration from simplified illustration; Owing in IEEE (IEEE) 802.11 standards, find relevant term to have no problem to those skilled in the art; The current version of IEEE 802.11 standards is cited and incorporates the application into; When wireless technology was discussed, preferential use generally was used for the term of 802.11 standards.Should be appreciated that and when relating to other wireless technology, can use other term.

[00113] used station among this paper can be called and has medium access control (MAC) address that meets IEEE 802.11 standards and to the equipment of physical layer (PHY) interface of wireless medium.Have these characteristics owing to meet the AP of 802.11 standards, AP is commonly called the station.Distinguish at needs under the situation at AP and non-AP station, AP can be called " AP " and stand and then be called " non-AP stands ".Usually; Stand and to meet any wireless standard or not meet arbitrary wireless standard; And have any known or common interfaces to wireless or other medium, although depend on standard, the station has the appellation outside " station " and has other interface to wireless or other medium.Each realization of enumerating to limit the station is difficult, can carry out the suitable computing equipment of network service but the some of them example comprises notebook, radio telephone, portable digital-assistant (PDA), desktop computer or any other.

[00114] depend on term and realization, AP comprises as the hardware cell that wireless mobile is connected to the communication backbone of wireless backbone.This can, for instance, make AP connect the user to other user in the network, and/or make AP serve as wireless lan (wlan) and be fixed with point interconnected between the spider lines.The needed AP quantity of given realization can depend on the size that wireless domains is required.For example, maybe be with the AP location so that they have covered the whole zone/space of wireless domains.The needed AP quantity of given realization can also depend on whether the data from these AP are used to obtain the snapshot of the position of subclass in wireless network at these stations or these stations; Usually, AP is The more the better, although have decreasing returns probably in some place.A kind of realization of AP; Such as but not limited to, comprise Zhuo Si network

transfer point (MOBILITY POINT)

(MP

) AP.A kind of realization of wireless domains; Such as but not limited to, comprise Zhuo Si network

smart mobile phone (SMART MOBILE ) (Zhuo Si smart mobile phone

) wireless domains.

[00115] be in operation, AP possibly use one or more transmitting sets to transmit and receive data usually.For example, AP can have the wireless device of two associations, and the one of which configuration is used for the 5GHz transmission, and another configuration is used for the 2.4GHz transmission.(other frequency band also is an acceptable.) in a non-limiting examples, AP connects to wireless station through Ethernet and sends and from the information of this wireless station received RF (RF) signal form.AP can send information and receive the information from said switched wireless switch to they related switched wireless switches.Connection to the second switched wireless switch provides redundancy.A kind of realization of switched wireless switch; Such as but not limited to, comprise that Zhuo Si network

moves exchange (MOBILITY EXCHANGE

) (MX

) switch.

[00116] this etwork service engine 614 can be provided services on the Internet to authorized station of being coupled to this second network 608.For the needs of graphic extension, this WLAN management engine 602 is in first side of WAN 606, and this etwork service engine 614 is positioned at second side of WAN 606 simultaneously, promptly is in homonymy with AP controller 610 with AP 612.This difference is relative; Because; In a kind of realization, dispose according to wide area (or " overall situation ") WLAN management system by WLAN management engine 602 such as AP controller 610 network equipments such as grade, but part is independent at least after configuration for local network device.So, will can not use WAN 606 from the flow of the Internet resources of AP 612 to second networks 608 access network services engines 614.In the example of Fig. 6, in when operation, standing 616 visits the Internet resources of etwork service engine 614 through AP 612.

[00117] Fig. 7 has described to be used to dispose the flow chart 700 of example of the method for part separate network equipment.In example shown in Figure 7, flow chart 700 starts from module 702, wherein provides to be connected to second network that is connected to first network through WAN, so that using with the place of second network associated.These Internet resources can be provided by for example etwork service engine.

