Configuring a wireless network using a transient gateway

Abstract

The invention relates to providing a mobile transient gateway (12). The transient gateway (12) is configured to configure wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) of a wireless network (200) in its vicinity, to act as a gateway for the wireless network, and to make configuration information of the wireless network, obtained during configuring the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44), available to at least one other gateway (30). The mobile transient gateway (12) can be replaced or added by the at least one other gateway (30). The wireless network (200) can be controlled based on the configuration information, wherein the transient gateway (12) makes the configuration information available. Since multiple GWs (12, 30) can sequentially or in parallel perform functions in the wireless network, this can allow a more reliable and faster configuration of the wireless network, while reducing data traffic during configuration, and improving operation of the wireless network.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile configuration device, a configuration system, a method of configuring a group of wireless network devices and at least one other gateway (GW) using a mobile configuration device, a computer program product of configuring a wireless network device and at least one other GW of a wireless network using a mobile configuration device, and a corresponding computer readable medium storing the computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0002] US 2019 / 0028886 Al shows a configuration system arranged to configure a first group of wireless network devices to form a first standalone wireless network. The system comprises a portable configuration device, a configuration information store and a configuration manager. The portable configuration device is arranged to connect to the configuration manager, transmit a configuration request for the first group of wireless network devices and wirelessly connect with the first group of wireless network devices for configuring the first group of wireless network devices to form the first standalone wireless network. The configuration information store is arranged to store configuration parameters of a further group of wireless network devices previously configured to form a further standalone wireless network. The configuration manager is arranged to: receive the configuration request for the first group of wireless network devices from the portable configuration device; determine a second group of wireless network devices in the further group of wireless network devices that is spatially located such that it can be merged in the future with the first group of wireless network devices into a single wireless network; and determine first configuration parameters for the first group to form the first standalone wireless network, the first and second configuration parameters being compatible with the future single wireless network.

[0003] WO 2019 / 170462 Al discloses a method of controlling the onboarding and / or control of a combined network device with dual connectivity in a wireless network by using a smart device. In a factory new state, the combined network device has not yet joined any wireless network through its first connection (e.g. Zigbee) and therefore broadcasts a beacon with beacon information to request a connection from a smart device through its second connection (e.g. BLE). If the combined network device joins a wireless network, it enters an associated state in which the beacon information will now contain the identity of the wireless network. SUMMARY

[0004] It can be considered an object of the present invention to provide a mobile configuration device, a configuration system, a method of configuring a group of wireless network devices and at least one other GW using a mobile configuration device, a computer program product of configuring a wireless network device and at least one other GW of a wireless network using a mobile configuration device, and a corresponding computer readable medium storing the computer program product allowing a faster configuration of a wireless network device and at least one other GW of a wireless network.

[0005] In a first aspect of the invention, a mobile configuration device is provided. The mobile configuration device is configured to provide a transient gateway (GW) located at the current location of the mobile configuration device. The transient GW is configured as a wireless network device configuring a wireless network near the mobile configuration device, acting as a GW for the wireless network, and making at least one other GW configuration information of the wireless network obtained during the configuration of the wireless network device available.

[0006] Because ephemeral GWs are configured to configure wireless network devices near mobile configuration devices, the configuration order can be freely chosen, and configuration can be performed more quickly. Ephemeral GWs allow configuration of wireless network devices closer to mobile configuration devices compared to configuring wireless network devices starting with a non-mobile GW (e.g., a non-mobile permanent GW). In contrast, if the wireless network devices of a wireless network are configured by a non-mobile permanent GW, the permanent GW and its surrounding wireless network devices need to be configured first to allow communication between wireless network devices far from the permanent GW to be configured by the permanent GW. Ephemeral GWs are mobile, allowing them to be moved to the vicinity of each wireless network device. Since configuration information is generated by the ephemeral GW during the configuration of wireless network devices, and since the configuration information can be used for at least one other GW, reconfiguration is not required when the ephemeral GW is replaced or added by at least one other GW. Using ephemeral GWs allows configuration to be performed on the same communication channel used to control wireless network devices. This also allows for verification of more configuration aspects while the ephemeral GW is near a wireless network device currently configured by the ephemeral GW. Using ephemeral GWs reduces data traffic and increases the security of configuring wireless network devices because the ephemeral GW can be located near the wireless network device to be configured, eliminating the need for multi-hops between intermediate wireless network devices. Furthermore, using a short-lived GW allows for better control over the network topology of wireless networks in the form of large mesh networks.

[0007] A transient GW can be, for example, specific hardware included in a mobile configuration device, or it can be provided by a computer program running on and using the hardware of the mobile configuration device.

[0008] A mobile configuration device (e.g., via a transient GW) can be configured to control a wireless network based on configuration information, which is made available by the transient GW. The wireless network can also be controlled by at least one other GW.

[0009] The at least one other GW can be a permanent GW. The permanent GW can be configured to control the wireless network once the temporary GW has left the wireless network. The permanent GW can also be configured to add a temporary GW when both GWs are included in the wireless network with the wireless network devices. The at least one other GW can also be another temporary GW, e.g. another temporary GW provided on another mobile configuration device.

[0010] The mobile configuration device can comprise a data storage, which can be used by or included in the temporary GW, for storing configuration information.

[0011] The mobile configuration device can comprise a processor, which can be used by or included in the temporary GW, for processing data, e.g. configuration information.

[0012] The mobile configuration device can comprise a transceiver, which can be used by or included in the temporary GW, for making the configuration information available to the at least one other GW.

[0013] The temporary GW can be configured to make the configuration information of the wireless network available to the at least one other GW, e.g. by transmitting the configuration information directly to the at least one other GW, or by transmitting the configuration information to an intermediate location, e.g. a cloud server. The cloud server can transmit the configuration information to the at least one other GW. For example, the cloud server can store the configuration information and transmit it to the at least one other GW upon request.

[0014] The configuration information can comprise network parameters, including a network identifier, a network security credential, packet information, and / or a network channel. The network parameters can for example include a trust center link key (TCLK) of the wireless network devices, a hash value of the TCLK, an IEEE address of the permanent GW, an IEEE address of the wireless network devices, a network key, a personal area network identifier (PAN ID), an extended PAN ID (EPID), a short address of a trust center (TC), a specific network channel, a network update ID (nwkUpdateID), a group identifier (group ID) of the wireless network devices, and a group membership of the wireless network devices.

[0015] The temporary GW can be configured to perform application level configuration actions. The mobile configuration device can be configured to perform one or more functions, e.g. all functions of the at least one other GW.

[0016] A mobile configuration device can be temporarily in the vicinity of a wireless network device for configuring the wireless network device and / or for controlling the wireless network device. A transient GW provided by the mobile configuration device can be configured to control the wireless network device, e.g. when the mobile configuration device is in the vicinity of the wireless network device. The transient GW can be included in the wireless network in parallel to at least one permanent GW.

[0017] The transient GW can be configured to provide a list of configured wireless network devices. The list of configured network devices can be included in the configuration information.

[0018] Configuring a wireless network device can for example comprise the following steps:

[0019] - upgrading software on the wireless network device,

[0020] - verifying correct operation of the wireless network device,

[0021] - verifying correct positioning of the wireless network device,

[0022] - verifying correct installation of the wireless network device,

[0023] - joining the wireless network device to the wireless network,

[0024] - grouping the wireless network device,

[0025] - optimizing the wireless network,

[0026] - providing network parameters to the wireless network device,

[0027] - setting configuration parameters of the wireless network device,

[0028] - establishing security credentials,

[0029] - establishing network configuration,

[0030] - establishing application configuration,

[0031] - verifying security credentials,

[0032] - verifying network configuration,

[0033] - verifying application configuration,

[0034] - providing control behavior of the wireless network device in the wireless network,

[0035] - verifying control behavior of the wireless network device in the wireless network,

[0036] - determining status information of the wireless network device.

[0037] Upgrading software on wireless network devices can comprise performing over-the-air updates (OTAU). The ephemeral GW can cause one or more wireless network devices to act as an OTAU server, which is provided with an update, and which distributes the update to other wireless network devices of the wireless network while the ephemeral GW configures them or after the ephemeral GW configures them. Alternatively, the update can also be broadcasted by the ephemeral GW or the OTAU server.

[0038] The wireless network devices can be battery powered devices. In this case, a method of “commissioning in the box” can be used, in which the ephemeral GW can perform the OTAU while the wireless network devices are waiting for installation in their boxes.

[0039] Verifying correct operation of the wireless network devices can for example comprise checking whether the wireless network devices operate as expected when activated.

[0040] Verifying correct positioning of the wireless network devices can for example comprise checking whether the wireless network devices are located at the correct location as indicated by the configuration information, e.g. a location on a floor plan.

[0041] Verifying correct installation can for example comprise checking whether the powering of the wireless network devices is performed correctly, e.g. whether the wireless network devices are connected to a power supply and whether they receive sufficient power for operation.

[0042] The ephemeral GW or mobile configuration device can comprise or be connected to an image sensor based system, e.g. a camera based system. The image sensor based system can be configured to verify correct operation, positioning and / or installation of the wireless network devices. For example, if the wireless network devices are lighting devices, the image sensor based system can verify whether the lighting devices emit light when activated. The image sensor based system can comprise a lux sensor in order to determine a change in brightness when the lighting devices are activated compared to when the lighting devices are deactivated, and determine whether the lighting devices operate correctly based on the change in brightness.

[0043] Alternatively, verifying correct operation, positioning and / or installation of the wireless network devices can also be performed manually by a user by visually inspecting the wireless network devices and inputting the respective results via a user interface of the mobile configuration device or a user interface connected to the mobile configuration device.

