Systems and methods for remotely maintaining network devices

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically configuring, managing, and maintaining a network device or VPN using a public network such as the Internet. Initial configuration of a network device or VPN occurs upon a user entering minimal information via a simple HTML page. After receipt of this minimal information, the present invention automatically configures the network device or VPN without user intervention. Thereafter, a user may modify the network device or VPN configuration via an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand graphical user interface. Parameters are presented such that a user simply checks and unchecks boxes, or clicks on radio buttons, to configure network device parameters. Upon completion of the selection, the user clicks on save, and the configuration is automatically modified. In addition, upon a significant change to any network device, the changed network device automatically initiates reconfiguration of the network device or VPN with zero input from a user.

1 - 4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 : A method for remotely maintaining a network device, said method comprising the steps of: 
 transmitting maintenance data to at least one management device;    creating at least one configuration file at said management device;    automatically establishing a communication between said management device and one or more of said network devices via at least one network connection of at least one network; and    transmitting said configuration file from said management device to said network device via said network connection;    wherein at least one parameter of said network device is automatically configured upon local processing of said configuration file.    
   
   
       6 : A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said maintenance data is at least one of the group consisting of virus definitions, block lists, policies, and firmware.  
   
   
       7 : A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said network device is at least one of the group consisting of a broadband device, a router, a modem, a switch, and a wireless gateway.  
   
   
       8 : A method according to  claim 5 , said method further comprising the steps of: 
 encoding said configuration file; and    encrypting said configuration file;    wherein said encoding and said encrypting occur prior to transmission of said configuration file via said network.    
   
   
       9 : A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said maintenance data is input via a user interface coupled to said network device.  
   
   
       10 : A method according to  claim 9 , wherein said user interface is at least one of the group consisting of a personal computer, a personal data assistant, and a network-equipped appliance.  
   
   
       11 : A method according to  claim 9 , wherein said coupling of said user interface to said network device is at least one of the group consisting of a cable, an Ethernet cable, a wireless connection, a local area network, a wide area network, and an Internet connection.  
   
   
       12 : A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said network connection is at least one of the group consisting of a wireless connection, a cable connection, a digital subscriber line, and a telephone line.  
   
   
       13 : A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said network is at least one of the group consisting of an Internet and a wide area network.  
   
   
       14 : A method according to  claim 5 , wherein a configuration transfer tool integral to said management device creates and transmits said configuration file to said network device.  
   
   
       15 : A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said local processing of said configuration file includes the steps of: 
 extracting configuration data from said configuration file; and    writing said configuration data to at least one storage location of said network device;    wherein at least one daemon executed by said network device retrieves and processes at least a portion of said configuration data contained in said storage location.    
   
   
       16 : A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said local processing of said configuration file includes the steps of: 
 decrypting said configuration file;    decoding said configuration file;    extracting configuration data from said configuration file; and    writing said configuration data to at least one storage location of said network device;    wherein at least one daemon executed by said network device retrieves and processes at least a portion of said configuration data contained in said storage location.    
   
   
       17 : A method according to  claim 5 , said method further comprising the step of: authenticating a communication channel prior to said establishing of said communication between said management device and said network device.  
   
   
       18 : A method according to  claim 17 , wherein said authenticating is performed using at least one of the group consisting of IP security, secure sockets layer, passwords, digital certificates, smart cards, biometrics, and dynamic biometrics.  
   
   
       19 : A method according to  claim 5 , wherein said transmitting maintenance data to at least one of said management devices includes the sub-steps of: 
 transmitting said maintenance data to a master device; and    transmitting said maintenance data from said master device to at least one of said management devices.