TWI454919B - Managing a converged device that is capable of communicating with a plurality of connections - Google Patents

Description

Technology for managing collection devices that can use multiple wired communications Field of invention

This patent application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/028,291, filed by Osvaldo Diaz et al., with the agent number 200801137-1 and entitled "Converged Device Management for Service Continuity" (in 2008) Priority and benefits of the application submitted on February 13.

This patent application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/028, No. 319, filed by Osvaldo Diaz et al., having the agent number 200801140-1 and entitled "Remote Management with Translation Between OMA-DM and WSMAN" (Priority and benefit from filing on February 13, 2008).

This patent application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/028, No. 313, filed by Osvaldo Diaz et al., having the agent number 200801143-1 and entitled "Hosted Management Server Supporting Multiple Management Frameworks" (in 2008) Priority and benefits of the application on February 13th.

This patent application is related to a PCT patent application (filed on October 31, 2008) in the co-examination of the serial number PCT/US2008/081931 by Osvaldo Diaz et al., the USPTO as the PCT patent application Received and titled "Managing A Converged Device That Is Capable Of Communicating With A Plurality Of Connections" and with agent number 200801137-2 and assigned to this The assignee of the application.

This patent application is related to a PCT patent application (filed on October 31, 2008) in the co-examination of the serial number PCT/US2008/081934 filed by Osvaldo Diaz et al., the USPTO The recipient is entitled "Providing Manageability to an Electronic Device That Supports Location Limited Manageability Functionality" and the assignee with the agent number 200801140-2 and assigned to the present application.

This patent application is related to the PCT application (filed on October 31, 2008) in the co-examination of serial number PCT/US2008/081949 by Osvaldo Diaz et al., for which the USPTO serves as the receiving office. The title is "Managing Electronic Devices with Different Types of Device Location Limited Device Management Clients" and the assignee with the agent number 200801143-2 and assigned to the present application.

Background of the invention

As electronic devices become more common, there is a need for electronic devices with more capabilities. For example, people want their mobile phones to not only make calls, but also to take photos and provide movie viewing. As part of providing more capabilities, devices that can communicate through more than one type of connection are being manufactured. Devices that use more than one type of wire are referred to as "pooling" devices. An example of a collection device is a mobile phone capable of communicating over a 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) network or a Wi Fi (Wireless Fidelity) network.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for managing a collection electronic device that can communicate with a plurality of connections is provided, the method comprising the steps of: when the collection electronic device uses a first connection communication, Collecting a first configuration associated with the electronic device; detecting an event associated with the collection electronic device and indicating that a second connection can provide a higher service level for the collection electronic device; when the collection electronic device uses the In the second connection communication, a second configuration to be used for the collection electronic device is determined; and the second configuration is used when the collection electronic device uses the second connection communication.

Simple illustration

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in the claims

1 is a block diagram of a system for managing a collection electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment.

2 is a flow chart of a method for managing a collection electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment.

3 is a block diagram of a system for translating functionality between a location agnostic device management entity and a location constrained entity, in accordance with an embodiment.

4 is a block diagram of a system for translating functionality between a location agnostic entity and a location constrained entity, in accordance with another embodiment.

Figure 5 depicts a block diagram of one example of a type of computer that can be used or used to implement the various embodiments discussed herein in accordance with various embodiments discussed herein.

The drawings referred to in this description are not to scale unless otherwise specified.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Detailed references to various embodiments of the invention will now be realized, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the embodiments of the invention. In addition, many specific details are set forth in the following description of the various embodiments of the invention. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary obscuring the various aspects of the invention.

Devices that use more than one type of wire are referred to as "pooling" devices. An example of a collection device is a mobile phone that can communicate over a 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) network or a Wi Fi (Wireless Fidelity) network. Managing collection devices involves some special issues. For example, a 3GPP network and a Wi Fi network provide different service levels, such as different baud rates, which may cost different amounts of usage. A 3GPP network can provide a higher baud rate than a Wi Fi network, but it can also cost more. For this description, assume that the 3GPP network provides a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps), while the Wi Fi network provides 20 fps. Assume that the user has There is a collection of mobile phones that can communicate over a 3GPP network or Wi Fi network. When outside the user's home, the user watches the movie on the mobile phone through the 3GPP network. After the user returns home (with a Wi Fi capable router at home), the user continues to watch the movie on his mobile phone. The Wi Fi network can be used to deliver movies because the user is at home. If the 3GPP network continues to be used to deliver the movie, even if the Wi Fi network is available, the user will pay more than if the movie was delivered on the Wi Fi network.

According to an embodiment, a configuration is used when a sink device is using a wired communication. Continuing with the example, the configuration of the 3GPP network will indicate that the 3GPP network can provide 30 fps. The configuration using a collection device can be transmitted to the service provider of the movie. The service provider uses this configuration to determine which service level is available for the current connection. Examples of service levels include, but are not limited to, the baud rate and the amount of service spent. Continuing with the example, the service provider delivers the movie at 30 fps according to this configuration for the 3GPP network. When an event indicating that a higher service level is available through a new connection is detected, the configuration of the new connection is determined. Continuing with the example, the fact that the user has moved within the scope of the Wi Fi network is an example of one of the detected events. The Wi Fi network can provide movies at a lower cost, which for this example is considered a higher service level. The configuration for this new connection was decided. This new configuration is used when the collection electronics use this new configuration communication. Continuing with the example, it is indicated that the Wi Fi network can be determined by a new configuration for transmitting movies at 20 fps. This new configuration can be transmitted to the service provider of the movie as part of the delivery of the service to adjust the movie. E.g, The new configuration indicating that the Wi Fi network can deliver the movie at 20 fps is transmitted to the service provider of the movie. The service provider then uses the new configuration to adjust the service delivery of the movie to the mobile phone.

1 is a block diagram of a system for managing a collection electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment. The blocks representing the features in FIG. 1 may be configured differently than illustrated, and additional or fewer features may be implemented as described herein. Additionally, the features represented by the blocks in Figure 1 can be combined in various ways. System 100 can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof.

The system 100 depicts a collection electronic device 110, a service provider 140, a management server 150, and two networks 132, 134. The collection electronic device 110 includes a device 120 for managing the collection electronic device 110. The aggregation electronic device 110, the service provider 140, and the management server 150 are capable of communicating over any of the networks 132, 134.

