IP endpoint automated activation
The specification teaches a method for automated configuration and installation of IPEPs such as VoIP devices. Configuration may utilize a configuration server in communication with the IPEP through a WAN. The configuration process may temporarily utilize the MAC address of the IPEP during the configuration process. The IPEP may respond directly to commands from the configuration server or a configuration proxy server. The server stores information on a database and creates files upon request of an IPEP. The specification also teaches networks created by this method.
1. A method of automatically configuring one or more Internet Protocol End Points (IPEPs) utilizing one or more Internet Protocol End Point (IPEP) configuration servers comprising:
a) an Internet Protocol End Point initiating communication with an Internet Protocol End Point configuration server;
b) an Internet Protocol End Point configuration server dynamically building and sending a temporary configuration to the Internet Protocol End Point using a MAC address as a temporary configuration identifier;
c) the Internet Protocol End Point establishes a session initiation protocol (SIP) session with an Internet Protocol End Point proxy server, the Internet Protocol End Point proxy server receiving a SIP message with the MAC address used as a user portion of a SIP From header and an assigned phone number in a Request URI and TO header;
d) the Internet Protocol End Point proxy server interpreting the SIP message from the Internet Protocol End Point and associating the phone number contained in the Request URI and TO header with the MAC address contained in the From header and storing the association in a database, creating a permanent configuration, and instructing the Internet Protocol End Point to reboot;
e) the Internet Protocol End Point reloads its configuration, initiates communication with the Internet Protocol End Point configuration server, and requests a configuration file;
and
f) the Internet Protocol End Point configuration server dynamically building a unique configuration file for the Internet Protocol End Point, based on an end user's order for service, and sending the unique configuration file to the Internet Protocol End Point.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising establishing communication between the Internet Protocol End Point and the Internet Protocol End Point configuration server over a wide area network (WAN).