Network configuration management for networked client devices using a distributed ledger service

Abstract

A system and method for managing a plurality of network-enabled client devices such as networking equipment and Internet of Things (IoT) devices which employs a distributed ledger, or blockchain, to store network configuration information for each client device. Access to the distributed ledger may be provided through a proxy computing system that is configured to exchange control messages with the client devices. Network configuration information is defined in smart contracts stored in the distributed ledger which are executed on registration of the network-enabled client device in the distributed ledger.

1 . A method for configuring a networking device, the method comprising:
 storing, in a distributed ledger, a smart contract defining network configuration information for the networking device, the networking device being in an unconfigured state when initially deployed in a network;   after the networking device is deployed in the network, registering the networking device in the distributed ledger and executing the smart contract; and   transmitting output from execution of the smart contract for receipt by the networking device, the output comprising the network configuration information for the networking device.