Method and apparatus for integrated provisioning of a network device with configuration information and identity certification
US7386721B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/0823
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
According to one aspect, a provisioning server comprises a configuration module that configures a network device and an identification certification module that certifies the identity of the network device. With use of the provisioning server, the network device does not require configuration with network connectivity in order to obtain its certified identity. In one embodiment, configuration module configures the device for operation at the device's point of deployment in a network. In one embodiment, the identity certification module is configured to generate a digital certificate for the network device and the configuration module is configured to automatically configure the network device based on its digital certificate. The provisioning server is coupled to the network device with a secure communication link. As a result, a more trusted network device is ultimately deployed into its network of operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.