Methods and apparatus for recovering from misconfiguration in a WLAN
A method of recovering from misconfiguration of APs and other networked components includes storing a “safe” configuration, implementing a configuration request received from a network operations center (NOC), then reverting to the stored configuration in the event that connectivity is not restored with the NOC within a predetermined time period. The NOC is configured to transmit one or more handshake messages to the AP after sending the configuration request.
1. A method for managing a wireless access point within a wireless local area network system including a plurality of access points coupled to the network and a plurality of mobile units, each associated with one of the access points, the method comprising:
storing, within the wireless access point, a correct configuration associated with the operational state of the wireless access point;
sending to the wireless access point, over the network, a configuration request from a network operations center;
implementing the configuration request such that a second configuration is associated with the operational state of the wireless access point;
determining whether, within a predetermined time period, connectivity exists between the wireless access point to the network operations center; and
reverting to the correct configuration if connectivity does not exist between the wireless access point and the network operations center within the predetermined time period.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless access point operates in accordance with an IEEE 802.11 standard.
3. The method of claim 2 , further including waiting for the handshake message to be received at the wireless access point within the predetermined time period.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining step includes sending a handshake message from the network operations center to the wireless access point after sending the configuration request.
5. A wireless access point among a plurality of access points coupled within a wireless local area network that includes a plurality of mobile units, each associated with one of the access points, the wireless access point comprising:
a memory configured to store a correct configuration associated with the operational state of the wireless access point, and
a microprocessor coupled to the memory, wherein the memory includes machine-readable instructions configured to be executed by the microprocessor in order to
receive a configuration request from a network operations center over the network,
implement the configuration request such that the access point is characterized by a second configuration associated with the operational state of the wireless access point, and
revert to the correct configuration if connectivity to the network operations center does not exist within a predetermined amount of time.
6. The access point of claim 5 , wherein the determining step includes sending a handshake message from the network operations center to the wireless access point after sending the configuration request.
7. The access point of claim 6 , further including waiting for the handshake message to be received at the wireless access point within the predetermined time period.
8. A wireless local area network system comprising:
a plurality of access points coupled to the network;
a plurality of mobile units, each associated with one of the access points;
a network operation center coupled to the network;
wherein the network operation center is configured to send, over the network, a configuration request to the first access point; and
wherein the first access point is configured to implement the configuration request then implement a corrected configuration in the event that connectivity to the network operation center is not established within a predetermined time period.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein network operations center is configured to send a handshake message to the first access point after sending the configuration request.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the first access point is configured to wait for the handshake message to be received within the predetermined time period.
11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the wireless local area network is an IEEE 802.11 network.
12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first access point is configured to implement the corrected configuration by receiving configuration information via a second access point coupled to the network.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the first access point is configured to receive, from the network operation center, information regarding the identity of the second access point.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the identity of the second access point is an IP address.
15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the identity of the second access point is an SSID.