Access Point Auto-Connection Mode for Wireless STB Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of wireless set-top boxes (STBs) is cumbersome due to the need for manual entry of wireless network passwords or PINs, requiring technicians to remember or write down SSIDs and passwords, and involves additional steps that increase installation time, especially when multiple STBs are installed.
Innovation Solution
An access point enters an auto-connection mode after booting and identifies stations by retrieving attribute information from probe requests, comparing it to pre-configured criteria, and enabling a secure setup mode for automatic pairing, reducing the need for manual password or PIN entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual password or PIN entry is used for wireless connection, then security is maintained, but installation time increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access point stores credentials and configuration information in advance before the actual connection is needed. When a station attempts to connect, the access point has already prepared the authentication data, eliminating the need for manual entry during installation and reducing setup time while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic pairing where the access point autonomously identifies stations and completes authentication without requiring manual password or PIN entry. The access point serves itself by automatically provisioning wireless credentials to eligible stations, thereby eliminating manual operations and reducing installation time.
2Reliability
If multiple STBs are installed using traditional methods, then each device can be connected securely, but the cumulative installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The access point implements a universal pairing mechanism that can automatically authenticate multiple different station types (STBs, mobile devices, tablets) using a single standardized process. This multi-functional approach allows the same automatic pairing protocol to serve various devices simultaneously, maintaining security while dramatically improving installation efficiency for multi-device deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point pre-configures and stores authentication credentials that can be automatically applied to multiple stations. By preparing authentication data in advance and making it available for automatic distribution, the system can securely connect multiple STBs without repeating manual password entry for each device, thereby maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
3Reliability
If technicians use virtual on-screen keyboards for password entry, then security is maintained, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs self-service by automatically generating and distributing wireless credentials to eligible stations without requiring manual password entry through virtual keyboards. The system autonomously completes the authentication process, eliminating the need for technicians to interact with complex on-screen interfaces while maintaining security through automated credential provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the manual password entry step from the connection process by implementing automatic pairing. The credential input function is removed from the technician's task list and transferred to the automated system, thereby eliminating the complexity of virtual keyboard operations while preserving security through the automated authentication mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media may be operable to facilitate an automated pairing between an access point and station through a secure setup procedure. An access point may enter into an auto-connection mode after a boot of the access point, and while operating in the auto-connection mode, the access point may identify a station by retrieving attribute information carried by a probe request that is output from the station. The access point may compare the retrieved attribute information to one or more criteria attributes, and if the retrieved attribute information associated with the station matches the one or more criteria attributes, the access point may be placed into a secure setup mode. While the access point is in the secure setup mode, the station from which the probe request was received may be paired with the access point.