[0044] The at least one other GW can comprise one or more other GWs, for example two permanent GWs or three permanent GWs. For example, a first permanent GW can be a lighting GW, for example a Signify lighting GW, and a second GW can be a heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) GW. The functionality of the lighting GW and the HVAC GW can also be comprised in a single GW, for example a building management system (BMS) GW. The HVAC GW can for example control wireless network devices in the form of sensors, for example people occupancy sensors. The HVAC GW can be configured to determine the current people occupancy of each zone and provide this information to the lighting GW. The lighting GW can for example be configured to control the wireless network devices, for example to activate or deactivate them, based on the information received from the HVAC GW. The ephemeral GW provided by the mobile configuration device can comprise the functionality of the lighting GW and the HVAC GW.

[0045] The ephemeral GW can be configured to configure the wireless network devices in the same zone or single hop distance of the current location of the mobile configuration device. As the ephemeral GW can be configured to configure the wireless network devices in the same zone or single hop distance of the current location of the mobile configuration device, a shorter communication path between the ephemeral GW and the wireless network devices can be achieved compared to a non-mobile GW. This can allow for a more reliable and faster configuration of the wireless network devices, which results in less data traffic, as there is no need to hop over multiple intermediate wireless network devices to the at least one permanent GW. In particular, if some of the wireless network devices are not configured or not configured correctly, the permanent GW can not be reachable at all or not reachable through certain communication paths. Then a different communication path would need to be used, which results in additional data traffic and time delay until the wireless network devices are configured.

[0046] The wireless network device is considered to be in the same zone as the ephemeral GW if the signal quality of the signals exchanged directly between the ephemeral GW and the wireless network device is above a threshold signal quality that allows direct wireless communication between the ephemeral GW and the wireless network device. For example, the signal quality can comprise a received signal strength indication (RSSI). For example, the wireless network device can be considered to be in the same zone as the ephemeral GW if it is located within a zone in which the signals exchanged directly between the ephemeral GW and the wireless network device have an RSSI above a threshold RSSI. This zone comprises all wireless network devices that can directly wirelessly communicate with the ephemeral GW, i.e. without the need to forward the communication via an intermediate wireless network device.

[0047] The single hop distance refers to the distance between the ephemeral GW and the wireless network devices configured by the ephemeral GW without intermediate wireless network devices for forwarding any data between them.

[0048] The ephemeral GW can be configured to take over control of the respective wireless network device from the at least one other GW if the respective wireless network device is in the same area or single hop distance of the current location of the mobile configuration device. For example, the ephemeral GW can have a higher priority value than the at least one other GW, such that the ephemeral GW takes over control of the respective wireless network device from the at least one other GW when the ephemeral GW is in the same area or single hop distance as the respective wireless network device. Controlling the wireless network device in the same area or single hop distance of the ephemeral GW can allow the wireless network device to operate more reliably and more quickly with reduced data traffic.

[0049] The ephemeral GW can be configured to at least temporarily adjust the functionality of the at least one other GW for wireless network devices in the same area or single hop distance of the current location of the mobile configuration device if the at least one other GW is included in the wireless network with the ephemeral GW. This allows the wireless network devices to be configured using the ephemeral GW instead of a permanent GW. Furthermore, the ephemeral GW can be used to control the wireless network devices. The ephemeral GW can provide faster and more reliable configuration and control of the wireless network devices while reducing data traffic when the wireless network devices in its vicinity are configured and / or controlled.

[0050] Adjusting the functionality of the at least one other GW can for example include disabling it, muting it, reducing its functionality or changing its functionality. For example, the ephemeral GW can take over some functionality of another GW, and the other GW can use some of its released resources to perform some network functions that are not normally performed by the other GW, or the other GW can perform some network functions at a higher rate than they are normally performed at. Preferably, the ephemeral GW only adjusts the functionality of the at least one other GW if operating both the ephemeral GW and the other GW in parallel causes problems.

[0051] The ephemeral GW can be configured to temporarily or permanently adjust the functionality of the at least one other GW. Temporarily adjusting the functionality of the at least one other GW can be performed for the duration that the ephemeral GW is present in the wireless network. Permanently adjusting the functionality of the at least one other GW can require actively restoring the state of the at least one other GW before the ephemeral GW adjusts the functionality of the other GW. The functionality of the other GW can for example be actively restored by a user.

[0052] The ephemeral GW can be configured to configure the wireless network devices using one or more communication protocols, which include BLE, Thread, Zigbee and Wi-Fi communication protocols. The ephemeral GW can for example be configured to use single hop Wi-Fi or a Wi-Fi mesh network. Single hop Wi-Fi or a Wi-Fi mesh network can for example be used to control wireless network devices in the form of lighting devices.

[0053] The ephemeral GW can rejoin the wireless network. For example, the mobile configuration device can be a mobile phone of a user that regularly appears in the wireless network. The ephemeral GW can then regularly replace or augment another GW in order to improve the operation of the wireless network while the wireless network exists. When the ephemeral GW augments another GW, both GWs can perform tasks in the wireless network and the ephemeral GW can adjust the functionality of the other GW during its existence in the wireless network.

[0054] The ephemeral GW can be configured to provide security related information of the wireless network in the configuration information. This can allow to improve the security of the wireless network. The security related information can comprise for example security keys, passwords, access rights information, user information or any other security related information.

[0055] The ephemeral GW can be configured to configure the wireless network devices at least using the Zigbee communication protocol. Alternatively or additionally, the ephemeral GW can be configured to act as a temporary trust center (TC) that generates a trust center link key (TCLK) for the wireless network devices of the wireless network. The ephemeral GW can further be configured to make information about the TCLK available as security related information in the configuration information to at least one other GW in order to allow the at least one other GW to use the TCLK or to obtain its own TCLK based on the TCLK information, wherein the ephemeral GW makes the TCLK information available. This can allow the ephemeral GW to play the role of a network forming device. Furthermore, this can allow to establish a more secure wireless network. Additionally, for example, after configuring the wireless network devices, the ephemeral GW can be replaced by another GW while ensuring a secure wireless network. The TCLK information can comprise a hash value of the TCLK. The ephemeral GW can be configured to provide the hash value of the TCLK to the other GW in order to allow the other GW to generate its own TCLK. The ephemeral GW can further provide the TCLK or the hash value of the TCLK to an intermediate location, for example a cloud server. The TCLK can also be generated based on the TCLK information at the intermediate location and provided to the other GW. Storing the hash value instead of the TCLK can allow an improved security.

[0056] The ephemeral GW can be configured to configure the wireless network devices using another communication protocol, e.g. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Thread, and / or Wi-Fi communication protocol. For example, the ephemeral GW can be configured to use another communication protocol than Zigbee to transmit the security related information, in particular the TCLK or their hash values. For example, the ephemeral GW can be configured to use BLE to transmit Zigbee commissioning data to the respective wireless network device. The Zigbee commissioning data can comprise address information and security related information, in particular the TCLK or TCLK information. The respective wireless network device can join the wireless network in which the TC is included in the commissioning data using Zigbee. Once the wireless network device has joined the wireless network, it can operate in the wireless network. If the TC leaves the network without being replaced by another GW, the wireless network devices of the wireless network can still operate, albeit with limited functionality (i.e. without the functionality provided by the GW), until the ephemeral GW rejoins the wireless network or another GW joins the network in order to act as a GW for the wireless network.

[0057] Alternatively, the Zigbee commissioning data can also be transmitted to the respective wireless network device using Zigbee. The respective wireless network device can comprise a sensor or a button and can be activated to join when the sensor or button is activated. The sensor can be a light sensor which can be activated by a flashlight shining on the sensor. The wireless network device can be configured by the ephemeral GW when joining the wireless network.

[0058] The ephemeral GW can be configured to use a TC swap-out mechanism, e.g. the TC swap-out mechanism described in Zigbee Smart Energy (ZSE) specification v1.4: Zigbee document 07-5356-21. The ephemeral GW can for example be configured to act as a TC for configuring the wireless network devices, or until the wireless network devices are updated, e.g. using Over-the-Air-Update (OTAU). After the wireless network devices are configured or after the wireless network devices are updated, another GW can replace the ephemeral GW and act as a TC. This can allow for a faster configuration of a secure wireless network.

[0059] The ephemeral GW can be configured such that its address information in the configuration information is available to at least one other GW in order to allow the at least one other GW to replace or augment the ephemeral GW in the wireless network. The address information can for example comprise a short address and an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) address. This can allow the ephemeral GW to be replaced or augmented with another GW after the wireless network devices are configured without the need to reconfigure the wireless network. For example, another GW can take the place of the ephemeral GW when the ephemeral GW is not in the vicinity of the wireless network devices. The ephemeral GW can be configured to receive address information, for example a short address and an IEEE address of the at least one other GW, in order to temporarily replace or augment the other GW in the wireless network. This can allow the other GW and the ephemeral GW to be interchanged when needed. The Extended Personal Area Network (PAN) Identifier (EPID) can be chosen to be the same as the IEEE address of the GW. The IEEE address is a unique 64-bit identifier (ID) assigned to the GW for its lifetime. The short address is a 16-bit ID assigned to a device in the wireless network for its time in the wireless network. The short address of the TC can for example be 0x0000.

[0060] The ephemeral GW and the other GW can be swapped out if their EPIDs are the same. The IEEE address of one GW can be adjusted to the IEEE address of the other GW, preferably not at the same time in the same wireless network. Alternatively, the EPIDs of the ephemeral GW and the permanent GW can be the same even if the IEEE addresses of the ephemeral GW and the permanent GW are different from each other. One of the GWs can act as the active TC, for example with the short address 0x0000.

[0061] The ephemeral GW can for example be configured to configure the wireless network devices and be replaced by another GW after the wireless network devices are configured. The ephemeral GW can also be configured to be replaced by another GW after the software of the wireless network devices is updated, for example using OTAU. This allows the ephemeral GW to be used temporarily to configure the wireless network.