[00118] in the example of Fig. 7, flow chart 700 proceeds to module 704, wherein will be not network configured equipment physically place the place with this second network associated, wherein this network equipment comprises distinctive sign.

[00119] in the example of Fig. 7, flow chart 700 proceeds to module 706, wherein provides the operation power supply to generate a piece of news, and this message comprises this peculiar sign and requires to send to this network equipment through this WAN the request of sets of configuration data.

[00120] in the example of Fig. 7, flow chart 700 proceeds to module 708, wherein receives sets of configuration data at network equipment place.Advantageously, module 706 and 708 helps the strategy at the wide area WLAN at the WLAN management engine place of being coupled to first network.In case receive this sets of configuration data, this network equipment can be configured oneself according to wide area WLAN strategy.Next it can at least partly be independent of the WLAN management engine and move.

[00121] in the example of Fig. 7, flow chart 700 finishes in module 710, wherein, in this locality flow is transferred second network of visiting Internet resources and not using WAN from AP.In this locality, the expression flow is transferred on second network; Need flow upwards not issued the WLAN management engine through WAN.

[00122] only if the requirement of clear from context ground otherwise spreads all over specification and claims, " comprising " and similar expression should be understood that the meaning that comprises, and opposite with exclusive or detailed meaning; That is to say, be interpreted as the meaning of " including but not limited to ".Use the literal of odd number or plural number numeral also can correspondingly comprise plural number or odd number numeral respectively.In addition, literal " this paper " " at this ", " more than ", " following " and literal with similar implication when being used for present patent application, should refer to that the application is whole, but not any specific part of the application.

[00123] above detailed description is not really wanted to accomplish limit or the present invention is limited to above-mentioned concrete form.Introduced specific embodiment of the present invention and example for purpose for example in the preceding text, can recognize, also possibly have the various equivalent variations that fall into the scope of the invention like those skilled in the art.For example, when step is current with given order, can carry out program with other sequence of steps as the embodiment of alternative.Can be applied to other system in this instruction of the present invention that provides, and be not only for the system that addresses at this.Can merge at each embodiment of this introduction and to obtain further embodiment.Can carry out above-mentioned and other change to the present invention according to describing in detail.

[00124] above all references and United States Patent (USP) and patent application are cited and incorporate the application into.If necessary, can make amendment to each side of the present invention and realize system, function and the notion of above-mentioned each patent and patent application, further embodiment of the invention is provided.Can carry out above-mentioned and other change to the present invention according to above detailed description.Usually, used term should not be understood that the present invention is limited to disclosed certain embodiments in the specification in following claims, only if in above detailed description, clearly defined this term.Therefore, actual range of the present invention has covered disclosed embodiment and in the claim scope, has put into practice or realized equivalent way of the present invention with all.

[00125] presented some aspect of the present invention with specific claim form below, the inventor had deeply considered the various aspects of the present invention in any amount claim form.Therefore, the inventor increases the right that extra claim comes to obtain for others of the present invention extra claim form after being retained in and submitting the application to.

Claims (20)

1. method of at least one network facilities, disposing the network architecture, this method comprises:

Provide and be additional to the second network of network resource; For using with the place of this second network associated; Wherein first network is coupled to this second network through wide area network, and network management server is coupled to this first network and comes the managed wireless local area network network equipment;

To physically place the place with this second network associated without the access point controller of configuration, wherein this access point controller comprises specific identifier, and this specific identifier is encoded or is represented by electronic signature or numerical data;

To this access point controller the electricity operation energy is provided; Start the execution of computer program sequence; This computer program sequence generates message, and this message comprises this specific identifier and to sent the request of the sets of configuration data of this access point controller to this access point controller through this wide area network by the WLAN management server;

Receive sets of configuration data at this access point controller place from this WLAN management server;

To visit these Internet resources in this locality and need not to use the flow of this wide area network to deliver to this second network from the access point accent.

