Bluetooth Peripheral Auto Pairing via Managed Advertisement Identity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing short-range wireless technology in Information Handling Systems (IHSs) do not allow approved or trusted peripherals to connect automatically, requiring disabling or blocking capabilities, even if they are trusted, thus limiting user functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where short-range wireless devices add unique or random advertisement packets, managed by an ITDM service, to enable automatic pairing with a managing IHS, which generates a device identifier, provisions the target IHS, and securely pairs without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If short-range wireless technology is disabled in BIOS or blocked through management software, then security is improved by preventing unauthorized connections, but user functionality deteriorates as approved peripherals cannot connect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (advertisement packet with unique identifier) that mediates between the security requirement and the functionality requirement. This packet acts as a credential that allows approved peripherals to connect without disabling security controls, resolving the contradiction by providing a controlled authorization pathway
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of wireless connectivity from a binary state (enabled/disabled) to a controlled state where specific devices can connect based on their advertisement packet identifiers. This allows the system to maintain security while enabling functionality for approved devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If short-range wireless technology is completely enabled, then user functionality is improved allowing free connection to any peripheral, but security deteriorates as unauthorized devices can connect
Solution Approach 1:
The advertisement packet serves as an intermediary verification mechanism that sits between the peripheral device and the connection establishment process. It allows the system to evaluate and authorize connections based on predefined criteria rather than allowing unrestricted access
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the advertisement packet mechanism where peripherals provide identification information that the system can evaluate against authorization criteria, enabling dynamic control over connection permissions
3Reliability
If manual pairing procedures are required for each peripheral, then security is improved through user control, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming connection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the advertisement packet with unique identifiers in the peripherals before deployment. This allows the system to automatically recognize and authorize approved devices without requiring manual pairing, achieving both security and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automatic pairing where approved peripherals can connect automatically using their pre-configured advertisement packets, eliminating the need for manual user intervention while maintaining security through pre-established authorization
Data Source
AI summary
In (IT) managed automatic paring, short-range wireless (e.g., Bluetooth®) (peripheral) devices are configured to add an advertisement packet to a short-range wireless device advertisement. A managing Information Handling System (IHS) detects and parses out the advertisement packet from the advertisement, pairs with the device, generates a short-range wireless device identifier using the advertisement packet, stores the device identifier on the managing IHS and the device to establish a device pair identity for the device, and transfers the device identifier to a target IHS to assign the device to the target IHS and provision the target IHS to automatically pair with the device. The managing IHS may then delete resulting pairing information. The target IHS may detect and parse out the advertisement packet from the advertisement, confirm that the target IHS is provisioned to automatically pair with the device, request a pairing passkey, and initiate secure pairing with the device.