[0062] In case of multiple mobile configuration devices for configuring wireless network devices of a respective wireless network, multiple ephemeral GWs can be provided. The ephemeral GWs can have the same short address and configure different wireless network devices of the respective wireless network simultaneously or sequentially. Preferably, the ephemeral GW closest to a respective wireless network device (e.g. the ephemeral GW with the lowest number of hops, the lowest path cost or the highest signal quality (e.g. the highest RSSI) to the respective wireless network device) configures the respective wireless network device. Each ephemeral GW can be configured to send its own many-to-one route request (MTORR). The multiple ephemeral GWs can be configured to wirelessly communicate with each other in order to coordinate the configuration of the wireless network devices. For example, the ephemeral GWs can exchange configuration information and information about wireless network devices in their vicinity. Preferably, the multiple ephemeral GWs communicate out-of-band wirelessly or via a cloud server. The multiple ephemeral GWs can also wirelessly communicate via the wireless network. For example, by avoiding sending route requests (RREQ) simultaneously, coordinating the ephemeral GWs can allow to minimize the risk of creating routing loops.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, the ephemeral GWs can be configured to provide a network key to at least one other GW. The network key can be included in the configuration information.

[0064] The ephemeral GWs can be configured to configure the wireless network devices in multiple phases, the multiple phases comprising one or more of:

[0065] - a phase of joining the wireless network devices to the wireless network,

[0066] - a phase of grouping the wireless network devices,

[0067] - a phase of optimizing the wireless network,

[0068] - a phase of providing a control behavior of the wireless network devices in the wireless network,

[0069] - a phase of verifying the control behavior of the wireless network devices in the wireless network.

[0070] The phase of optimizing the wireless network can for example comprise updating connections (e.g. mesh connections) between the wireless network devices of the wireless network (e.g. a mesh network), establishing improved communication paths on intermediate wireless network devices, assigning roles to the wireless network devices in case not all wireless network devices are equal. The optimization phase can comprise for example updating the distribution of the wireless network devices and GWs in the wireless network.

[0071] The phase of optimizing the wireless network can comprise for example configuring, such as managing or tuning, the behavior of dual-radio wireless network devices, for example dual-radio luminaires. The dual-radio wireless network devices can be configured to communicate via two different communication protocols or two different radios, for example WiFi and BLE or Zigbee and BLE. The dual-radio wireless network devices can be semi-concurrent, i.e. they can be configured to communicate via only one of the communication protocols at a given time. Or they can be concurrent and communicate using both communication protocols at the same time. The dual-radio wireless network devices can comprise for example two radio chips for communicating using both communication protocols simultaneously, or one radio chip providing signals to two different antenna arrays. The phase of optimizing can comprise configuring the operation between the different communication protocols of the dual-radio wireless network devices, for example time sharing.

[0072] For example, in a room with a plurality of wireless network devices in the form of dual-radio luminaires and a switch communicating with a BLE communication protocol, one of the dual-radio luminaires can be assigned the task of using BLE to communicate with the switch and using the Zigbee communication protocol to provide information of the activation state of the switch to the other dual-radio luminaires. The dual-radio luminaire can be configured to spend most of its time listening for BLE communication from the switch in order to ensure a fast reaction to a switch of the switch, for example an activation of light provided by the luminaire when the switch is activated. The dual-radio luminaire performing the listening task can not be assigned to interact with the ephemeral GW in order to avoid overloading the dual-radio luminaire.

[0073] The phase of providing control behavior can for example comprise determining which switch or sensor controls which wireless network device or group of wireless network devices. The phase of providing control behavior can also for example comprise determining which switch or sensor controls which wireless network device or group of wireless network devices at which default level.

[0074] The phase of providing control behavior can also comprise for example providing device specific configuration information in order to provide control behavior and providing different modes of operation, for example a wireless network device listening mode in which a wireless network device listens for signals of other wireless network devices, a hub wireless network device mode in which a wireless network device acts as a hub wireless network device, a wireless network joining mode, an optimization mode, a configuration mode, or a no-GW mode in which no GW is comprised in the wireless network.

[0075] The phase of verifying the control behavior can be performed, for example, by automatically verifying the control behavior using an image sensor based system, or it can comprise a time duration in which a person can manually perform the verification of the control behavior. Automatic and manual verification can also be combined for verifying the control behavior, for example, by performing a walk test to check whether the occupancy sensing behavior is functioning as expected. This can allow, for example, to verify in an open office whether the lights adjacent to the walking path are configured in a corridor mode, i.e. they only trigger an occupancy in case someone is sitting in front of a desk for a certain duration of time, but not in case someone is walking through the corridor.

[0076] The phase of verifying the control behavior can comprise, for example, verifying whether the operation modes are correctly configured and / or performed. For example, the ephemeral GW and / or at least one other GW can pretend that it is not a GW and check after which time or whether all wireless network devices switch to an operation mode without a GW, i.e. a GW-less mode. Furthermore, it can be checked, for example, by the number of retries or RREQs, what is the resulting erroneous data traffic, and the wireless network devices can adapt the switching behavior between operation modes over time.

[0077] The phase of verifying the control behavior can comprise, for example, a sensor coverage test, a calibration verification, etc.

[0078] The ephemeral GW can be configured to perform the phase of configuring the wireless network devices based on different criteria, including:

[0079] - whether the wireless network devices in the vicinity of the mobile configuration device belong to the same type,

[0080] - the number of wireless network devices in the vicinity of the mobile configuration device,

[0081] - the current number of wireless network devices in the wireless network,

[0082] - whether another ephemeral GW is in the vicinity of the wireless network device to be configured,

[0083] - whether the wireless network device to be configured is connected to at least one other GW.

[0084] The ephemeral GW can be configured for one or more of the following:

[0085] - providing network parameters to the wireless network devices,

[0086] - setting configuration parameters of the wireless network devices,

[0087] - providing software updates for the software of the wireless network devices,

[0088] - determining state information of the wireless network devices. Providing network parameters to the wireless network devices in view of other wireless networks can allow to optimize the selection of network channels (e.g. radio frequency (RF) network channels) for wireless communication in the wireless network. Network channels used by other wireless networks, e.g. network channels used by another wireless network using Zigbee or another wireless network using Wi-Fi for wireless communication, can be avoided.

[0089] The configuration parameters can comprise various output values of the wireless network devices, including a maximum output value, a minimum output value, a default output value, a directional value of the output or any other output value. If the wireless network devices comprise lighting devices, the configuration parameters can for example comprise a maximum light output, a minimum light output, a default light output, a light directionality or any other configuration parameter.

[0090] The configuration parameters of the wireless network devices can be set in order to calibrate and / or optimize them.

[0091] The software update can for example be performed using OTAU.

[0092] The state information of the wireless network devices can comprise a software version of a software of the wireless network devices, a device health status or any other state information.

[0093] In another aspect of the application, a configuration system is presented. The configuration system comprises at least one other GW, a set of wireless network devices, and one or more mobile configuration devices according to any of the embodiments of the mobile configuration device. The one or more mobile configuration devices are configured to provide one or more ephemeral GWs. The one or more ephemeral GWs are configured to configure wireless network devices of the set of wireless network devices in the vicinity of the mobile configuration devices providing the wireless network devices to act as one gateway or multiple gateways of a wireless network and to make configuration information of the wireless network obtained during configuring the wireless network devices available to the at least one other GW.

[0094] The at least one other GW can be configured to control the wireless network based on the configuration information, wherein the one or more ephemeral GWs make the configuration information available.

[0095] The configuration system can comprise one or more subsystems, e.g. a lighting configuration system, a HVAC configuration system or any other type of configuration system. The one or more ephemeral GWs provided by the mobile configuration device can be configured to configure wireless network devices of another subsystem while the first subsystem is running. This can allow to improve the installation of several subsystems. The ephemeral GWs can be used to verify the combined operation of the subsystems. The ephemeral GWs can be configured to configure wireless network devices of another subsystem based on configuration information of the wireless network devices of the first subsystem or of a previously configured subsystem. This can allow the ephemeral GWs to learn from previous settings and perform a faster configuration of the wireless network devices of the other subsystem. The configuration system can be configured to merge the first subsystem or the previous subsystem with the further subsystem into a wireless network. The configuration system can be configured to provide configuration information of the wireless network devices of the other subsystem and merge it with the configuration information of the wireless network devices of the first subsystem or of the previously configured subsystem in order to obtain configuration information of the merged wireless network.

[0096] For obtaining the configuration information, the configuration information can be provided to the ephemeral GWs configuring the wireless network devices of the further subsystem by at least one other GW of the first subsystem or of the previously configured subsystem or by the one or more ephemeral GWs configuring the wireless network devices of the first subsystem or of the previously subsystem. Another GW of the wireless network of the first subsystem or of the previously subsystem or the ephemeral GWs can provide configuration information of the wireless network of the other subsystem to the ephemeral GWs configuring the wireless network devices of the other subsystem or by another GW controlling the wireless network of the other subsystem.

[0097] The configuration system can be configured such that the ephemeral GWs configuring the wireless network devices of the further subsystem modify at least part of the configuration information, e.g. change the PANID and / or the network channel, while keeping the network (NWK) key and the EPID of the wireless network of the first subsystem or of the previously configured subsystem. The nwkUpdateID can be decremented because the fake settings are old network settings.

[0098] Multiple users can use multiple mobile configuration devices to configure the wireless network devices of the configuration system. For example, multiple mobile configuration devices can be used to configure a configuration system comprising a lighting configuration system. This can allow to configure the wireless network devices in parallel and to merge the configuration information in order to fix the configuration of the wireless network devices. The lighting configuration system can for example comprise more than 200 wireless network devices, including lighting devices, switches and sensors. In outdoor applications, e.g. a street light configuration system can have e.g. 4000 wireless network devices.

[0099] The configuration system can be configured to run in a distributed security mode. This allows to operate the wireless network without a TC.