The device 120 includes an event detector 122 (also referred to herein as an "event detector") that manages a collection of electronic devices using a plurality of configurations to adjust service delivery, using a plurality of configuration management to adjust service delivery. A configuration determiner 124 (also referred to herein as a "configuration decider") of a collection of electronic devices, and a configuration communicator 126 for managing a collection of electronic devices using a plurality of configurations for adjusting service delivery (here) Also known as the "configuration communicator"). The event detector 122 is configured to detect an event associated with the collection electronic device 110, wherein the event indicates that a connection can provide a higher service level, such as is currently provided for the collection electronic device 110 Deliver media at a different baud rate or at a different cost. The configuration decider 124 is assembled for use in the collection The electronic device 110 determines which configuration will be used for the collection electronic device 110 when communicating using the connection. The configuration communicator 126 is configured to communicate the determined configuration to a service provider 140 to provide service levels that the connection can provide.

According to various embodiments, the aggregation electronic device 110 is managed. A collection electronic device 110 can be a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a laptop, or a PDA. The collection electronic device 110 may be a device used in the home (also referred to herein as a "home device"), such as a router, a gateway, a modem, a kitchen appliance, a television, and a video box ( Sct-top-box), a computer, a printer, a medium-sized femtocell base station, a gaming device connectable to a network or another electronic device, and a laptop computer. The collection electronic device 110 can be a device for working (also referred to herein as a "work device"), such as a router, a modem, a gateway, a computer, a laptop, and a Telephone, a PDA, and a printer. Work devices can be associated with companies or businesses that traditionally provide information technology or do not provide information technology. The company can be a small, medium or large company. The collection electronic device 110 can be a computer based device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer or a server device. The collection electronic device 110 can be a client device or a server device.

The collection electronics 110 in accordance with an embodiment provides more than one type of connection. For example, the aggregation electronic device 110 can be a mobile phone that can communicate over a 3GPP network or a Wi Fi network. In another example, the aggregation electronic device 110 can be a mobile phone that communicates over a 3GPP network and Wi Max (Wireless Fidelity Maximized) network. In another example, the electronic device 110 may be a collection can be used 802.11Wi Fi and 2.5 / 3G cellular communications with a service provider a laptop (such as T-Mobile ^TM) communication.

The collection electronics 110 can be used to provide any type of service to the user. The service is typically delivered to the aggregation electronic device 110 in the form of media. According to various embodiments, the media may be a visual visual medium, an audible audio medium, or a visual and audible audio visual medium. For example, the media can be listenable music, can be a readable web page, or can be a viewable and viewable video. The media can be rich meida. Rich media is a term that can be used to refer to video, high-quality content, or high-quality materials.

Service provider 140 is any provider that is capable of providing services, such as providing media. For example, the service provider 140 may provide music, movies, web pages that provide information such as stock quotes, web pages that enable users to interact with other services, such as web pages that cause users to sell or purchase stocks, and the like.

Examples of service providers 140 include, but are not limited to ^{Apple ITunes TM, ATT wireless TM,} Google Picasa TM, Hewlett Packard TM TM, Snapfish TM and Verizon ^TM.

The collection electronics 110 in accordance with an embodiment provides more than one type of connection. The connection can be a network 132, 134 or a carrier. Examples of networks 132, 134 are 3GPP networks, Wi Fi networks, Wi Max networks, switched networks, and the like. Carrier is a type of connection. For example, T-Mobile ^TM provide 802.11 Wi Fi and 2.5 / 3G cellular communications in the form of a pair of carrying.

Connections provide different levels of service. For example, a 3GPP connection and a Wi Fi connection can provide media at different baud rates and also cost different amounts.

According to an embodiment, a configuration is associated with a type of connection. A configuration can be used to convey a service level, such as the rate or cost that the network or carrier can provide for delivering media. According to an embodiment, an event indicating a new connection has become available to the collection electronic device 110.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of configurations may be used to adjust the delivery of a service to the ability to spoof the collection electronic device 110, the ability to connect one of the collection electronic devices 110, etc. A part of the standard. For example, when the aggregation electronic device 110 is to use a different network or a different carrier, the configuration used by the aggregation electronic device 110 and the service provider 140 can be changed.

A configuration can include various types of information that can be used, for example, to adjust a portion of a service to a collection of electronic devices 110. For example, a configuration may include information about the capabilities of the aggregation electronic device 110, information about a connection, service consumption characteristics of a network or carrier, and quality of service (QoS). Examples of the capabilities of a connection include minimum bandwidth and recommended bandwidth. The QoS information associated with a configuration may include the minimum QoS or a recommended QoS.

When a collection of electronic devices 110 has been manufactured, the collection of electronic devices 110 may have been assembled by a related configuration, by a company that sells the collection of electronic devices, or the collection of electronic devices 110 may be, for example, from a management server 150 It will become more obvious to get multiple configurations.

Different connections generated by different networks 132, 134 or different carriers can provide services at different levels. According to an embodiment, the new configuration is used when a new configuration provides a higher service level.

According to an embodiment, a strategy for determining whether a new connection can provide a higher service level is used. For example, a user may specify in a policy that they often want to switch from a switched network to a Wi Fi network (if a Wi Fi network becomes available) to take advantage of the cost savings provided by Wi Fi. In another example, the user can specify in a policy that he wants to switch from a switched network to a Wi Fi network if the Wi Fi network can provide a certain bandwidth specified by the user.

The policy can be specified by the user. However, the preset policy can also be provided by, for example, a management server 150, which will become more apparent. The preset policy may also be installed on the collection electronic device 110 by, for example, a manufacturer of the collection electronic device 110, or installed by a company that sells the collection electronic device 110. According to an embodiment, the user may use a preset policy as a basis for generating a policy specified by a user. For example, a user can generate a user-specified policy by modifying a few criteria associated with a base policy.

A higher service level can be determined outside of a policy. For example, when a new connection becomes available, the aggregation electronic device 110 can display a message asking the user if they want to switch to the new connection. The user can decide whether the new connection will provide them with a higher service level and then respond to the message accordingly. According to an embodiment, the user specifies the policy and the user responds with a message to decide whether or not to use a new connection. The person decides whether the new connection provides an example of a higher service level.

When deciding whether a new connection provides a higher service level, multiple suggestions can be provided to the user. The suggestions may be used as part of the message that the user responds to, or the user generates a portion of the policy specified by the user. The user may be offered advice in the form of a displayed message, or provided as part of a user interface. The suggestions may exist on the collection electronic device 110 or may exist external to the collection electronic device 110, such as a management server 150 or a website.