2. the method for claim 1; Wherein this sets of configuration data and parameter correlation join, and this parameter is selected from the group that comprises the following: the access point controller hardware identity proves, at least one said access point controller position and be applicable to this locational controller strategy, be applicable to the strategy of this locational access point controller, be applicable to strategy, and the combination of above-mentioned each item of this network equipment based on the strategy that is applicable to a network equipment and running environment thereof.

3. the method for claim 1, this method further comprises:

Dispose a plurality of access points without configuration that are connected to this access point controller, each access point has peculiar signs different in said a plurality of access points at least, and this sign is encoded or is represented by electronics or numerical data;

Receive the sets of configuration data of said a plurality of access points and the sets of configuration data of said access point controller;

4. the method for claim 1, wherein this sets of configuration data comprises expression configuration information source from DHCP or come from the pre-configured indication to this equipment, this indication is used when this sets of configuration data being sent to the equipment of initiation request.

5. method that is used to dispose second network that comprises at least one network equipment, wherein this second network is coupled to first network through wide area network, and this method comprises:

Receive at the facility place without the configuration or the wireless exchange board of complete configuration not, this wireless exchange board needs configuration information and network to carry out interactive operation;

The plug of network cable is connected to supporting connector on the outer surface of shell of this wireless exchange board, this network cable is coupled to network;

For this network switch provides electric energy; Start the program that is stored in this wireless exchange board; Said program is practicable for the following: (i) send configuration request message through the exterior arrangement information source of this wide area network on said first network; (ii) receive requested configuration information, and wherein at least a portion deposits this wireless exchange board in from said source through this wide area network;

Allow this wireless exchange board to use and saidly be connected to said network by request, the configuration information that receives and deposit in this wireless exchange board;

Wherein the flow of the accessing network resources from access point to this second network does not use this wide area network.

6. method as claimed in claim 5, wherein this configuration information comprises the configuration information that is used for this wireless exchange board and is coupled to the access point of this wireless exchange board.

7. method comprises:

Wherein, first network is coupled to second network through wide area network, and the wireless local network management system appends to said first network, and access point appends to said second network, and the network service appends to this second network and uses so that be the place of this second network associate;

The wireless exchange board of first beginning and end configuration is appended to said second network;

Be used to transfer delivery to put the request of data through this wide area network to this wireless local network management system transmission from said wireless exchange board;

Reception is from the response to described request of this wireless local network management system, comprising the switch configuration data at said wireless exchange board place;

In these these switch configuration data of wireless exchange board place storage, and dispose this wireless exchange board whereby;

Wherein, after having disposed this wireless exchange board, the flow from said access point to this this network service of second access to netwoks does not use this WLAN.

8. method comprises:

Provide to append to the second network of network resource, for using with the place of this second network associate, wherein this second network is connected to first network through wide area network;

Physically inserting a plurality of with the place of this second network associate without network configured equipment; Comprising access point and wireless exchange board, this access point has different process codings or the peculiar sign of being represented by electronic signature or numerical data separately with wireless exchange board;

Activate this wireless exchange board activity to asking configuration status;

On this wide area network, send request from this wireless exchange board to sets of configuration data to network equipment management server;

Receive sets of configuration data at this wireless exchange board place from this network equipment management server;

This sets of configuration data is loaded into the nonvolatile memory in this wireless exchange board, disposes this wireless exchange board whereby;

Wherein, after having disposed this wireless exchange board, the flow from said access point to this this network service of second access to netwoks does not use this wide area network.

9. method as claimed in claim 8 also comprises:

Wireless exchange board is coupled to network;

For this wireless exchange board provides electricity operation energy, start the computer program sequence, this computer program sequence generates the request to sets of configuration data, and described request comprises network equipment identity information;

Send the request to sets of configuration data from this wireless exchange board to said network, wherein this equipment identification information comprises the information in the set that is selected from the following: distinctive device identification, Equipment Serial Number, device internet protocol address, facility level, equipment place, device location, subnet mask, network identity, the device type that will dispose, software version sign, firmware version sign, manufacturer's data, the indication of DHCP source, pre-configured fixed address indication, sequence identifier, IP address, Media Access Control Address, set of service identify, reach the combination in any of above each item;

Receive and this device identification associated configuration data set, wherein this sets of configuration data comprise identification be allowed to from or the configuration information of the attribute of user through this wireless exchange board accesses network or customer equipment;

Obtain to define the configuration information that concerns between the miscellaneous equipment on this wireless exchange board and the network from said sets of configuration data.