[0100] One or more ephemeral GWs can be configured to detect wireless network devices in the group of wireless network devices. For example, the detected wireless network devices can be configured by the one or more ephemeral GWs. One of the wireless network devices can be a hub wireless network device that is configured to provide a detection signal or provide a detection signal more frequently than the other wireless network devices in order to allow the one or more ephemeral GWs to detect the hub wireless network device faster than the other wireless network devices. This can allow the hub wireless network device to be connected to the wireless network faster.

[0101] The hub wireless network device can be configured to store historical information of the one or more ephemeral GWs. The historical information can include short addresses, mappings of short addresses to IEEE addresses of wireless network devices of the wireless network, storage capabilities on the wireless network devices, end points on the wireless network devices, simple descriptors on the wireless network devices, green power configuration information, groups of wireless network devices, routes, reporting configuration information, bindings, neighbor table information of the wireless network devices, end points that exist on at least one other GW and / or the one or more ephemeral GWs. For example, the neighbor table information of the wireless network devices includes direct or nearest neighbors of each wireless network device, e.g., they are within one hop distance and can be used to determine routes. The historical information can also include, for example, scenarios such as lighting scenarios, or other preconfigured scenarios of functionality performed by the wireless network devices and / or GWs in the wireless network. The historical information can include, for example, many-to-one routes to the wireless network devices of the wireless network such that when the one or more ephemeral GWs are connected with the hub wireless network device, the ephemeral GWs can immediately wirelessly communicate with the other wireless network devices of the wireless network via the many-to-one routes. The ephemeral GWs can also use the routes stored in the historical information to wirelessly communicate with any of the wireless network devices.

[0102] The configuration system can include a sensor-based system that is configured to check a status of at least one wireless network device. The sensor-based system can also be configured to check a status of more than one wireless network device. The status can include whether the wireless network device is active, inactive, powered on, powered off, malfunctioning, working, or any other status. This can allow for automatic verification of several functions of the wireless network devices.

[0103] A sensor-based system can comprise a sensor and a processor. The sensor-based system can be comprised in one or more mobile configuration devices, in their ephemeral GW, or be a standalone device of the configuration system. The sensor can for example be an image sensor. The image sensor can be configured to provide an image of a wireless network device. The image sensor can for example be a camera. The processor can be configured to process the image, for example using an image processing method such as an image recognition method. The processor can for example be configured to determine whether a connected wireless network device in the form of a lighting device is activated or deactivated based on the image provided by the image sensor. The sensor can also for example be a lumen or light sensor for measuring a lumen value at the location of the sensor. The processor can be configured to determine whether a connected wireless network device in the form of a lighting device is activated or deactivated based on the measured lumen value or a change in the measured lumen value.

[0104] In another aspect of the invention, a method is presented for using a mobile configuration device to configure a set of wireless network devices and at least one other GW of a wireless network. The method comprises the steps of:

[0105] - providing an ephemeral GW located at a current location of the mobile configuration device,

[0106] - the ephemeral GW configuring a wireless network device of a set of wireless network devices in the vicinity of the mobile configuration device,

[0107] - the ephemeral GW acting as a GW of the wireless network, and

[0108] - the ephemeral GW making available to the at least one other GW configuration information of the wireless network obtained during the configuring of the wireless network device.

[0109] The method can comprise a step of creating a wireless connection to the wireless network device. The wireless network connection can for example be created using a Zigbee communication protocol or any other communication protocol.

[0110] The method can comprise a step of the ephemeral GW wirelessly communicating with the wireless network device and providing the wireless network device with network parameters, security related information and / or address information of the wireless network. The network parameters, security related information and / or address information can for example be comprised in the configuration information.

[0111] The method can comprise a step of storing configuration information of the wireless network. The configuration information can for example be stored by the ephemeral GW, another GW or a cloud server. The method can comprise a step of controlling the wireless network based on the configuration information, wherein the ephemeral GW makes the configuration information available. The wireless network can for example be controlled by another GW or the ephemeral GW. The method can also provide for more than one ephemeral GW.

[0112] The method can comprise the steps of:

[0113] - adjusting the functionality of the at least one GW. Adjusting the functionality of the at least one GW can comprise disabling, muting or reducing the functionality of the at least one other GW. The functionality of the at least one GW can be adjusted if the at least one GW and the ephemeral GW are comprised in the same wireless network. The functionality of the at least one GW can be adjusted, for example, with respect to wireless network devices connected to the ephemeral GW or currently being configured by the ephemeral GW.

[0114] The method can comprise one or more of the following steps:

[0115] - joining a wireless network device to a wireless network,

[0116] - grouping wireless network devices,

[0117] - optimizing a wireless network,

[0118] - providing a control behavior of a wireless network device in a wireless network,

[0119] - verifying a control behavior of a wireless network device in a wireless network,

[0120] - providing a network parameter to a wireless network device,

[0121] - setting a configuration parameter of a wireless network device,

[0122] - providing a software update for a software of a wireless network device,

[0123] - upgrading a software on a wireless network device,

[0124] - verifying a correct operation of a wireless network device,

[0125] - verifying a correct positioning of a wireless network device,

[0126] - verifying a correct installation of a wireless network device,

[0127] - establishing a security credential,

[0128] - establishing a network configuration,

[0129] - establishing an application configuration,

[0130] - verifying a security credential,

[0131] - verifying a network configuration,

[0132] - verifying an application configuration,

[0133] - determining status information of a wireless network device.

[0134] In another aspect of the application, a computer program product for configuring a wireless network device and at least one other GW of a wireless network using a mobile configuration device is provided. The computer program product comprises program code means for causing a processor to perform any of the embodiments of the method described above when the computer program product is run on the processor.

[0135] In another aspect, a computer readable medium having stored the computer program product described above is provided. Alternatively or additionally, the computer readable medium can store a computer program product according to any of the embodiments of the computer program product.

[0136] It will be appreciated that the mobile configuration device, the configuration system, the method, the computer program product and the computer readable medium described above have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments.

[0137] It will be appreciated that preferred embodiments of the application can also be any combination of the above-described embodiments and the above-described aspects.

[0138] These and other aspects of the application will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0139] In the drawings:

[0140] Figure 1 An embodiment of a mobile configuration device is schematically and exemplarily illustrated;

[0141] Figure 2 An embodiment of a configuration system having a mobile configuration device at a first location is schematically and exemplarily illustrated;

[0142] Figure 3 An embodiment of a configuration system having a mobile configuration device in a second location is schematically and exemplarily illustrated;

[0143] Figure 4 An embodiment of a configuration system controlled by a permanent GW is schematically and exemplarily illustrated; and

[0144] Figure 5 An exemplary flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for configuring a wireless network device and a permanent GW is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0145] Figure 1An embodiment of a mobile configuration device in the form of a cellular phone 10 is shown schematically and exemplarily. The cellular phone 10 can be used to provide a transient GW 12 located at the current location of the cellular phone 10. The transient GW 12 can be used to configure wireless network devices in the vicinity of the cellular phone 10. The wireless network devices can already be organized in a wireless network or they can join the wireless network using the transient GW 12. Furthermore, the transient GW 12 can act as a GW of the wireless network and make the configuration information of the wireless network obtained during the configuration of the wireless network devices available to at least one other GW, e.g. one permanent GW or another transient GW.

[0146] The cellular phone 10 comprises a processor 14, a computer readable medium in the form of a memory 16, a user interface 18, a sensor based system in the form of a camera 19, a transceiver 20 and an antenna array 22. The camera is optional. Instead of a camera, the sensor based system can also comprise an image sensor or be an image sensor based system or any other type of sensor based system. Instead of an antenna array, a single antenna can also be provided.

[0147] The processor 14 can perform calculations and process data.

[0148] The memory 16 stores data, e.g. configuration information of the wireless network. The configuration information comprises network parameters including TCLK of the wireless network devices, hash value of the TCLK, short and IEEE addresses of the transient GW and the wireless network devices, PAN ID, network channel used by the wireless network and nwkUpdateID.

[0149] The memory 16 also stores a computer program product for configuring a wireless network device and at least one other GW, e.g. a permanent GW, of the wireless network using a mobile configuration device, e.g. the cellular phone 10. The computer program product comprises program code means for causing the processor 14 to carry out the respective method for configuring the wireless network device and the at least one other GW when the computer program product is run on the processor 14, e.g.the method presented in. Figure 5

[0150] In this embodiment, the user interface 18 is a touch display and allows a user to interact with the cellular phone 10. In other embodiments, another type of user interface can be provided, e.g. an audio interface, a keyboard or any other type of user interface.

[0151] The camera 19 can be used to check the status of one or more wireless network devices, e.g. whether they are activated, deactivated, disconnected or any other type of status.

[0152] The transceiver 20 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals by using the antenna array 22 for wireless communication with a server, a base station, a wireless network device or other types of wireless communication devices. The transceiver 20 uses a Zigbee communication protocol for transmitting Zigbee signals 24 and a Wi-Fi communication protocol for transmitting Wi-Fi signals 26, i.e. the transceiver 20 is a dual radio transceiver. In other embodiments, the transceiver can also be configured to transmit and receive other and / or additional types of wireless communication signals, e.g. wireless communication signals provided based on a Thread communication protocol or a BLE communication protocol.

[0153] In this embodiment, the ephemeral GW 12 is formed by components of the cellular phone 10, i.e. the processor 14, the memory 16, the transceiver 20 and the antenna array 22. In other embodiments, the ephemeral GW can also be a computer program product running on the cellular phone.

[0154] Figure 2 An embodiment of a configuration system in the form of a lighting configuration system 100 is schematically and exemplarily shown, wherein Figure 1 The cellular phone 10 in the form of a mobile configuration device is located at a first location. In other embodiments, another mobile configuration device can be included in the configuration system.

[0155] The lighting configuration system 100 is used for configuring another GW in the form of a permanent GW 30 and a set of wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 of a wireless network 200. The permanent GW 30 can already be installed or can be installed at a later point in time. In this embodiment, the permanent GW 30 is already installed. The user 28 carries the cellular phone 10 to different locations of the set of wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44. Figure 2 A first location is shown, and Figure 3 A second location of the cellular phone 10 is shown. In Figure 4 The cellular phone 10 is removed from the wireless network 200.

