BLE Mesh Node Provisioning via Intermediary Authorization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks face limitations in expanding coverage and including external devices as nodes, as they require provisioning by a provisioner within their coverage area, restricting the network's ability to integrate devices outside this scope.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device configured with a wireless communication circuit and control circuit to perform a provisioning process, allowing external devices to join the mesh network by receiving authorization and provisioning data from a provisioner, even if they are outside the initial coverage area, thereby expanding the network's coverage and inclusivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a provisioner is used to perform provisioning process for nodes in BLE mesh network, then the network can be established and nodes can be managed, but external devices outside the provisioner's coverage area cannot be integrated into the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an existing network node as an intermediary to perform provisioning for external devices. Instead of requiring the provisioner to directly provision all devices, the provisioner delegates the provisioning task to a trusted node within the network that is closer to the external device, enabling indirect provisioning and expanding network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning function is segmented and distributed across multiple nodes rather than being centralized in the provisioner. Any node in the network can perform provisioning operations, dividing the provisioning responsibility and enabling devices outside the original provisioner's coverage to be integrated into the network.
2Length of stationary object
If relay nodes are used to increase communication distance in BLE mesh network, then the network coverage is expanded, but the provisioning process becomes more complex for external devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing network nodes as intermediaries to perform provisioning for external devices. These nodes act as local provisioners, simplifying the process for external devices by providing a nearby provisioning point rather than requiring direct communication with the original provisioner over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning capability is distributed to local nodes rather than being centralized. Each node can independently perform provisioning operations for devices in its local vicinity, making the provisioning process simpler and more accessible for external devices without requiring them to communicate directly with the original provisioner.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the provisioner maintains centralized control for all provisioning operations, then network security is maintained, but devices outside the provisioner's coverage area cannot be provisioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes trusted relationships between nodes in advance through the initial provisioning process. Once a node is provisioned into the network, it is pre-authenticated and can subsequently perform provisioning operations for external devices, maintaining security while enabling distributed provisioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces authenticated network nodes as intermediaries that perform provisioning operations. These intermediaries have been verified by the provisioner and maintain the security chain, allowing external devices to be provisioned securely through the intermediary node rather than requiring direct provisioner involvement.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device forming a mesh network with a plurality of other devices and a method for operating the same are disclosed. According to an embodiment, an electronic device may comprise a wireless communication circuit configured to provide Bluetooth low energy (BLE) wireless communication and a control circuit operably connected with the wireless communication circuit, the control circuit configured to form a mesh network with a plurality of devices using the wireless communication circuit, where a provisioning process is performed so that each of the plurality of devices is a node in the mesh network, receive, from a first device among the plurality of devices, first information including first identification information associated with the first device and second identification information associated with a second external device outside the mesh network, determine whether the first device is able to perform the provisioning process, when the first device is determined to be able to perform the provisioning process, provide, to the first device, an authorization that allows performance of the provisioning process on the second device by the first device, and receive, from the first device, second information including a result of the provisioning process on the second external device and device information associated with the second external device. Other various embodiments are also possible.