Fabric Device Commissioning via BLE Bootstrap for WLAN Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart home devices that are not configured with WLAN credentials cannot connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN) for commissioning, hindering their integration into a smart home environment.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a User Equipment device (UE) to establish a secure Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection with the smart device for bootstrap commissioning, configuring it for WLAN, and enabling it to attach to the network, followed by operational commissioning by a router serving as a commissioner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smart device is not configured with WLAN credentials, then it cannot connect to the WLAN for commissioning, but providing direct WLAN connection capability requires pre-configured credentials which complicates the initial setup process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a commissioning device as an intermediary between the smart device and the WLAN. The commissioning device establishes a connection with the smart device through a starter connection (not requiring WLAN credentials) and acts as a mediator to transfer WLAN credentials to the smart device, enabling it to join the WLAN without pre-configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing a starter connection before WLAN connection. The commissioning device first connects to the smart device via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or other short-range communication, exchanges necessary information, and prepares the smart device for WLAN joining before the actual WLAN connection is attempted.
2Reliability
If a starter connection is used for bootstrap commissioning, then secure credential transfer is enabled, but the commissioning process requires multiple connection types increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the commissioning process into distinct phases: bootstrap commissioning phase using a starter connection for secure credential exchange, and operational commissioning phase using WLAN connection for normal operations. Each phase uses the appropriate connection type for its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The commissioning device serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple connection types. It handles the starter connection setup, credential transfer, and subsequent WLAN connection establishment, shielding the end user from the underlying complexity.
3Productivity
If WLAN credentials are pre-configured on smart devices, then direct WLAN connection is possible, but it compromises security by exposing credentials before commissioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions through bootstrap commissioning where the commissioning device prepares the smart device for WLAN connection by transferring credentials through a secure starter connection, rather than pre-configuring credentials on all devices at manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The commissioning device acts as a secure intermediary that facilitates credential transfer in a controlled manner. It establishes a secure channel for credential exchange and ensures that credentials are only transferred to authorized devices that successfully complete the commissioning process.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a processor. The processor may be configured to: commission a fabric device over a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) connection between the device and the fabric device; and send a code to a router on a wireless local area network (WLAN) to enable the router to commission the fabric device for a fabric on the WLAN.