[0156] The cellular phone 10 provides the ephemeral GW 12 at its current location. The ephemeral GW 12 can be used for configuring the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44. The set of wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 comprises a luminaire 40, a sensor 42 and a switch 44. The wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 are in wireless communication via a Zigbee communication protocol with the ephemeral GW 12 provided by the cellular phone 10.

[0157] In other embodiments, the ephemeral GW can be configured to use one or more other communication protocols (including, for example, BLE, Thread, Wi-Fi, or any other communication protocol) to configure the wireless network devices and / or to wirelessly communicate with the wireless network devices. For example, the ephemeral GW can be configured to use at least the Zigbee communication protocol to configure the wireless network devices. Additional communication protocols can be used for communication. Alternatively, BLE-based onboarding or configuration can be performed by tunneling Zigbee commands, or network parameters related to the wireless network devices can be communicated using BLE-based mechanisms.

[0158] The permanent GW 30 includes a processor 32, a memory 34, a transceiver 36, and an antenna array 38. The processor 32 can perform the same functions as the processor 14 of the cellular telephone 10. The memory 34 can perform the same functions as the memory 16 of the cellular telephone 10. The transceiver 36 and the antenna array 38 can perform the same functions as the transceiver 20 and the antenna array 22 of the cellular telephone 10. Once the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44 have been configured, the permanent GW 30 can be used to control them. The wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44 each include a transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the ephemeral GW 12 and the permanent GW 30 (not shown). The wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44 can also include a processor and a memory or microchip that includes functionality for forming the wireless network 200 with the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44 and the permanent GW 30 or the ephemeral GW 12 (not shown).

[0159] In other embodiments, the configuration system can also include one or more mobile configuration devices, at least one other GW (e.g., a permanent GW or another ephemeral GW), and a set of wireless network devices. The one or more mobile configuration devices can be configured to provide one or more ephemeral GWs for configuring wireless network devices of the set of wireless network devices in the vicinity of the one or more mobile configuration devices, for acting as one or more GWs of a wireless network, and for making configuration information of the wireless network obtained during configuration of the wireless network devices available to the at least one other GW. The at least one other GW can be configured to control the wireless network based on the configuration information received from the one or more ephemeral GWs.

[0160] In this embodiment, the ephemeral GW 12 configures the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 of the wireless network 200 in the vicinity of the cellular phone 10. In this embodiment, the ephemeral GW 12 acts as a GW of the wireless network 200. Furthermore, the ephemeral GW 12 makes the configuration information of the wireless network obtained during the configuration of the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 available to the permanent GW 30. In this embodiment, the configuration information generated during the configuration process is stored by the ephemeral GW 12 and provided to the permanent GW 30. This allows the permanent GW 30 to take over the control from the ephemeral GW 12, e.g. when the ephemeral GW 12 is still present or once the ephemeral GW 12 has disappeared. In other embodiments, the ephemeral GW 12 can also provide the configuration information to an intermediate location, e.g. a cloud server. The cloud server can store the configuration information and provide it to other GWs, e.g. ephemeral GWs or permanent GWs joining the wireless network, upon installation of the cloud server. In this embodiment, the permanent GW 30 is not operational while the ephemeral GW 12 configures Figure 2 and Figure 3 the wireless network 200 in

[0161] In Figure 2 , one luminaire 40 and sensor 42 are within the single hop distance 50 of the current location of the cellular phone 10 and are configured by the ephemeral GW 12. In other embodiments, the mobile configuration device can be configured to configure wireless network devices in the same area as the mobile configuration device.

[0162] In a first configuration step, the camera 19 of the cellular phone 10 is used to check whether the luminaire 40 and the sensor 42 in the single hop distance 50 are installed at the correct location. Thus, an image can be generated at the current location of the cellular phone 10. Furthermore, the viewing direction of the cellular phone 10 can be provided and the image can be compared to a floor plan for installing the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 in order to determine whether the luminaire 40 and the sensor 42 have been installed at the correct location. Alternatively, the user 28 can manually verify whether the installation location of the luminaire 40 and the sensor 42 is correct by visually checking it and inputting the verification information using the touch display 18.

[0163] In other embodiments, the camera or any other sensor-based system configured to check the status of at least one wireless network device can also be included in one of the wireless network devices or it can be a standalone system of the configuration system.

[0164] The ephemeral GW 12 can actively send a signal and listen for reply signals from the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44 in order to detect them.

[0165] In this embodiment, the sensor 42 is a hub wireless network device that provides a detection signal to the ephemeral GW 12, i.e., the hub wireless network device 42 actively sends a detection signal to the ephemeral GW 12. This allows the ephemeral GW 12 to detect the sensor 42 more quickly. In other embodiments, all of the wireless network devices can provide detection signals, and one or more hub wireless network devices can provide detection signals more frequently than the other wireless network devices in order to allow one or more ephemeral GWs to detect the hub wireless network devices more quickly than the other wireless network devices.

[0166] The sensor 42 also stores historical information for the ephemeral GW 12. The historical information includes previous configuration information, if available, and historical data for the ephemeral GW, such as when the ephemeral GW joined and / or left the wireless network 200. The historical information can include, for example, a short address, a mapping of the short address to IEEE addresses of the wireless network devices of the wireless network, storage capabilities on the wireless network devices, endpoints on the wireless network devices, simple descriptors on the wireless network devices, green power configuration information, groups of wireless network devices, routes, reporting configuration information, bindings, neighbor table information for the wireless network devices, endpoints that exist on at least one other GW and / or one or more ephemeral GWs. In other embodiments, a hub wireless network device can be configured to store historical information for one or more ephemeral GWs. The hub wireless network device can be configured to provide the historical information to the ephemeral GWs in order to speed up the configuration process. For example, in the case of multiple ephemeral GWs being used to configure wireless network devices in parallel, one ephemeral GW can be provided with configuration information for wireless network devices configured by another ephemeral GW.

[0167] In this embodiment, the ephemeral GW 12 acts as a temporary TC, generates TCLK for the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44, and provides them and their address information to the permanent GW 30. The address information includes the short address and IEEE address of the ephemeral gateway 12.

[0168] In a second configuration step, the ephemeral GW 12 sends Zigbee signals 24 to the sensor 42 and the luminaire 40 in the one-hop distance 50 and joins them to the wireless network 200 for wireless communication with them. The ephemeral GW 12 then generates a TCLK for the sensor 42 and the luminaire 40 and provides the TCLK to the sensor 42 and the luminaire 40. Furthermore, the ephemeral GW 12 assigns a short address to the sensor 42 and the luminaire 40 and provides them with their address information as well as related parameters, such as network channel, PANID and EPID. This allows to establish a network structure using the ephemeral GW 12. For example, the short address can be used for routing of the communication. The ephemeral GW 12 stores these network parameters in the memory 16 in the form of configuration information of the wireless network 200. In this embodiment, the ephemeral GW 12 stores TCLK information about the TCLK, i.e. a hash value of the TCLK, as well as its address information in the configuration information. For example, the hash value of the TCLK can be used by the permanent GW 30 in a handshake with each of the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 to generate its own TCLK based on the hash value of the TCLK. In other embodiments, the TCLK can also be stored directly in the configuration information.

[0169] In this embodiment, the ephemeral GW 12 provides the configuration information to the server 300 via the Wi-Fi signal 26 and directly to the permanent GW 30. The permanent GW 30 generates the TCLK from the hash value of the TCLK and uses the address information of the ephemeral GW 12 in order to replace or add it. This allows the permanent GW 30 to replace or add the ephemeral GW 12 and to control the wireless network 200 based on the configuration information received from the ephemeral GW 12. If the permanent GW 30 is installed only after the ephemeral GW 12 has disappeared, the permanent GW 30 can be provided with the configuration information from the server 300 via the Wi-Fi signal 26.

[0170] In other embodiments, the ephemeral GW can provide further network parameters to the wireless network devices, set configuration parameters of the wireless network devices, provide software updates for software of the wireless network devices and determine status information of the wireless network devices.

[0171] In other embodiments, the ephemeral GW can also group the wireless network devices, optimize the wireless network, provide control behavior of the wireless network devices and verify control behavior of the wireless network devices in the wireless network.

[0172] However, in this embodiment, the ephemeral GW 12 is only used to configure the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 and to join them to the wireless network 200 in the sense of establishing a functional network structure. Once the ephemeral GW 12 has provided the configuration information to the permanent GW 30, the permanent GW 30 can perform further configurations, such as grouping, optimization and providing control behavior.

[0173] In other embodiments, the ephemeral GW can be configured to adjust the functionality of at least one other GW, for example to disable, mute or reduce the functionality of at least one other GW for wireless network devices in the same area or single hop distance of the current location of the mobile configuration device. If the ephemeral GW is included in the wireless network, it will only adjust the functionality of at least one other GW.

[0174] In other embodiments, the ephemeral GW can be configured to configure the wireless network devices in multiple phases. The multiple phases can comprise one or more of:

[0175] - a phase in which the wireless network devices join the wireless network,

[0176] - a phase in which the wireless network devices are grouped,

[0177] - a phase in which the wireless network is optimized,

[0178] - a phase in which the control behavior of the wireless network devices in the wireless network is provided,

[0179] - a phase in which the control behavior of the wireless network devices in the wireless network is verified.