10. method as claimed in claim 8 further comprises:

Be identified in the lasting nonvolatile memory that is coupled to this wireless exchange board by the recipient who discerns uniquely;

Send message through the recipient who discerns uniquely to said quilt and find management server.

11. method as claimed in claim 8 also comprises:

Send this sets of configuration data request according to mutual authentication and encryption/decryption policy;

Receive said sets of configuration data according to said mutual authentication and encryption/decryption policy;

Wherein said mutual certification policy comprises exchanges subscriber identity and password;

Wherein said encryption/decryption policy relates to the use of key.

12. method as claimed in claim 8 further comprises:

Change the state that is selected from the switch in the switches set that comprises the following: physical hardware switch, the physical button that when this wireless exchange board startup, is pressed, physical button, logic switch and the software switch that when this wireless exchange board is started shooting, is pressed, the state that wherein changes this switch has activated request sets of configuration data state;

The state that changes this switch activates the sets of configuration data state of not asking.

13. a use that need not network management personnel's intervention comprises that the network equipment management server of the database that has configuration information comes the wireless exchange board on network to send the method based on the sets of configuration data of strategy, comprising:

Said network equipment management server is coupled to network;

Receive the sets of configuration data request at this network equipment management server place, described request comprises the device identification related with wireless exchange board;

The configuration information that is associated with this device identification that uses this device identification and be stored in this database to select or generate sets of configuration data for this wireless exchange board;

Respond said sets of configuration data request, send said sets of configuration data to this wireless exchange board.

14. method as claimed in claim 13 further comprises:

This sets of configuration data is deposited in the database that is associated with this device identification;

Be configured data base querying according at least one network configuration strategy and this device identification.

15. method as claimed in claim 13 further comprises with off-line or local mode this sets of configuration data is stored to this network equipment management server, and does not need this wireless exchange board is connected to said network.

16. method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said sets of configuration data is associated with the strategy that the running environment of the strategy that is applicable to this wireless exchange board and this wireless exchange board is associated.

17. method as claimed in claim 13; Wherein said sets of configuration data comprises expression configuration information source from DHCP or from the pre-configured indication to this wireless exchange board, and said indication is used when said sets of configuration data is sent to this wireless exchange board.

18. a wireless exchange board that disposes automatically comprises:

The nonvolatile memory that has device identification and recipient sign;

Logical circuit with FPGA state, first state wherein is with the configuration based on strategy of this recognition of devices for looking for novelty, and second state is to keep the configuration of having stored in this wireless exchange board with this recognition of devices;

Communication interface is used for when this wireless exchange board is in said first state:

The external equipment that is positioned at far-end to this recipient's identification associated sends the sets of configuration data request, and described request comprises this device identification;

Reception from the said external equipment that is positioned at far-end with this device identification associated configuration data set;

Config memory, wherein, when operation, this sets of configuration data is loaded into said config memory and helps automatically and need not the wireless exchange board that the local management personnel dispose this automatic configuration with getting involved,

Wherein, through configuration, the wireless exchange board of said automatic configuration for from the visit of local relatively access point relatively the flow of local Internet resources provide sufficient accent to send function.

19. equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein this external equipment that is positioned at far-end is through the wide area network location.

20. equipment as claimed in claim 18, wherein this equipment comprises shell, and this logical circuit comprises on-off switch, and said switch has the button that is used to change said state, and said button is exposed to or passes the surface of said shell.

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