Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Network computer configuring
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-18
2001-09-25
Dinh, Dung C. (Department: 2153)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Network computer configuring
C709S221000, C709S222000, C709S223000, C709S224000, C709S225000, C709S205000, C709S241000, C709S241000, C709S241000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295556
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to computers and computer networks, and more particularly to an improved method and system for connecting computers to computer networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computer users are interacting with networks on an ever-increasing basis. However, setting up a computer to connect to a network can be a daunting task, as in order to set up a connection, a user presently needs to work with a highly technical user interface that requires the user to understand a networking implementation model. In general, to configure a computer for networking, a computer user needs to manually modify discrete network configuration options, typically installing, binding and setting property values of a protocol stack of networking components. At the same time, implementation constructs such as “adapters,” “protocols,” “services” and “bindings” fail to inform the user what purpose they serve, and are therefore mostly incomprehensible or at least extremely intimidating to an average user.
Nevertheless, to properly configure a computer for connecting to a network, a user has to select the correct option for each, which at times may vary depending on the setting of another option. For example, a particular protocol may have to be used with a particular type of client software. As a result, the manual, direct configuration of networking parameters is prone to a substantial amount of user error, and support calls for assistance on network configuration are many and long.
Moreover, computer networking presently assumes a static networking configuration that is established once and used thereafter without change. However, this model has inherent drawbacks as computers are increasingly required to interact differently with networks based upon changing network topologies, changing computer locations, changes in user demands and so on. For example, a user may connect to a Local Area Network (LAN) at the office, and to a Wide Area Network (WAN) at home. If using the same physical computer at both locations, the user needs to reconfigure that computer each time the other type of connection is to be made. Even if not using the same physical computer, the user is presented with wholly independent and unique user interfaces for each type of connection, further compounding the already difficult configuration process.
OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a system and method that simplifies network configuration.
In accomplishing that objective, it is a related objective to replace the static network configuration model with a model of networking that is connection-based.
Another objective is to provide a method and system as characterized above that enables the user to configure a connection to a selected network in a substantially less complex manner.
Yet another objective is to provide a user interface that presents differing networking methods in a heterogeneous way.
Still another objective is to provide a method and system of the above kind that allows a user to easily alter a network configuration of a computer with less chance of error.
Another objective is to provide a method and system that automatically reconciles selected configuration options with actual components available on a particular computer system.
Briefly, the present invention provides a method and system of configuring a computer to connect to different networks. A user interface is provided for receiving input from the user, the input identifying a network and its configuration information. The configuration information is independently saved for each different network by writing the information into a data structure maintained in a non-volatile storage, such as by independently storing object class information and parameter data in a file of a file system for each network connection.
To connect the computer to a selected network, the configuration information is retrieved from the data structure corresponding to the selected network, and the connection is made by applying the retrieved information and parameter values to the system's running configuration. A process is also provided to reconcile network components described in the connection object with the network components actually present on the computer system.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
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Red Hat Software, Inc., “Red Hat Linux 5.0, The Official Red Hat Linux Installation Guide,” Oct. 1997, http://www.redhat.com/corp/support/manuals/archive/rhl-5.0-installation-guide-html/rhl-5.0-installation-guidps.gz downloaded May 21, 1999.
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Falcon Stephen R.
Miller Michael C.
Dinh Dung C.
Le Hieu C.
Michalik & Wylie PLLC
Microsoft Corporation
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