[0180] Further embodiments of the configuration system are given below:

[0181] In a second embodiment of the configuration system, the configuration is made faster and / or more predictable by using the ephemeral GW as a TC in the single hop distance of the wireless network devices in the form of luminaires to be configured. The second embodiment of the configuration system uses the Zigbee communication protocol to configure the luminaires. The user acts as an installer or commissioner who can visually verify the health or operational status of the luminaires and their configuration at the time of installation without being exposed to potential wireless network latency or even incompleteness of the Zigbee wireless network infrastructure. In this embodiment, the luminaire flashes when it has been correctly provisioned. The network connection of the luminaire can be checked, for example, by transmitting and receiving control command signals and visual verification of the luminaire reaction to the control command signals. When configuring the lighting devices, since the distance of the ephemeral GW from the lighting devices is single hop, its communication path is short and thus reliable. It does not need to hop between multiple intermediate nodes (i.e. other luminaires) that can not have been configured yet, and there is no higher level of slow retries caused by unreliable communication. The ephemeral GW can also create a list of luminaires that have been configured and provided with an address and / or address information.

[0182] In comparison to prior art GWs, the ephemeral GW in the second embodiment of the configuration system does not immediately start discovering and configuring the wireless network devices joining the wireless network. This allows to reduce unwanted data traffic by discovery (e.g. including transmission of addresses, endpoints, simple descriptors, basic clusters, other clusters) and by configuration (e.g. including transmission of groups, bindings, reports, software versions) while other wireless network devices are still joining and thus require bandwidth. Moreover, the ephemeral GW provides a controlled behavior. In prior art systems, the prior art GW would start automatically performing discovery and configuration of the wireless network devices upon joining. With the ephemeral GW it is possible to allow (i) to perform discovery and configuration at a later point in time, when joining is finished, and / or (ii) to perform discovery and configuration more efficiently, e.g. using single-hop distance or pre-established same wireless network device groups in the same area, and / or (iii) to perform discovery and configuration over single-hop Zigbee or over BLE.

[0183] The configuration process can be performed in multiple phases according to different criteria. For example, the minimum necessary steps to establish the network architecture or network structure can be performed and all optimization actions and application level configuration actions can be delayed to a later point in time. Alternatively, all stack related configuration activities can be performed and all application related configuration activities can be delayed to a later point in time. Yet alternatively, all node triggered configuration actions, i.e. configuration actions triggered by the wireless network devices, in particular luminaires, can be performed and all GW and / or system triggered configuration actions can be delayed to a later point in time. The configuration system can comprise an additional control algorithm running on the processor used by the ephemeral GW for pausing and resuming the joining and / or configuration process.

[0184] In yet another embodiment, the configuration of a configuration system in the form of a standalone lighting configuration system not including a permanent GW can be performed via a cell phone acting as a transient GW to facilitate configuring the wireless network devices in the lighting configuration system as a user interface. Other transient GWs can join the standalone lighting configuration system from time to time. In this case, the installer can have named and / or indicated locations where potential transient GWs can appear, e.g. within single hop distance to one or more wireless network devices. For example, the facility manager's cell phone including the transient GW can always enter via a certain entrance (e.g. the elevator hall) or he usually sits at a desk directly under a certain wireless network device of the wireless network. This wireless network device can be a hub wireless network device. In other embodiments, there can also be multiple hub wireless network devices, e.g. at different locations. The hub wireless network device (e.g. hub luminaire) in this location can be configured to look for transient GWs, enabling fast detection and connection to the lighting configuration system. For example, the hub luminaire can send a special BLE beacon or some special indication in its BLE beacon so that the transient GW on the facility manager's mobile phone can easily identify it. Alternatively or additionally, the hub luminaire can also send BLE beacons more frequently than other less preferred wireless network devices (e.g. luminaires). The hub luminaire can also store additional information about the transient GW, e.g. historical information such as information during which the transient GW was not present, when the transient GW was in an inactive state, information about the short to long address mapping, endpoints present on the GW, etc. The hub luminaire can also maintain an extended network connection on behalf of the transient GW, e.g. it can have an increased number of neighbors and additional routing or communication paths (e.g. including potential many-to-one routing). This can allow the transient GW to immediately communicate with the wireless network devices of the wireless network when reconnecting with the wireless network via the hub luminaire. To avoid double routing, the hub luminaire can advertise and / or maintain a routing set that can be used for both the hub luminaire and the transient GW.

[0185] In a third embodiment of the configuration system, even though a permanent GW is present, a transient GW is utilized to make the configuration more reliable. It can be beneficial to use a transient GW instead of a permanent GW even if the configuration system - e.g. a scalable standalone system (i.e. the system can in principle be installed without a GW and permanent cloud connection, but a GW can be added later) - is equipped with a permanent GW from the beginning. In the prior art, typically the permanent GW is programmed for a full configuration of a new wireless network device before another wireless network device can be added to the wireless network. This can be lengthy and time consuming. For example, in the case of a multi-hop Zigbee join, it would include a broadcast route discovery, a broadcast short address discovery, and then a number of unicast messages for discovering the active endpoints of the joined wireless network device, a simple descriptor of each endpoint, basic device information such as manufacturerID, modelID, and default device configuration (e.g. reporting conditions, sensing settings, etc.). The configuration process can also be traffic intensive, e.g. including group and scene settings, configuration of reporting conditions, etc. This is especially problematic in larger dense networks, e.g. a New York City street light network. For example, in a New York City street light network, the Zigbee wireless lighting configuration system has to be configured during night time, because during day time the network setup is not successful due to interference in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, which leads to an excessive completion time. The use of a mobile transient GW provided by the installer's cell phone during the configuration allows the installer to be physically close to the wireless network device(s) to be configured (e.g. street lights) as the installer can stand right below it. This can alleviate the above-mentioned problems of the prior art

[0186] In a fourth embodiment of the configuration system, a transient GW is utilized to make the configuration process more flexible. In this case, no permanent GW is initially installed, but a transient GW is used to configure wireless network devices that are installed before the permanent GW is installed and configured. In the prior art, the installer typically needs to add wireless network devices from the inside out during setup of the wireless network, starting with the wireless network device next to the permanent GW. This is to ensure that a reliable mesh network is formed that can reach the permanent GW during each stage of the wireless network device positioning and configuration, and to get immediate confirmation from the wireless network device that it joined the wireless network. The network formation process of the prior art involves multi-hop messages over Zigbee, which adds latency. Furthermore, in the prior art, there is a risk that the installer’s configuration device can have a bad connection to the permanent GW, for example, in case the configuration device and the permanent GW use a Wi-Fi communication protocol and the installer is far away from the permanent GW. Using a mobile transient GW allows to bring the GW functionality close to the joining wireless network device, and thus can give the installer the freedom to choose the order of configuration, without enforcing a specific order of configuring the wireless network devices that is required by the network topology. This can allow to install and configure the wireless network devices faster. For example, during an office renovation, certain rooms on a floor (e.g. private offices or rooms that are not yet prepared for installation of wireless network devices) can be locked.

[0187] The transient GW provides a configuration experience as if the GW would be mobile and always collocated with the physical location of the installer’s cell phone that performs the wireless network device configuration in the building. The transient GW can suppress or stop and delay the discovery and further configuration of the joining wireless network devices, which themselves try to start the discovery options, e.g. check the network address or IEEE address of the transient GW, establish routing, start reporting, etc. The delayed activities can include configuration related activities like e.g. TCLK updates, which are required to complete the Zigbee 3.0 joining process. The wireless network devices can be controlled by the transient GW such that the discovery options can be delayed and resumed at a later point in time, e.g. initiated by a control command signal of the transient GW to the wireless network devices. Alternatively, the wireless network devices can operate in a special mode (e.g. configuration mode and / or maintenance mode) that determines which actions the wireless network devices perform. A graceful degradation can be used, e.g. the transient GW stops responding as soon as the configuration is done, because the BLE connection is closed, or because the transient GW ignores the BLE connection after the wireless network or the wireless network devices are configured. The joining wireless network devices can detect this and stop and / or start some activities, e.g. discovery and configuration. Alternatively, a proxy server can be provided that stops the traffic to the transient GW once the wireless network is configured.

[0188] In a fifth embodiment of the configuration system, multiple ephemeral GWs are provided by multiple mobile configuration devices for configuring wireless network devices in parallel. Using ephemeral GWs allows to parallelize the configuration process. For example, multiple mobile configuration devices can provide multiple ephemeral GWs for configuring multiple wireless network devices in the vicinity of the respective ephemeral GW. The ephemeral GWs can store configuration information of the wireless network devices and consolidate the information in order to form a consolidated wireless network of the wireless network devices configured in parallel by the multiple ephemeral GWs. The configuration information provided by the multiple ephemeral GWs can also be stored on an intermediate location (e.g. a cloud server) and consolidated at the intermediate location. This is especially helpful for configuring large networks, e.g. street lights in a wireless mesh network broken up by cellular routers. Similarly, a large parking garage floor with e.g. 1000 wireless network devices per wireless network can be configured faster in parallel.

[0189] In a sixth embodiment of the configuration system, the ephemeral GWs provide network parameters to the wireless network devices in the form of luminaires. This can allow to easily maintain one wireless network or multiple wireless networks (e.g. in a commercial building) formed by the wireless network devices. Instead of relying on the network parameters being randomly selected by the wireless network devices forming the wireless network, the ephemeral GWs can select the network parameters, e.g. network identifiers, network security credentials and network channels. This can help to select optimized RF network channels, as the distribution of other wireless networks throughout the building can be taken into account in order to avoid them as well as other network channels for e.g. Wi-Fi. Like a certain floor can use a certain channel for Wi-Fi. In reaction, the ephemeral GWs can select a Zigbee channel for that floor that does not collide with the Wi-Fi channel. Other RF channels used by other Zigbee networks, e.g. for HVAC configuration systems, can also be avoided. As the ephemeral GWs are mobile, the configuration can be performed directly from the vicinity of the wireless network devices. This can allow to check the basic health status of the installation, e.g. whether the power is connected and the light is emitted in the form of a luminaire from the wireless network device, and whether the lighting device can be controlled via the just established wireless network. Furthermore, this can allow to check and optionally adjust lighting specific parameters, e.g. maximum light output, minimum light output, default light output, light directionality, etc. The check can be performed by a sensor based system, e.g. a camera based system. The camera based system can use a coded light mechanism for the check, e.g. based on image recognition algorithms.

