Zero-touch provisioning (ZTP), or zero-touch enrollment,[1] is the process of remotely provisioning large numbers of network devices such as switches, routers and mobile devices without having to manually program each one individually.[2] The feature improves existing provisioning models, solutions and practices in the areas of wireless networks, (complex) network management and operations services, and cloud based infrastructure services provisioning.[3]

ZTP saves configuration time while reducing errors.[2] The process can also be used to update existing systems using scripts.[2] Research has shown that ZTP systems allow for faster provisioning versus manual provisioning.[4] The global market for ZTP services was estimated to be $2.1 Billion in 2021.[5]

In April 2019, the Internet Engineering Task Force submitted RFC 8572 Secure Zero Touch Provisioning (SZTP) as an Internet standard.[6]

Applications

One application of the technology is to improve delivery of cloud computing services.[7] The concept has been particularly influential for information technology when paired with mobile device management.[8] Repetitive processes that can be automated and streamlined include configuring settings; collecting inventory details; deploying apps; managing licenses; and implementing security policy, including password management and wiping remote devices.[9]

System architecture

A basic ZTP system requires a network device that supports ZTP, a server that supports Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) or Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP), and a file server.[2] When a ZTP-enabled device is powered on, the device's boot file sets up configuration parameters. A switch then sends a request using DHCP or TFTP to get the device's configuration file from a central location. The file then runs and configures ports, IP addresses and other server parameters for each location.[2]

Similar concepts

A similar concept is the zero-touch network, which integrates zero-touch provisioning with automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning.[8]

Standards activity

In December 2017, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) formed the Zero-touch network and Service Management group (ZSM) to accelerate development and standardization of the technology.[10] In the summer of 2019, the group published a series of documents defining ZSM requirements, reference architecture and terminology.[10]

In April 2019, the Internet Engineering Task Force submitted RFC 8572 Secure Zero Touch Provisioning (SZTP) as an Internet standard.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Gold, Jack (May 16, 2019). "How can zero-touch enrollment help Android admins?". Techtarget.com. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Gillis, Alexander (May 1, 2021). "zero-touch provisioning (ZTP)". Techtarget.com. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  3. ↑ Demchenko, Yuri; Filiposka, Sonja; Tuminauskas, Raimundas; Mishev, Anastas; Baumann, Kurt; Regvart, Damir; Breach, Tony (2015). "Enabling Automated Network Services Provisioning for Cloud Based Applications Using Zero Touch Provisioning". 2015 IEEE/ACM 8th International Conference on Utility and Cloud Computing (UCC). pp. 458–464. doi:10.1109/UCC.2015.82. ISBN 978-0-7695-5697-0. S2CID 16630605. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  4. ↑ Boskov, Ivan; Yetgin, Halil; Vucnik, Matevz; Fortuna, Carolina; Mohorcic, Mihael (2020). "Time-to-Provision Evaluation of IoT Devices Using Automated Zero-Touch Provisioning". GLOBECOM 2020 - 2020 IEEE Global Communications Conference. pp. 1–7. arXiv:2009.09731. doi:10.1109/GLOBECOM42002.2020.9348119. ISBN 978-1-7281-8298-8. S2CID 221818631. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Zero-Touch Provisioning Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component, Device Type, Network Complexity, Enterprise Size, Industry, By Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030". grandviewresearch.com. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  6. 1 2 Watsen, Kent; Abrahamsson, Mikael; Farrer, Ian (April 1, 2019). "Secure Zero Touch Provisioning (SZTP) RFC 8572". IEGF.org. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  7. ↑ Demchenko, Yuri; Filiposka, Sonja (November 1, 2016). "ZeroTouch Provisioning (ZTP) Model and Infrastructure Components for Multi-provider Cloud Services Provisioning". researchgate.net. arXiv:1611.02758. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  8. 1 2 "What is a zero-touch network?: Hype vs. reality". rcrwireless.com. December 17, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Zero-Touch Provisioning: A New Model for Device Management". Insight. October 15, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  10. 1 2 "Zero touch network & Service Management (ZSM)". ETSI.org. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
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