Patent ID: 7386721
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A provisioning server for integrated provisioning of a network device with configuration information and identity certification, comprising: a configuration module that is adapted for configuring the network device; and an identification certification module that is configured for certifying the identity of the network device; wherein the network device comprises one or more of routers, or packet data switches, that function in a packet switched communication network and wherein the provisioning server is physically co-located with and coupled to the network device via a physically secure communication link and wherein the provisioning server is configured to read and write configuration information and parameters, key information and identity certification information to and from the network device over the link; wherein the provisioning server is configured to read and write the configuration information, key information and identity certification information over the link without network connectivity to the network device over the link; wherein the identification certification module is configured for obtaining certification of the network device's identity without a network connection between the network device and an external certificate authority; and wherein the identification module is configured to: