Method of adding a client device or service to a wireless network

Abstract

A smart network host device automatically registers a device or service with a wireless network using identification information and an authorization credential associated with the device or service. The smart network host device obtains the requisite identification information and authorization credential from a network association apparatus associated with the specific device or service to be registered with the wireless network. The smart network host device performs the registration automatically once the smart network host device confirms that the device or service has been associated with the wireless network and a secure password authentication protocol is successfully performed by the smart network host device and the device or service. The network association apparatus may comprise an RFID tag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 327,072 (Attorney Docket No. CPOL970592), filed Apr. 22, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present disclosure relates generally to wireless networks and, more specifically, to a method of adding a client device or service to a wireless network.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Home networks, in which multiple computing and / or peripheral devices are communicatively linked together in a consumer's home, are becoming increasingly ubiquitous. A home environment may include one or more computers, a wireless router, a DSL modem, and one or more other client devices capable of connecting to the home network. Conventionally, each device in the home network must be individually configured to connect to the network and, once configured, may then communicate with each of the other dev...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In practice, procedures for associating client devices and provisioning services on a home network are typically too involved for the majority of home network users to implement reliably.

The involved configuration procedures described above make it a challenge for unsophisticated users to reliably setup a home network and associate client devices or services on the home network.

Images