Apparatus to operate and manage a consumer network device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include apparatuses for a console controller in a network device. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a console controller, a display module and an input module in a network device so that a user can view, enter, or program network or network device settings at the network device. In another embodiment, the present invention can be programmed to include automated out-of-the-box initial setup procedures to guide a user in the setup, management and operation of a network devices such a DSL/Cable modems or routers, VoIP routers, wireless access points or gateways with or without remote or onsite technical support or update services.

1 . In a network device comprising a network application and an operation and management interface, a control console comprising; 
 a console controller;    a display module; and,    an input module,    wherein said console controller is connected to said display module and said input module, wherein said console controller controls data and signals amongst the display module, the input module, and the network application, wherein the network application comprises; 
 at least one network or network device function component; and,  
 network or network device information;  
 wherein up to all of said network or network device function components of said network application can be controlled by said console controller through the operation and management interface, and wherein network or network device information can be displayed, set, stored or programmed at said network device.  
   
   
   
       2 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said console controller is an ASIC, a programmable microprocessor, or a software application.  
   
   
       3 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said display module comprises an alphanumeric display panel, a graphic display or a speaker.  
   
   
       4 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said input module comprises a plurality of single or multi purpose buttons, keys, dials touch pads.  
   
   
       5 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said input module comprises a voice recognition module.  
   
   
       6 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said console controller can be remotely accessed, prompted or programmed over a network protocol wherein a remote technical support or update service can send new information or programming to said network device with or without the need for user interaction through said display module and said input module.  
   
   
       7 . The control console of  claim 6  wherein said remote technical support or update service can be allowed access to said network device by prompting a user for approval.  
   
   
       8 . The control console of  claim 6  wherein said remote technical support or update service can be allowed access to said network device via a tunnel port or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.  
   
   
       9 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said console controller is programmed for an automatic initial setup procedure.  
   
   
       10 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said console controller is programmed for a semiautomatic initial setup procedure wherein a user is prompted to confirm or enter network configuration settings.  
   
   
       11 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said console controller is programmed to prompted the user if they would like to automatically connect to a remote technical support service for initial setup.  
   
   
       12 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said console controller is programmed to launch First Day of Service (FDS) procedure for configuration, activation and confirmation for pay, prepaid, or subscription based services.  
   
   
       13 . The control console of  claim 11  wherein said pay, prepaid or subscription based service is cable television, internet access, pay-per-view services, video on demand services, or VoIP telephony services.  
   
   
       14 . The control console of  claim 1  wherein said console controller is programmed to deliver messages, advertisements or offers for services on said display module, wherein a user can interact or confirm purchases at said input module.