A management platform definition software (also referred to herein as an "entity") can be developed according to one embodiment. An entity is typically a management entity that manages another entity (also referred to as a "managed entity") and, in extension, manages the devices on which a managed device exists. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the management server 150 is an example of a management entity, and the aggregation electronic device 110 is an example of a managed entity. Entities that comply with the relevant management platform can communicate with one another using a corresponding management protocol (also referred to herein as a "device management agreement"). Although many embodiments are described in terms of entities that are software, entities that conform to the management platform can also be implemented with hardware or firmware, or a combination of any two or more of software, hardware, or firmware.

Examples of management platforms with corresponding management agreements are Open Action Alliance Device Management (OMA-DM), Network Service Management (WSMAN), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Technical Requirements - 069 (TR-069) and TR -111. Entities typically use communication protocols such as TCI-IP to communicate information that conforms to their respective management agreements to enable a managed entity to manage a managed entity. As will become more apparent, the management platform and its respective tubes The rationality agreement may be that the location is agnostic and the live location is limited.

The location agnostic device management is associated with the management device 110 regardless of where the device 110 is located. The location agnostic protocol is a management protocol that can be used to communicate between the management server 150 and the device 110, regardless of where the device 110 is located. According to an embodiment, the location agnostic protocol is based on the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Extensible Markup Language (XML), which may be, for example, a protocol used by a telephone. The location agnostic protocol allows a portion of the communication to be transmitted over the Internet and can be initiated using, for example, a Short Message Service (SMS). Location agnostic protocols can be used, for example, by one or more mobile phone base stations and the Internet. An example of a location agnostic protocol is the Open Action Alliance Device Management (OMA-DM) protocol.

Because the location agnostic protocol can be used to communicate via one or more mobile phone base stations and the Internet, location agnostic protocols can be used to communicate with the electronic device 110 regardless of where it is located. For example, a location agnostic protocol can be used to communicate with the electronic device 110, even when the electronic device is moving. In another example, a location agnostic protocol can be used to communicate with the electronic device 110, wherein the electronic device 110 is behind a NAT, behind a firewall, or behind a gateway.

The location agnostic entity may be, for example, a client or a server 150 present on the aggregation electronic device 110 and others that conform to a location agnostic management platform such as OMA-DM. A minimized interface, such as commonly referred to as a "proxy client," can be used to provide a location-agnostic client on the aggregation electronic device 110 and elsewhere for the purpose of managing the collection electronic device 110 regardless of where it is located.

Electronic device 110 associated with a trusted environment may have location-limited device management associated therewith. The location limited device management is associated with the management device 110, but limits the location of the devices. That is, location limited device management can only be used to manage device 110, and such devices 110 are in a particular physical or electronic (network) location. For example, device 110 may be limited to a network associated with a business or a home. The location constrained agreement is a management protocol for communicating with location limited customers on the electronic device 110, and the devices 110 are associated with a particular area or a particular network. Examples of location-restricted agreements are Network Service Management (WSMAN) ^TM , Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Technical Requirements-069 (TR-069), and TR-111.

Many electronic devices have traditionally been combined to communicate using location limited protocols. For example, many computer-based devices are assembled to use the WSMAN protocol. In another example, many chipsets are assembled to use the WSMAN protocol. In yet another example, many televisions are assembled to use TR-111. In yet another example, many routers and modems are combined to use TR-069.

The location-restricted entity can be a client or a server 150, and others that conform to a location-limited platform such as WSMAN, SNMP, TR-069, or TR-111. The location-restricted entity may reside on an electronic device 110, such as a mobile device, a television, a computer-based device, or a router.

According to an embodiment, the management server 150 provides a plurality of configurations for the aggregation electronic device 110. For example, the aggregation electronic device 110 can store a configuration regarding the connections associated with the collection electronic device 110. If the collection of electronics The device 110 allows 3GPP and Wi Fi, and the aggregation electronic device 110 may include configurations for 3GPP and Wi Fi. If the collection electronic device 110 does not have a configuration with respect to the connection associated therewith, the collection electronic device 110 according to an embodiment obtains the relevant configuration from the management server 150. In the case where the collection electronic device 110 has never had this configuration or if a configuration existing on the collection electronic device 110 is damaged and in other cases, the collection electronic device 110 can be slaved from the management server 150. Get a configuration.

According to an embodiment, the management server 150 is a location agnostic server. In this case, a mobile phone of a collection electronic device 110 can acquire a configuration from the management server 150, regardless of where the mobile phone 110 is placed, which will become more apparent.

According to an embodiment, the management server 150 communicates with a plurality of location-agnostic clients, wherein the location-agnostic clients are associated with the aggregation electronic device 110. The location-agnostic clients associated with the collection electronics 110 may be light weight. For example, such location agnostic customers may only implement a set of commands for obtaining a configuration.

The management server 150 can provide a preset policy for the aggregation electronic device 110, wherein the policies are used as part of determining whether a new connection can provide a higher service level. For example, the management server 150 can communicate a preset policy to the collection electronic device 110 that it manages.

2 is a flow chart of a method for managing a collection electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment. Although specific steps are disclosed in flowchart 200, the steps are exemplary. That is, embodiments of the present invention are well suited to perform various other steps or variations of the steps described in flowchart 200. It will be appreciated that the steps in flowchart 200 may be performed in a different order than that presented, and not all of the steps in flowchart 200 may be performed.

The following description will refer to Figs. 1 and 2.

It is assumed that the aggregation electronic device 110 is a mobile phone capable of communicating using a 3GPP network (honeycomb) and a Wi Fi network. Assume that network 132 is a 3GPP network and network 134 is a Wi Fi network. Assume that the owner of the mobile phone 110 has a router in its Wi Fi capable house. Initially, the user uses his mobile phone 110 outside of his house, and thus the mobile phone 110 communicates using the 3GPP network 132. Assume that the 3GPP network 132 can be 30 frames per second (fps) and the Wi Fi network 134 can be 20 fps.

When the user turns on the power of his mobile phone 110 outside of his house, the event detector 122 detects that the mobile phone 110 is turned on and that the 3GPP network 132 is available for use with the mobile phone 110. The configuration determiner 124 sets a 3GPP configuration associated with the 3GPP network 132. The mobile phone 110 does not currently receive a service level, so the 3GPP configuration can provide a higher level of service than the service level currently available to the mobile phone 110. The configuration communicator 126 transmits the 3GPP configuration to any service provider 140 from which the user is interested in obtaining service. For example, assume that the user is interested in watching a movie on his mobile phone 110. In this case, the 3GPP configuration is transmitted to the movie service provider 140, and the movie service provider 140 provides the movie based on the 3GPP configuration.