[0190] In a seventh embodiment of configuring the system, the ephemeral GW is used for orchestrating the network formation of the wireless network. The ephemeral GW acts in the role of a device forming the wireless network in order to control the creation process of forming the wireless network. This can allow providing the installer using the ephemeral GW with control about when to turn on the wireless network. Furthermore, it can give the installer control about which wireless network device to add at which point in time, which allows influencing the network topology of the wireless network. In this embodiment, the ephemeral GW is used in a centralized or TC network. In other embodiments, the ephemeral GW can also be used in a distributed network. The wireless network devices can be allowed to join the distributed network via a distributed security mechanism or in a distributed security mode performed by one or more wireless network devices without involving the ephemeral GW.

[0191] In this embodiment, the ephemeral GW is removed after the configuration of the wireless network is completed and replaced by a non-removable permanent GW. In order to replace the ephemeral GW with the permanent GW, the ephemeral GW mimics the permanent GW during the configuration and / or OTAU, i.e. by using the same short address and IEEE address as the permanent GW. Furthermore, the TCLK is provided from the ephemeral GW to the permanent GW. Furthermore, the permanent GW can be replaced again by this ephemeral GW, e.g. when the ephemeral GW rejoins the wireless network, or the permanent GW can also be replaced by another ephemeral GW. Thus, the permanent GW can provide the TCLK and its short address and IEEE address to the ephemeral GW.

[0192] Alternatively, a TC swap-out mechanism can be used to replace the ephemeral GW with the permanent GW. In this case, the ephemeral GW acts as a TC only for the configuration or OTAU and configures all wireless network devices on the wireless network. When the ephemeral GW has configured all wireless network devices on the wireless network, it passes the hash value of the TCLK to the permanent GW. The permanent GW takes over the ephemeral GW and takes over the control of the wireless network. Thus, it generates its own unique TCLK based on the hash value of the TCLK received from the ephemeral GW in the handshake with each wireless network device. This choice is beneficial as it reduces security concerns. For example, Zigbee Smart Energy (ZSE) defines a TC swap-out behavior in Zigbee. In particular, the TC swap-out mechanism is described in the ZSE specification v1.4: Zigbee document 07-5356-21.

[0193] In an eighth embodiment, a transient GW is used to temporarily mimic the role of a permanent GW in order to get the network connected. The transient GW can use the knowledge of the network parameters to configure the wireless network devices and store the network parameters as configuration information locally and / or in the cloud, e.g. on a cloud server. Once the permanent GW is added to the wireless network, the stored network parameters can be provided to the permanent GW in the form of configuration information. Thus, the permanent GW can be added to the wireless network without any commissioning or reconfiguration.

[0194] In this embodiment, the configuration system uses the Zigbee communication protocol for wireless communication between the wireless network devices and the transient GW. In this embodiment, the transient GW acts as a TC. The following network parameters are stored in the configuration information: IEEE address of the TC, short address of the TC, network key, TCLK of the wireless network devices, IEEE address of the wireless network devices, and EPID. The short address of the TC is 0x0000. In case of multiple transient GWs, the short addresses can be assigned to them in a round robin semi-concurrent manner, or the multiple transient GWs are also assigned the same IEEE address, so that the wireless network devices see no difference between the two different transient GWs. Each transient GW can send its own MTORR. The transient GW closest to the wireless network devices will configure them. The closest transient GW can be determined, for example, based on path cost. The transient GWs can coordinate with each other in order to avoid sending RREQs at the same time and to minimize the risk of creating routing loops. Instead of storing the TCLK of the wireless network devices, the corresponding hash value can also be stored for increased security. The EPID can be the IEEE address of the TC.

[0195] Using the network parameters, the wireless network can typically be discovered by active scanning and the PANID, network channel, and nwkUpdateID can be derived. Alternatively, these additional network parameters can also be stored in the configuration information. Once the permanent GW is installed, the TC swap-out functionality of Zigbee can be used so that the permanent GW can replace one or more transient GWs.

[0196] In case the Zigbee wireless network is based on the distributed security mode, the IEEE address for the GW and the short address for the GW do not need to be stored, and also the hash value of the TCLK.

[0197] In a ninth embodiment, the transient GW is used to enable a user acting as an installer to independently configure two or more different configuration systems, e.g. a lighting configuration system for machines, an HVAC configuration system, a smart metering system, and / or a plug load control system. Furthermore, the wireless network devices of the two or more different configuration systems are independently verified and merged with each other in order to form one wireless network.

[0198] A lighting configuration system is typically a first device installed in a building using a lighting configuration method, which comprises corresponding tools and interfaces. The installer of the lighting configuration system configures the lighting configuration system for operation, e.g. it comprises lighting zones and / or lighting scenes, and typically leaves the building thereafter. The lighting configuration system has wireless network devices in the form of permanent GWs and luminaires. The permanent GWs can expose information to the cloud, and / or are able to interact locally with apps of users of non-lighting configuration systems, e.g. facility managers.

[0199] A data driven non-lighting application running on a cell phone of a facility manager and / or a non-lighting permanent GW, e.g. a permanent GW of an HVAC configuration system in the form of an HVAC room controller LCD panel, can need to exchange data with the lighting configuration system. For example, if a person is detected in the building in case of a fire, a safety and / or security application check can be performed. Further, access control and / or HVAC control can be provided using the cell phone of the facility manager.

[0200] In this embodiment, the first configuration system, i.e. the lighting configuration system, once installed and configured, forms the backbone of the wireless network devices of the other configuration systems that will be added to the wireless network later.

[0201] Using a transient GW to pre-configure the configuration system to be added allows to easily incorporate the wireless network devices of the configuration system into one wireless network. The transient GW of the configuration system to be added can learn the configuration information from the lighting configuration system, e.g. by providing it from the cloud or by joining the wireless network of the lighting configuration system. The transient GW can store the configuration information and use it when configuring the wireless network devices of the configuration system to be added. For example, when configuring the wireless network devices of the configuration system to be added, the transient GW can use the same network parameters as the wireless network of the lighting configuration system, but modify one setting so that the wireless network devices of the configuration system to be added can operate temporarily without disturbing the wireless network devices of the lighting configuration system. For example, the NWK key and EPID can be used for the wireless network of the lighting configuration system, and the PANID and / or network channel can be modified. Additionally, e.g. the nwkUpdateID can be decremented so that these are faked as old network settings. Further, the IEEE address and TCLK of the wireless network devices of the configuration system to be added are provided to the wireless network devices of the wireless network and the permanent GW, e.g. via the cloud.

[0202] This can allow to avoid that the installer of the lighting configuration system needs to come back to incorporate the configuration system and / or that the lighting configuration system comprises additional wireless network devices for extending it. Moreover, the functional verification of the wireless network devices in the merged wireless network can be easily performed. Finally, specific modifications of the configuration system to be added that can affect the lighting configuration system are possible, as the wireless network devices of the lighting configuration system can easily be reconfigured using the ephemeral GW.

[0203] In yet another embodiment, the ephemeral GW provides network parameters to the wireless network devices of the configuration system to be added during the configuration. The wireless network devices start running silently on the wireless network using the network parameters. The silent start means that the wireless network devices do not perform scanning and thus do not detect the wireless network devices of the lighting configuration system. This allows the installer to configure the wireless network devices of the configuration system to be added as they are used to. The installer can also test their functionality independently without any interaction with the lighting configuration system. After verifying the functionality, the rejoin command sent to the wireless network devices of the configuration system to be added makes them find the wireless network devices of the lighting configuration system. This results in updating the network parameters and merging the wireless network devices of the configuration system into one wireless network.

[0204] In a tenth embodiment, the ephemeral GW is used to perform an initial software update of the software of the wireless network devices during the configuration of the wireless network devices. The wireless network devices can be placed on the rack months after they have been installed and configured. The ephemeral GW can be configured to install the initial update reliably and quickly using OTAU. In particular, the duration of the OTAU is critical. In this embodiment, the OTAU is performed when the installer is busy with mechanically installing other wireless network devices (e.g. luminaires) or when he is resting. This allows to avoid the risk of performing the OTAU when the wireless network devices join the wireless network.

[0205] In other embodiments, one or more wireless network devices can act as an OTAU server. The software update can be provided from the ephemeral GW to the OTAU server. The OTAU server can then provide the software update to other wireless network devices. This allows to perform the update silently while the installer is working or even after the installer has left. It is also possible to broadcast the software update in an "OTAU broadcast" as typically many or all wireless network devices need the same software update if they are the same or similar devices.

[0206] In yet another embodiment, the wireless network devices comprise a power source, e.g. a battery. This can be used to perform the OTAU while the wireless network devices are still in the box before installation. The wireless network devices can also be partially configured in the box.

[0207] In yet another embodiment, a configuration system in the form of an HVAC system is utilized. The permanent GW can not yet be installed or be disabled, and the ephemeral GW can be included in the HVAC system for configuring wireless network devices in the form of HVAC equipment, such as heating equipment, air conditioning equipment, and cooling equipment. The installer can check whether the cloud backend of the HVAC system correctly displays the occupancy status of the rooms on the floor plan in the user interface. This can allow verifying several configuration aspects on site while configuring the wireless network. This can ensure that the complex integration with the HVAC system is working as intended.

[0208] Figure 5 An exemplary flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 500 of configuring a set of wireless network devices and at least one other GW using a mobile configuration device is shown. In this embodiment, the at least one other GW is a permanent GW, such as a bridge. In other embodiments, the other GW can also be another ephemeral GW, such as provided by another mobile configuration device. The method can be performed by Figure 1 a cellular phone 10 of Figure 2 and Figure 3 a configuration system 100 for configuring Figures 2 to 4 wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44 and a permanent GW 30 of a wireless network 200 of

[0209] In step 510, the ephemeral GW 12 located at the current location of the cellular phone 10 is provided by the cellular phone 10.

