Method and Apparatus for Providing Automatic Node Configuration Using A Dongle

摘要

A network element (“NE”) is capable of starting an automatic configuration in response to an initiator such as a dongle. In one embodiment, after resetting a counter used for identifying a signal, a process for the automatic configuration forces a first test signal at a test mode output (“TMO”) pin of a console interface to a logic state zero. Upon detecting a break condition at a receiver pin, a second test signal at the TMO pin is forced to a logic state one. When logic state one is detected at the receiver pin of the NE, an automatic configuration mode at the NE is activated.

主权项

1. A method for configuring a network element, comprising:
resetting a break condition counter for a serial communication port of the network element (NE); forcing a first test signal at a test mode output (“TMO”) pin of the serial communication port to a logic state zero; determining whether a break condition at a receiver pin of the serial communication port exists by querying the break condition counter; forcing a second test signal at the TMO pin to a logic state one if a break condition exists; and activating an automatic configuration mode at the NE when logic state one is detected at the receiver pin of the serial communication port.