At 210, the method begins.

At 220, a first configuration is used. For example, in this description, the 3GPP configuration is a first configuration. The 3GPP configuration indicates, for example, service consumption capabilities, and others suitable for the 3GPP network 132 being used. The 3GPP configuration indicates that the 3GPP network 132 is capable of providing 30 fps for communication.

At 230, an event was detected. For example, a user enters their house with their Wi Fi capable router set up in the house. The event detector 122 associated with the mobile phone 110 detects that the Wi Fi network 134 can be extended using the Wi Fi capable router. According to an embodiment, various operating system (OS) calls can be used as part of detecting a new network or carrying that has become available. The (or such) OS calls used are based on the OS. For example, in a personal computer (PC), there is a standard OS call that can be used to detect a portion of a new Internet Protocol (IP) address. In general, the OS detects that a new network or carrier is available, first in the order of a local area network (LAN) or cable, followed by Wi Fi, and then third in 3G.

A decision is made as to whether the Wi Fi network 134 can provide a higher level of service. For example, the mobile phone 110 can display a message asking the user if they want to switch to the Wi Fi network 134. In another example, a user-specified policy can be used to determine whether the user has specified that the Wi Fi network 134 will provide them with a higher service level than the 3GPP network. In another example, a predetermined policy can be used to determine if the Wi Fi network 134 will provide a higher service level. Suggestions are available to the user. For example, suggestions can be provided to the user in the form of displayed messages. The suggestions may be present at the collection electronic device 110 or may exist external to the collection electronic device 110, such as at the management server 150. In yet another example, the OS can decide whether to switch from a carrier or carrier to a newly detected carrier or carrier.

Continuing with the description, assume that the Wi Fi network 134 provides a higher level of service because the use of the Wi Fi network 134 movie can be delivered to the mobile phone 110 more cheaply than with the 3GPP network 132.

At 240, a second configuration is determined. For example, the Wi Fi network 134 can provide different service spending capabilities and the like for mobile phones. The configuration determiner 124 associated with the mobile phone 110 determines which configuration will be used to provide appropriate service spending capabilities, etc., for the mobile phone 110 as it communicates over Wi Fi. If the suitable configuration is not set on the mobile phone 110, the device 120 obtains the appropriate configuration from the management server 150. This suitable configuration for the Wi Fi network 134 will be referred to as the Wi Fi configuration and, in this description, "this second configuration."

At 250, the second configuration is used. For example, the configuration communicator 126 associated with the mobile phone 110 transmits the Wi Fi configuration (eg, "second configuration") to the service provider 140. This second configuration indicates that the Wi Fi network 134 is capable of providing 20 fps. Therefore, the service provider 140 adjusts the delivery of the movie from 30 fps to 20 fps based on the second configuration.

At 260, the method ends.

The above description refers to the switching configuration as a new connection becomes available. However, various embodiments can be used to switch configurations because the current connection is no longer available. Continuing with the example, assume that the user's router is no longer available because it encounters a problem. In this case, the two options will interrupt the provision of the movie or use the 3GPP network 132 to provide the movie. According to an embodiment, using the 3GPP network 132 to provide a movie is interrupted by the movie offer A higher service level. The 3GPP configuration can be transmitted to the service provider 140, and the service provider 140 can use the 3GPP configuration to adjust the delivery of the movie to 30 fps or the like.

Many examples of various embodiments are in the context of a network that is a network 132, 134. However, various embodiments are also associated with a carrier that is carried. For example, T-Mobile ^TM has two types of carry, which T-Mobile ^TM carrying through such services. These two types of carrier are 802.11. Wi Fi and 2.5G/3G. The capabilities on each type of connection (or carrier) are significantly different. If the electronic device 110 with a collection changes, whereby, for example, will be affected by reduced Wi Fi (go down), the embodiment in accordance with various embodiments, the electronic device 110 and the collection of T-Mobile ^TM service provider 140 may use a 2.5G / 3G configuration. Used as a part of the 2.5G / 3G configuration, the T-Mobile ^TM web service provider infrastructure 140 to be before switching to the 2.5G / 3G to a video stream carrying a smaller resolution transcoding .

Management can be provided to the electronic devices by assembling the electronic devices and diagnosing problems associated with the electronic devices. When the electronic device moves outside the area where the electronic device is assembled for use, the electronic device using the location-limited client ("location limited" will be used herein to refer to "device location limited management") loses its management. ability. The network in which the electronic device is assembled for use is an example of a region in which the electronic device is limited by the location of the electronic device communicating with a location limited server through the network. Provide manageability.

Various embodiments are related to providing manageability for an electronic device that supports location limited manageability functions even when the electronic device moves outside of the area. For example, a location-agnostic entity capable of providing management regardless of where the electronic device is located ("Location Agnostic" will be used herein to refer to "Device Location Agnostic Device Management") can be installed on the electronic device. . Both the location agnostic entity associated with the electronic device and the location constrained entity provide multiple functions. The function A provided by the location agnostic entity may provide management capabilities similar to the functionality A ' associated with the location-restricted entity, wherein the location-restricted entity is associated with the electronic entity. Thus, according to an embodiment, the mapping between the functionality of the location-agnostic entity and the functionality of the location-restricted entity is used as part of providing manageability, even if the electronic device moves outside of an area, this becomes more apparent .

Conventionally, an electronic device behind a Network Address Translation Table (NAT) cannot be used on the other end of the Network Address Translation Table (NAT) and provides a managed entity communication. However, various embodiments enable management of an electronic device behind a NAT by communicating with a management entity on the other end of the NAT. In another example, a conventional electronic device can only be managed when it is associated with a certain network. The electronic device may or may not be behind a firewall. However, various embodiments enable the electronic device to be managed as it leaves the network. Various embodiments are also applicable to electronic devices that are never part of a traditional IT network, such as mobile phones. Various embodiments are also applicable to devices that span between a traditional enterprise environment and a non-traditional IT enterprise environment. Various embodiments are also applicable to devices of small or medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) that do not have traditional IT support capabilities. Thus, the various embodiments are well suited for home devices that may be behind a NAT or a firewall or a combination thereof, or a work device or the like that may be behind a firewall.

