BAS Controller Wireless Credentials from Obfuscated Identity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for configuring building automation system (BAS) controllers for wireless communication require significant service engineering resources, increasing installation and maintenance time and costs due to the need for physical connection via wired Ethernet.
Innovation Solution
BAS controllers generate network identifier and authentication information using obfuscated identity information, such as a MAC address, allowing wireless configuration without wired connections, using cryptographic hash functions or other obfuscation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired Ethernet connection is used for configuring BAS controllers, then configuration reliability is improved, but service engineering resources and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired Ethernet connection system with a wireless communication system. BAS controllers generate and broadcast their own network identifier and authentication information using wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical wired connections during configuration. This substitution maintains configuration reliability through secure authentication while dramatically reducing the time and resources required for service engineering.
2Reliability
If wired Ethernet connection is used for configuring BAS controllers, then authentication security is improved, but service engineering resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where each BAS controller autonomously generates its own network identifier and authentication information, then broadcasts these credentials wirelessly. This eliminates the need for service engineers to manually configure each controller through wired connections, thereby improving service engineering efficiency while maintaining authentication security through the generated credentials.
3Loss of time
If wireless communication is implemented without wired initial connection, then installation time is reduced, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having BAS controllers pre-generate their network identifier and authentication information before any configuration interaction is needed. The controllers autonomously create these credentials and broadcast them wirelessly, allowing configuration devices to connect immediately without requiring wired initial connections or complex setup procedures, thus reducing installation time without increasing configuration complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the time and cost of installation and commissioning by enabling wireless communication setup, decreasing the need for service engineers and technicians.
Implementation Method 1
Obfuscating the identity information may include obfuscating the identity information associated with the controller using a cryptographic hash function to produce the obfuscated identity information.
Data Source
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AI summary
Generating network identifier information and authentication information for wireless communication with a controller (12A-12N) includes accessing, by the controller (12A-12N), identity information associated with the controller (12A-12N). The controller obfuscates the identity information and generates the network identifier information and the authentication information associated with the controller (12A-12N) using the obfuscated identity information. The controller (12A-12N) is configured for wireless communication using the generated network identifier information and the generated authentication information.