Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Remote data accessing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-05
2001-02-27
Meky, Moustafa M. (Department: 2757)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Remote data accessing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06195689
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the field of web-based apparatus and methods for controlling provisioning servers.
BACKGROUND ART
The day-to-day responsibility for maintaining and updating Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Bootstrap Protocol (BOOTP) provisioning servers can be labor intensive for a Multiple Subscriber Organization (MSO) service provider. Each provisioning server vendor provides a proprietary graphical user interface (GUI) and a unique database to allow the MSO personnel to control operations. A user may navigate through fifteen vendor GUI windows to set the necessary configurations on one provisioning server. Since having several provisioning servers from different vendors is common for the MSO service provider, the user must learn each vendor's GUI interface.
Furthermore, the settings entered into each vendor's GUI are stored locally on that vendor's provisioning server. This requires the MSO personnel to maintain each independent database in agreement with the every other database stored on the various provisioning servers manually. Database entries include primary and secondary network definitions, sub-network definitions, Domain Name System (DNS) configurations, Internet Protocol (IP) address management, Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server configuration, Message-Digest Algorithm 5 (MD5—a type of boot file) file building, network policy management, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) and legacy cable modem support, and support for various levels of service.
MSO service providers want a mechanism for distributed provisioning server management accessible to users at different levels of authorization, and at different physical locations. This mechanism includes a common user interface to streamline training and daily operations, and a central database that allows for automated checking and validation of additions, modifications and deletions, as well as report generation.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus and method for controlling network provisioning servers. Users are provided with a common user interface that is independent of each provisioning server vendor's unique graphical user interface. The common user interface makes present invention easy to learn and use. Tools are provided to allow the user to add, view, modify and delete parameters from network definitions, headend nodes, network policies, custom devices and static Internet Protocol addresses used by the provisioning servers. Tools are also provided to view, and modify top level network policy group definitions. The parameters are stored in records within a database. Locks are provided on the database as a whole, and for the individual records to prevent simultaneous changes by multiple users. Requested changes to the database are validated before being implemented. Reports can be generated from the information within the database. Access to various tool features is limited based upon a user level assigned to each authorized user. A log file provides a history of all user initiated transactions.
The present invention includes a web server program that allows the users access from anywhere on the networks. A configuration file is provided to adapt to any unique characteristics of the hosting computer. Customized Application Program Interface code provides communications with provisioning servers from different vendors.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method that provides a common user interface to a provisioning system having one or more provisioning servers. The present invention includes a tool application program that allows the user to add, view, modify and delete policies from the provisioning system.
Another object is to provide a central database for storing the records provided by the user. This central database allows for automated checking and validation of the records, and provides a source of information for report generation.
Another object is to provide a server program that provides a standard set of protocols to facilitate communications with users anywhere on the networks.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the user with an interface to add, view, modify and delete headend nodes, network definitions, custom devices, and static Internet Protocol addresses from the provisioning system.
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patent: 5414809 (1995-05-01), Hogan et al.
patent: 5692181 (1997-11-01), Anand et al.
patent: 5897635 (1999-04-01), Torres et al.
patent: 6031904 (2000-02-01), An et al.
patent: 6035300 (2000-03-01), Cason et al.
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
MediaOne Group Inc.
Meky Moustafa M.
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