3 is a block diagram of a system 300 for a location agnostic device management entity (also referred to as a "location agnostic entity") and a location limited device management entity (also referred to as a location agnostic device). Translation function between "location restricted entities"). The blocks representing the features in FIG. 3 may be arranged differently than illustrated, and additional or fewer features may be implemented as described herein. In addition, the features represented by the squares in FIG. 3 can be combined in various ways. The system 300 can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof.

The system 300 includes a mapping 340 between a location agnostic entity 310, a location constrained entity 330, functions associated with the two entities 310 and 330, and between the two entities 310 and 330 A translation device 320 of the translation function.

The entities 310, 330 can be clients or servers. The first connection 360 or the second connection 350 or the connection 360, 350 may be a communication connection on a network, or may be a communication connection existing in an electronic device. The first connection 360 or the second connection 350 or the connections 360, 350 may have Wi Fi capabilities.

Device 320 can be co-located with location agnostic entity 310. For example, device 320 and location-agnostic entity 310 may reside on the same server or on a network operations center (NOC). Both the location agnostic entity 310 and the device 320 can be associated with a data center of an IT enterprise or with a network server.

The device 320 can be co-located with the location constrained entity 330. For example, the device 320 and the location-restricted entity 330 can reside on an electronic client device.

The device 320, the location agnostic entity 310, and the location-restricted entity 330 may all be present on the same electronic device, may be associated with the same company, or may be associated with the same traditional IT enterprise. The electronic device can be a client device or a server device. The server device can be a web server.

The device 320 can be disposed separate from both the location agnostic entity 310 and the location constrained entity 330. For example, the device 320 can be disposed on an electronic device, such as a server device, wherein the electronic device is separate from the location-agnostic entity 310 and the electronic device on which the location-restricted entity 330 is present. In one embodiment, the location agnostic entity 310 or the device 320 or a combination thereof resides on a network server. The mapping 340 can be co-located with the translation device 320 or can be separate from the translation device 320.

4 is a block diagram of a system 400 for translating functionality between a location agnostic entity and a location constrained entity, in accordance with another embodiment. The blocks representing the features in FIG. 4 may be arranged differently than illustrated, and additional or fewer features may be implemented as described herein. In addition, the features represented by the squares in FIG. 4 can be combined in various ways. The system 400 can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof.

As described in FIG. 4, translation can occur between two servers 410, 440 and between two clients 460, 490. For example, first translation device 420 and its corresponding mapping 430 can translate functionality between a location limited server 410 and a location agnostic server 440. The second translation device 470 and its corresponding mapping 480 can translate functionality between a location-agnostic client 460 and a location-restricted client 490.

The location limited server 410 and the location limited client 490 are examples of location constrained entities 330. The location agnostic server 440 and the location agnostic client 460 are examples of location agnostic entities 310.

Although the server device 400A includes the servers 410, 440, the translation device 420, and the mapping 430 as described in FIG. 4, the server device 400A may also include only the servers 410, 440, the first translation. One of the devices 420 or the first map 430 may include more than one of them. The server device 400A can be associated with a service provider. Any one or more of the servers 410, 440, the first translation device 420, or the first mapping 430 may reside, among other things, in a network operations center, a business, or a server device 400A. The server device 400A can be a web server.

Although client device 400B includes clients 460, 490, translation device 470, and mapping 480 as described in FIG. 4, client device 400B may also include only such clients 460, 490, the second translation device 470, and the like. One of the second maps 480 may include more than one of them. The electronic device 400B can be, among other things, a mobile device, a device, a router, a modem, a television, or a computer.

The communication between the various entities described in Figure 4 can be performed over an internetwork. For example, network 450 can be the internet. The location between the location agnostic server 440 and the location agnostic client 460, as described in FIG. 4, can be performed over a network 450 that includes wireless fidelity (Wi Fi) capabilities. Although network 450 is the only network described in FIG. 4, in accordance with various embodiments, a network can be used in components 410, 420, 430, 440, 460, 470, 480 as described in FIG. Communication between any of the components in 490.

According to an embodiment, the aggregation electronic device 110 (FIG. 1) having different types of location-limited customers may be managed in the context of the system 300 or system 400. For example, the aggregation electronic device 110 (FIG. 1) can include any one or more of a location agnostic entity 310, a translation device 320, a mapping 340, and a location-restricted entity 330. According to an embodiment, the management server 150 (FIG. 1) may include any one or more of a location agnostic entity 310, a translation device 320, a mapping 340, and a location-restricted entity 330. According to an embodiment, the aggregation electronic device 110 can be an electronic device 400B, and the management server 150 can be a server device 400A.

Among other things, management can provide such electronic devices by assembling electronic devices and diagnosing problems associated with such electronic devices. For example, an electronic device can be managed by updating an application or diagnosing an error. In a second example, a plurality of electronic devices 400B, such as a television, a working personal computer, and a laptop computer, are all connectable to a router in a home. The router will use a NAT to provide network connectivity for these three devices. The NAT will translate a single actual IP address into three fake IP addresses for the three devices. Traditionally, this makes it very difficult to manage the device 400B behind a NAT. Additionally, many of these devices 400B will have a location limited functionality. However, in accordance with various embodiments, a location agnostic protocol can be used to provide manageability for such devices 400B by communicating with a mobile phone base station and the Internet, even if it is behind a NAT.

In another example, a person working for company X can bring their laptop 400B (which is configured for the network of company X behind a firewall X') to have a network behind firewall Y' Another company Y. Traditionally, one or more firewalls such as firewalls X' and Y' will prevent this person from using their laptop 400B while inside company Y. However, in accordance with various embodiments, a location agnostic protocol and one or more translation devices 320, 420, 470 and corresponding mappings 340, 430, 480 can cause the laptop 400B to communicate around the firewalls.

In yet another embodiment, a person purchases a laptop, a mobile phone, or a mobile device from a company that sells electronic device 400B. Suppose the company is not a traditional IT company, but is interested in providing manageability for the device 400B it sells. According to various embodiments, as described in FIG. 4, the electronic devices 400B sold may have clients 460 and 490 and a second translation device 470. The company may have servers 410 and 440 as described in FIG. 4 and a first translation device 420 to provide manageability for the electronic devices 400B sold by the company.

In still another embodiment, assume that the electronic device 400B is lost, and that the user of the electronic device 400B summons the consumer service or goes to a self-care associated with a location agnostic server 440 (such as an OMA-DM server). The portal site, and requests to reformat the hard drive on the electronic device 400B, or lock the electronic device 400B. The location agnostic server 440 can communicate with the location agnostic client 460 on the electronic device 400B to improve the hard disk of the electronic device 400B or to lock the electronic device 400B. The customer care can interact with the user interface associated with the location agnostic server 440 as a hard drive to reformat the electronic device 400B or to lock a portion of the electronic device 400B.

