Network configuration with plug-and-play components

The installation and configuration of a new network component is a difficult task due to the heterogeneous nature of today's telecommunication networks. First, a network administrator has to arrange for a hardware connection for the component, followed by the provisioning of software modules and adjustments of software attributes. Finally, the installed modules are to be set up and activated on the corresponding client components. All the aforementioned steps require substantial time, effort and extensive expertise from the network administrator, depending on the size, heterogeneity and other parameters of the network. One of the approaches to resolve the described problem is to automate the installation and configuration process of a new network component using the plug-and-play concept. Therefore, we define plug-and-play (PnP) network components to be components that are capable of configuring both themselves and other cooperating network components without human intervention.