[0210] In step 520, the ephemeral GW 12 configures the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44 in the vicinity of the cellular phone 10. In this embodiment, the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44 are configured, which are in single-hop distance to the cellular phone 10 and thus in single-hop distance to the ephemeral GW 12. In this embodiment, the configuring comprises sub-steps 522, 524, and 526. The sub-steps 522, 524, and 526 can be performed one by one for each of the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44, i.e., the sub-steps 522, 524, and 526 are performed for one of the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44 and then for another one of the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44. Alternatively, the sub-steps 522, 524, and 526 can also be performed in parallel, i.e., the sub-step 522 is performed first for all of the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44, then the sub-step 524 is performed for all of the wireless network devices, and finally the sub-step 526 is performed for all of the wireless network devices.

[0211] In sub-step 522, the ephemeral GW 12 creates a wireless connection 24 to the wireless network devices 40, 42, and 44.

[0212] In sub-step 524, the ephemeral GW 12 uses the wireless connection 24 to wirelessly communicate with the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 and provides the network parameters of the wireless network 200 to the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44. The network parameters include security related information comprising TCLKs of the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44. Each TCLK of a respective one of the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 is unique. The network parameters further include address information of the ephemeral GW 12.

[0213] In sub-step 526, the network parameters are included in configuration information.

[0214] In step 530, the ephemeral GW 12 acts as a GW of the wireless network 200.

[0215] In step 540, the ephemeral GW 12 makes configuration information of the wireless network 200 obtained during configuring the wireless network devices 40, 42 and 44 available to the permanent GW 30. Thus, the configuration information is stored by the ephemeral GW 12 in the memory 16. In other embodiments, the configuration information can also be stored on a server, e.g. a cloud server which provides it to the permanent GW 30 even when the ephemeral GW 12 is gone. In this embodiment, the ephemeral GW 12 provides the configuration information directly to the permanent GW 30. This allows replacing or adding the ephemeral GW 12 by the permanent GW 30. The permanent GW 30 can then control the wireless network 200 or perform functions to add the ephemeral GW 12.

[0216] In other embodiments, more than one ephemeral GW and more than one permanent GW can participate in the method.

[0217] In other embodiments, the method can further comprise a step of adjusting a function of at least one other GW by one or more of the ephemeral GWs. Adjusting a function of at least one other GW can for example comprise disabling the at least one other GW, muting it, reducing its functionality or changing its functionality. In further embodiments, the method can comprise one or more of the following steps: grouping the wireless network devices, optimizing the wireless network, providing a control behavior of the wireless network devices in the wireless network, verifying a control behavior of the wireless network devices in the wireless network, providing network parameters to the wireless network devices, setting configuration parameters of the wireless network devices, providing software updates for software of the wireless network devices, and determining status information of the wireless network devices.

[0218] While the application has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, it is possible to operate the application in an embodiment in which the configuration system comprises one or more subsystems, such as an office space configuration system, a lighting configuration system, an HVAC configuration system, a home security monitoring system, or a parking lot configuration system. The configuration system can for example also comprise a smart metering system or a plug load controller system for machines, such as an electrical plug load controller system for machines. After a first subsystem, such as a lighting configuration system, has been operated, the ephemeral GW can for example be used to configure the wireless network devices of a second subsystem, such as an electrical plug load controller system for machines.

[0219] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed application, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0220] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0221] A single unit, processor or device can fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0222] Operations performed by one or several units or devices, such as - providing an ephemeral GW located at the current location of the mobile configuration device; providing an ephemeral GW located at the current location of the mobile configuration device, the ephemeral GW configuring wireless network devices of the set of wireless network devices in the vicinity of the mobile configuration device, the ephemeral GW acting as a GW of the wireless network, and the ephemeral GW making available to at least one other GW configuration information of the wireless network obtained during the configuring of the wireless network devices, the ephemeral GW creating a wireless connection to the wireless network devices, the ephemeral GW wirelessly communicating with and providing to the wireless network devices network parameters of the wireless network, security-related information, and / or address information thereof; storing configuration information of the wireless network; joining the wireless network devices to the wireless network; grouping the wireless network devices; optimizing the wireless network; providing a control behavior of the wireless network devices in the wireless network; verifying a control behavior of the wireless network devices in the wireless network; providing network parameters to the wireless network devices; setting configuration parameters of the wireless network devices; providing software updates for software of the wireless network devices; determining status information of the wireless network devices; and the like, can be performed by any other number of units or devices. These operations and / or methods can be implemented as program code means of a computer program and / or as dedicated hardware.

[0223] The computer program product can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state storage medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet, Ethernet, or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0224] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0225] The present invention relates to providing a mobile transient GW. The transient GW is configured to a wireless network device of a wireless network arranged in its vicinity for acting as a gateway of the wireless network and for making configuration information of the wireless network obtained during configuring the wireless network device available to at least one other gateway. The mobile transient GW can be replaced or added by at least one other GW. The wireless network can be controlled based on the configuration information, wherein the transient GW makes this configuration information available. Since multiple GWs can sequentially or in parallel perform functions in the wireless network, this can allow a more reliable and faster configuration of the wireless network, while reducing the data traffic during configuration, and improving the operation of the wireless network.

Claims

1. A mobile configuration device (10) configured to provide a transient gateway (12) at the current location of the mobile configuration device (10). The transient gateway (12) is configured as follows: - Wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) configured in the wireless network (200) near the mobile configuration device (10). -Acts as a gateway for the wireless network (200), and - Make the configuration information of the wireless network (200) obtained during the configuration of the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) available to at least one other gateway (30); The transient gateway (12) is configured to provide security-related information about the wireless network (200) in the configuration information; and The transient gateway (12) is configured as follows: - At least the Zigbee communication protocol should be used to configure the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44). - Acts as a temporary trust center, which generates a trust center link key for the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) of the wireless network (200), and - Make the trust center link key information about the trust center link key available to the at least one other gateway (30) as security-related information in the configuration information, so as to allow the at least one other gateway (30) to use the trust center link key or to obtain its own trust center link key based on the trust center link key information, wherein the transient gateway makes the trust center link key information available.

2. The mobile configuration device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the transient gateway (12) is configured to configure the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) in the same area or single-hop distance (50) of the current location of the mobile configuration device (10).

3. The mobile configuration device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The transient gateway (12) is configured to, if the at least one other gateway (30) is included in the wireless network (200) having the transient gateway (12), at least temporarily adjust the functionality of the at least one other gateway (30) for wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) in the same area or single hop distance (50) of the current location of the mobile configuration device (10).

4. The mobile configuration device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The ephemeral gateway (12) is configured to make its address information in the configuration information available to the at least one other gateway (30) so as to allow the at least one other gateway (30) to replace or add the ephemeral gateway (12) in the wireless network (200).

5. The mobile configuration device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transient gateway (12) is configured to configure the wireless network device (40, 42, 44) in multiple phases, the multiple phases including one or more of the following: -The stage in which the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) join the wireless network (200), - The phase of packetizing the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44), - The phase of optimizing the wireless network (200), -A phase that provides control behavior for the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) in the wireless network (200). -A phase for verifying the control behavior of the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) in the wireless network (200).

6. The mobile configuration device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The transient gateway (12) is configured as one or more of the following: - Provide network parameters to the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44). - Configure the configuration parameters of the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44). - Provide software updates for the software of the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44). - Determine the status information of the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44).

7. A configuration system (100), comprising: - One or more mobile configuration devices (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. -At least one other gateway (30), and - A group of wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) of wireless network (200). The one or more mobile configuration devices (10) are configured to provide one or more transient gateways (12) for: - Configure the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) in the nearby group of wireless network devices (40, 42, 44), and - Act as one or more gateways for the wireless network (200), and - Make the configuration information of the wireless network (200) obtained during the configuration of the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) available to the at least one other gateway (30).

8. The configuration system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the one or more transient gateways (12) are configured to detect wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) in the group of wireless network devices (40, 42, 44), and One of the wireless network devices (42) is a central wireless network device (42), which is configured to provide detection signals or provide detection signals more frequently than other wireless network devices (40, 44) so ​​as to allow the one or more transient gateways (12) to detect the central wireless network device (42) faster than the other wireless network devices (40, 44).

9. The configuration system (100) according to claim 8, wherein the central wireless network device (42) is configured to store historical information of the one or more transient gateways (12).

10. The configuration system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the configuration system (100) includes a sensor-based system (19) configured to check the status of at least one of the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44).

11. A method for configuring a group of wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) and at least one other gateway (30) of a wireless network (200) using a mobile configuration device (10), comprising the steps of: - Provide a temporary gateway (12) located at the current location of the mobile configuration device (10). - The transient gateway (12) is configured in the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) of the group of wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) near the mobile configuration device (10). - The transient gateway (12) acts as the gateway for the wireless network (200), and - The transient gateway (12) makes the configuration information of the wireless network (200) obtained during the configuration of the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) available to the at least one other gateway (30); The transient gateway (12) is configured to provide security-related information about the wireless network (200) in the configuration information; and The transient gateway (12) is configured as follows: - At least the Zigbee communication protocol should be used to configure the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44). - Acts as a temporary trust center, which generates a trust center link key for the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) of the wireless network (200), and - Make the trust center link key information about the trust center link key available to the at least one other gateway (30) as security-related information in the configuration information, so as to allow the at least one other gateway (30) to use the trust center link key or to obtain its own trust center link key based on the trust center link key information, wherein the transient gateway makes the trust center link key information available.

12. A computer program product for configuring a wireless network device (40, 42, 44) and at least one other gateway (30) of a wireless network (200) using a mobile configuration device (10), wherein the computer program product includes program code means that, when the computer program product is run on a processor (14), the program code means are configured to cause the processor (14) to perform the method as defined in claim 11.

13. A computer-readable medium (16) having stored the computer program product of claim 12.

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