Other examples of various embodiments that may be used include, but are not limited to, different phones with different protocols, different carriers, small or medium-sized businesses that do not have a traditional IT infrastructure, and changes to the chipset in computer 400B (where the original wafer set and the new wafer are The group uses different protocols) for providing manageability, lost electronic device 400B, locking an electronic device 400B, reformatting the hard disk on the electronic device 400B, chopping the hard disk on the electronic device 400B, restoring the data Determining which OS is operating on the electronic device 400B having a corrupted disk configuration.

Various embodiments provide mappings 340, 430, 480 between the functionality of device location agnostic entities 310, 440, 460 and the functionality of device location restricted entities 330, 410, 490. According to an embodiment, the functionality of the device location agnostic entities 310, 440, 460 is represented by an OMA-DM object (also referred to as a "managed object"). For example, mapping 480 associated with electronic client device 400B may map managed objects (MOs) to device location limited functionality such as WSMAN functionality.

The mappings 340, 430, 480 can map a subset of the functions associated with the device location restricted entities 330, 410, 490 and the device location agnostic entities 310, 440, 460. Decisions can be made by analyzing which features are most frequently used or which will provide the greatest business opportunity.

In one embodiment, the translation device 320 and the corresponding mapping 340 can be implemented, for example, as a proxy client present on a Network Operations Center (NOC). For example, assuming that a location agnostic entity 310, such as an Open Action Alliance Device Management (OMA-DM) server, is associated with a server device of a service provider, then the translation device 320 and the corresponding mapping 340 and the NOC server A proxy client is associated with, and a location-restricted entity 330, such as a WSMAN client, is associated with a user's electronic device. It is also assumed that the user's electronic device includes a minimal location agnostic client such as a minimal OMA-DM client. The NOC server with the associated proxy client and the location agnostic entity 310 can be associated with the same data center. The NOC server with the associated proxy client and the WSMAN location restricted entity 330 can be associated with the same data center.

The help desk or user self-care web page can communicate with the location agnostic entity 310, which in turn communicates with the proxy client. The proxy client can use the translation device 320 and the mapping 340 to determine a location agnostic function. A data structure representing the determined function can be transmitted to the user's electronic device using the minimum OMA DM protocol. The electronic device can use the minimum OMA-DM client to retrieve the data structure and communicate relevant information to the location-restricted entity 330.

As described in the above examples, an electronic customer may use a minimum location agnostic customer such as a minimal OMA-DM customer. For example, if a location-agnostic management platform and corresponding protocols provide interfaces for functions A, B, and C, function A will be sufficient. The minimum location is unknown. The client can support function A, but does not support function B and C.

According to an embodiment, the OMA-DM protocol is used to communicate via a second connection 350, such as described in FIG. 3, or via a network 450, such as described in FIG. According to an embodiment, the OMA-DM protocol is modified whereby electronic devices including location-restricted entity 330 or location-restricted client 490 are often connected, thus eliminating the need for short message service (SMS).

According to an embodiment, a technique commonly referred to as "push-casting technology" is used as part of various client or server entity communications. For example, "push-cast technology" can be used to communicate between translation device 320 and location-agnostic entity 310 or between translation device 320 and location-restricted entity 330. In another example, "push-to-cast technology" can be used to provide communication between location agnostic server 440 and location agnostic client 460, and vice versa.

"HTTP Server Push" is a sub-category of "Pushing Technology." According to an embodiment, HTTP server push is used as part of, for example, communication between server 400A and client 400B. HTTP server push typically involves server 400A pushing information to client 400B. In the case where the client 400B is pushing information to the server 400A, the client 400B can use a push-casting technique similar to HTTP server push.

According to an embodiment, the aggregation electronic device 110 may initially include a location-restricted entity 490 (Fig. 4), but does not include a location-aware client 460 (Fig. 4). According to an embodiment, the location agnostic client 460 can be mounted on the collection electronics 110, which will become more apparent. In addition to mounting the location agnostic client 460 on the collection electronic device 110, various embodiments described herein can also be used to install a translation device 470 and a corresponding mapping 480, as will become more apparent.

For example, because there are many different types of electronic devices 110 (Fig. 1), 400B (Fig. 4) with many different types of communication protocols and management platforms, and electronic devices lacking a management platform, there is a The model transports and manages the needs of methods and systems for these different electronic devices. In addition, there is a need for managing these different electronic devices from a single user interface.

It is assumed that for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the electronic device 110 (Fig. 1) is a server 440A (Fig. 4), wherein the server 440A is a multi-management server, and the devices B and C are different types of electrons. Apparatus 400B, wherein the multi-management capability server 440A is in communication with the electronic devices 400B. A device that receives the device capabilities of the various electronic devices B and C can be associated with the server 440A. The device uses the device capabilities of the devices B and C to determine which management protocol is used by each of the electronic devices B and C. These determined management agreements are used to install a location-agnostic client on the electronic devices B and C. For example, if the device capability of the electronic device B indicates that the electronic device B uses a Network Service Management (WSMAN) protocol, the WSMAN protocol is used to install a location-agnostic client 460 such as an Open Action Alliance Device Management (OMA-DM) client. On the electronic device B. If the device capability of another electronic device C indicates that the electronic device C uses the Technical Requirements-069 (TR-069) protocol, the TR-069 protocol is used to install a location-agnostic client 460, such as an OMA DM client, on the electronic device C. on. The location-agnostic clients installed on the electronic devices B and C are used to communicate with a location-agnostic server, such as the location-agnostic server 440, to provide management of the two electronic devices B and C.

Different electronic devices B and C have different capabilities. Information describing the capabilities of the electronic devices B, C can be used to determine the agreement that the electronic devices B, C are assembled for use. For example, information describing the capabilities of devices B, C can be used to determine the ability of the electronic device B or C to communicate using, for example, WSMAN or TR-069.

Such device capabilities may be requested or provided without being requested. For example, when an electronic device B, C is turned on, it executes a program called "boot loading" during which the electronic devices B, C are supplied. During startup loading, the electronic device B, C may communicate with a server 400A that can request the capabilities of the electronic device B or C, or the electronic device B, C may not request such capabilities at the server 400A. Provide its capabilities.

According to an embodiment, the registration information of the electronic devices B, C may be used by the server 400A to determine the management protocol that the electronic devices B, C are assembled for use. According to various embodiments, the registration information may be provided to any entity that provides a means for managing electronic devices having different types of location-limited customers. In a particular example, the registration information may be provided by a company that sells the electronic device to, for example, a company of a traditional IT enterprise associated with a management server.

According to an embodiment, information describing device capabilities may be determined based on a management policy, such as a management server, a service provider, the electronic device B, C in discussion, or the same environment Another electronic device is present together, wherein the environment is an environment such as a home or business location and associated with the electronic device B, C in question.

According to an embodiment, information describing device capabilities can be used to reinstall a managed customer, such as a location-restricted customer or a location-agnostic customer, for example, if a managed customer has been corrupted or disappeared.

Figure 5 depicts a block diagram of one example of a type of computer (computer system 500) that may be used in accordance with various embodiments discussed herein or to implement the various embodiments discussed herein. It will be appreciated that the computer system 500 of Figure 5 is merely an example, and that the embodiments described herein can operate on or within a number of different computer systems including, but not limited to, general purpose Network computer systems, embedded computer systems, routers, switches, server devices, client devices, various intermediate devices/nodes, stand-alone computer systems, media centers, handheld computer systems, multimedia devices, and the like. As shown in FIG. 5, computer system 500 of FIG. 5 is well suited for having peripheral computer readable media 502 such as a floppy disk, a compact disc, and the like.

The system 500 of Figure 5 includes an address/data bus 504 for communicating information, a processor 506A coupled to the bus 504 and for processing information and instructions. As described in FIG. 5, system 500 is also well suited for a multi-processor environment in which multiple processors 506A, 506B, and 506C are present. In contrast, system 500 is also well suited to have a single processor, such as processor 506A. Processors 506A, 506B, and 506C can be any of various types of microprocessors. System 500 also includes data storage features for a computer-based electrical memory 508 (eg, random access memory (RAM)), such as information and instructions coupled to bus 504 and used to store processors 506A, 506B, and 506C. . System 500 also includes a computer-usable non-electrical memory 510 (eg, a read only memory (ROM)) coupled to bus bar 504 for storing static information and instructions of processors 506A, 506B, and 506C. Also present in system 500 is a data storage unit 512 (e.g., a disk or optical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus bar 504 for storing information and instructions. System 500 also includes a removable text input device 514 that includes a number and function keys coupled to bus 504 for communicating information and command selections to processor 506A or processors 506A, 506B, and 506C. System 500 also includes a selectable cursor control device 516 coupled to bus bar 504 for communicating user input information and command selections to processor 506A or processors 506A, 506B, and 506C. In one example, system 500 also includes a selectable display device 518 coupled to bus bar 504 for displaying information.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the removable display device 518 of FIG. 5 can be a liquid crystal device, a cathode ray tube, a plasma display device, or other display device adapted to generate a user-recognizable graphic image and alphanumeric. The removable cursor control device 516 allows the user of the computer to dynamically signal the movement of a visual symbol (cursor) on the display screen of the display device 518, as well as the user selection indicating the selectable items displayed on the display device 518. Many implementations of the cursor control device 516 are known in the art, including a trackball, mouse, touchpad, joystick, or alphanumeric input device capable of signaling a particular direction of movement or shifting element. A specific key on 514. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that a cursor can be pointed to and/or initiated by input and key sequence commands from the alphanumeric input device 514 using a particular key. System 500 is also well suited for having cursors that are pointed through other methods such as voice commands. System 500 also includes an I/O device 520 for coupling system 500 to an external entity. For example, in one example, I/O device 520 is a modem that is used to enable wired or wireless communication between system 500 and an external network, such as, but not limited to, the Internet.

Still referring to FIG. 5, various other components are described for system 500. In particular, when present, an operating system 522, application 524, module 526, and data 528 are typically displayed as being present in one or a combination of: a computer-based electrical memory 508 (eg, RAM), a computer A non-electrical memory 510 (eg, a ROM) and a data storage unit 512 can be used. In some embodiments, all or portions of the various embodiments described herein are stored, for example, in an application location 524 and/or module 526 in a memory location in RAM 508, in data storage unit 512. Computer readable media, peripheral computer readable media 502, and/or other materialized computer readable media.

For example, 110, 120, 140, 150 (Fig. 1), instructions for implementing flowchart 200 (Fig. 2), 310, 320, 330, 340 (Fig. 3), 410, 420, 430, 440, 460, Any one or more of 470, 480, 490 (Fig. 4) may be associated with computer 500. 110, 120, 140, 150 (Fig. 1), instructions for implementing flowchart 200 (Fig. 2), 310, 320, 330, 340 (Fig. 3), 410, 420, 430, 440, 460, 470, Any one or more of 480, 490 (Fig. 4) may be associated with the same computer 500 or a plurality of different computers 500. According to an embodiment, the collection electronic device 110 (FIG. 1), the server device 400A, and the electronic device 400B are all computers 500. 110, 120, 140, 150 (first FIG. 1), and implementation flowchart 200 (first) Any one or more of the instructions of FIG. 2, 310, 320, 330, 340 (Fig. 3), 410, 420, 430, 440, 460, 470, 480, 490 (Fig. 4) may be combined with hardware. A computer 500 in the form of a software, a firmware, or a combination thereof. In the case of software, 110, 120, 140, 150 (Fig. 1), instructions for implementing flowchart 200 (Fig. 2), 310, 320, 330 (Fig. 3), 410, 420, 440, 460, 470 Any one or more of 490 (Fig. 4) may be associated with the application 524 or the peripheral computer readable medium 502, among others. 110, 120, 140, 150 (Fig. 1), instructions for implementing flowchart 200 (Fig. 2), 310, 320, 330 (Fig. 3), 410, 420, 440, 460, 470, 490 (fourth Any one or more of the diagrams can be associated with an application 524 of the same computer 500 or a plurality of different computers 500. 110, 120, 140, 150 (Fig. 1), instructions for implementing flowchart 200 (Fig. 2), 310, 320, 330 (Fig. 3), 410, 420, 440, 460, 470, 490 (fourth Any one or more of the figures can be associated with the same computer readable medium 502 or a different computer readable medium 502. According to an embodiment, 310, 320, 330 (Fig. 3) are on a separate computer readable medium 502 and are installed on one or more of the computers 500 described herein. According to an embodiment, 410, 420, 440, 460, 470, 490 (Fig. 4) are on a separate computer readable medium 502 for use in 410, 420, 440, 460, 470, 490 (the 4)) Mounted on the server device 400A and the electronic device 400B as described in FIG. The maps 340 (Fig. 3), 430, 480 (Fig. 4) can be stored as data 528 or the like used by the same computer 500 or a plurality of different computers 500.

Various embodiments have been described in various combinations. However, any two or more embodiments may be combined. Additionally, any embodiment can be used independently of any other embodiment.

For the purposes of explanation, the above description has been described in terms of specific embodiments. However, the above illustrative discussions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to explain the embodiments of the invention Various embodiments of various modifications.

100. . . system

110. . . Collecting electronic devices

120. . . Device

122. . . Event detector

124. . . Configuration decider

126. . . Configuration communicator

132. . . 3GPP network

134. . . WiFi network

140. . . service provider

150. . . Management server

200‧‧‧flow chart

210~260‧‧‧ Process steps

300‧‧‧ system

310‧‧‧Location unknown entity

320‧‧‧Translation device

330‧‧‧Location Restricted Entity

340‧‧‧ mapping

350‧‧‧Connected

360‧‧‧Connection

400‧‧‧ system

400A‧‧‧Server device

400B‧‧‧Client device/electronic device

410‧‧‧Server

420‧‧‧Translation device

430‧‧‧ mapping

440‧‧‧Server

450‧‧‧Network

460‧‧‧ Location unknown client/entity

470‧‧‧Translation device

480‧‧‧ mapping

490‧‧‧Location-limited customers/entities

500‧‧‧ computer system

502‧‧‧ computer readable media

504‧‧‧ busbar

506A, 506B, 506C‧‧‧ processor

508‧‧‧ Computers can be used with electrical memory

510‧‧‧ Computers can use non-electrical memory

512‧‧‧ data storage unit

514‧‧‧Text input device

516‧‧‧ cursor control device

518‧‧‧Display device

520‧‧‧I/O device

522‧‧‧Operating system

524‧‧‧Application

526‧‧‧Module

528‧‧‧Information

1 is a block diagram of a system for managing a collection electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment.

2 is a flow chart of a method for managing a collection electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment.

3 is a block diagram of a system for translating functionality between a location agnostic device management entity and a location constrained entity, in accordance with an embodiment.

4 is a block diagram of a system for translating functionality between a location agnostic entity and a location constrained entity, in accordance with another embodiment.

Figure 5 depicts a block diagram of one example of a type of computer that can be used or used to implement the various embodiments discussed herein in accordance with various embodiments discussed herein.

200‧‧‧flow chart

210~260‧‧‧ Process steps

Claims (12)

A method of managing a collection of electronic devices that can communicate over a plurality of connections, the method comprising the steps of: when the collection electronic device communicates using a first connection, using a first associated with the collection electronic device Configuring; detecting an event associated with the collection electronic device, the event indicating that a second connection provides a higher level of service for the collection electronic device; determining a second configuration to be used for the collection electronic device And the collection electronic device uses the second connection to communicate; when the collection electronic device uses the second connection to communicate, the second configuration is used; and the first configuration is obtained from a management server, wherein The management server is a location-agnostic server for providing the first configuration regardless of where the collection electronics are located. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting the event further comprises the step of receiving a message indicating that the user of the collection electronic device has determined that the second connection provides the collection electronic device This higher service level. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of: a service provider providing services to the collection electronic device based on the first configuration; The service provider adjusts the service provided to the collection electronic device based on the second configuration. An apparatus for managing a collection of electronic devices that can communicate over a plurality of connections, the apparatus comprising: an event detector using a plurality of configuration management aggregation devices for adjusting service delivery, the event detectors being assembled Detecting an event related to the collection electronic device, the event indicating that a connection can provide a higher service level than the currently provided service; using a plurality of configurations to manage the delivery of the service to manage the collection of electronic devices State determiner, the configuration decider is configured to determine which configuration to use for the aggregation electronic device when the aggregation electronic device uses the wired communication; use multiple configuration management to adjust service delivery A configuration communicator of the electronic device, the configuration communicator being configured to transmit the determined configuration to a service provider to provide a level of service that the connection can provide; and use to adjust service delivery A plurality of configuration management collection communication receivers of the electronic device, the communication receiver being assembled to obtain a configuration from a management server, wherein the management server is one bit The server agnostic to whether the electronic device to the assembly line where the configuration is provided located. The device of claim 4, wherein the connection is selected from the group consisting of a network and a carrier medium. The device of claim 4, wherein the determined group The state includes information about one or more of the device capabilities, quality of service (QoS) associated with the aggregated electronic device, and the bandwidth provided by the connection. The device of claim 4, wherein the device further comprises a service level information receiver using a plurality of configuration management aggregation devices for adjusting service delivery, the service level information receiver being configured Receiving a message indicating that the user of the collection electronic device has determined that the connection provides a higher service level for the collection electronic device. The device of claim 4, wherein the user of the collection electronic device determines whether the connection provides the higher service level. A computer readable medium having computer readable code stored thereon, the computer readable code for causing a computer system to perform a method of managing a collection of electronic devices capable of multiple communication, the method comprising the following steps : when the aggregation electronic device uses a first connection communication, using a first configuration associated with the collection electronic device; detecting an event associated with the collection electronic device, the event indicating a second connection Providing a higher service level for the collection electronic device; determining a second configuration to be used for the collection electronic device, wherein the collection electronic device uses the second connection communication; and when the collection electronic device uses the second connection Use this second configuration when communicating; and The first configuration is obtained from a management server, wherein the management server is a location-agnostic server for providing the first configuration regardless of where the collection electronics are located. The computer readable medium as claimed in claim 9, wherein the computer readable code implemented in the computer causes the computer system to perform the method, and wherein the step of detecting the event further comprises the step of: receiving a message The information indicates that a user of the collection electronic device has determined that the second connection provides the higher service level for the collection electronic device. The computer readable medium as claimed in claim 9, wherein the computer readable code embodied therein causes a computer system to perform the method, and wherein the method further comprises the step of: a service provider based on the The first configuration provides service to the collection electronic device; and the service provider adjusts the service provided to the collection electronic device based on the second configuration. The computer readable medium as claimed in claim 9, wherein the computer readable code implemented in the computer causes the computer system to perform the method, and wherein the first connection and the second connection are A group consisting of a network and a carrier medium is selected.