Bluetooth LE Mediated Wi-Fi Authentication and Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience and high power consumption when determining and establishing wireless communication methods between devices using Bluetooth BR/EDR, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth LE, particularly due to complex connection procedures and unnecessary authentication steps in Wi-Fi handovers.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing Bluetooth LE to discover and connect devices, exchange authentication information, and simplify the connection process by omitting or reducing authentication procedures in Wi-Fi connections, allowing for efficient power management and improved user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Bluetooth BR/EDR or Wi-Fi is used for wireless communication, then communication speed and data transfer capability are improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs device discovery and connection establishment using Bluetooth LE first, then uses the established BLE connection to negotiate and transition to Bluetooth BR/EDR or Wi-Fi for actual data communication. This preliminary action using low-power BLE avoids the high power consumption of continuous BR/EDR or Wi-Fi operation while maintaining fast communication capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Bluetooth LE serves as an intermediary between device discovery and high-speed data transfer. The BLE connection acts as a mediator that enables devices to establish presence and initiate communication without immediately activating high-power BR/EDR or Wi-Fi radio, thus reducing overall power consumption while preserving fast communication pathways.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device discovery and connection procedures are performed using Bluetooth BR/EDR or Wi-Fi, then communication capability is established, but the complexity of the connection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection process into distinct phases: first using Bluetooth LE for device discovery and initial connection, then transitioning to Bluetooth BR/EDR or Wi-Fi for data communication. This segmentation simplifies each individual step by using the appropriate technology for its specific purpose, reducing overall procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach of using BR/EDR or Wi-Fi for both discovery and data transfer, the patent inverts the sequence by using BLE first for discovery and connection, then switching to high-speed modes for communication. This inversion simplifies the discovery phase with low-complexity BLE procedures while maintaining versatile communication capability.
3Reliability
If Wi-Fi authentication procedure is performed during handover, then security is ensured, but user convenience deteriorates due to unnecessary dual authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs Wi-Fi authentication in advance during the initial connection phase using the Bluetooth LE connection. By completing authentication beforehand, the system eliminates the need for duplicate authentication during handover to Wi-Fi, maintaining security while significantly improving user convenience and reducing handover time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the Bluetooth LE connection as a copy or alternative pathway to establish trust and exchange authentication credentials before Wi-Fi connection. This copied authentication mechanism through BLE avoids the need for redundant Wi-Fi authentication during handover, preserving security through pre-established credentials while simplifying the user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for forming, by a first device, forming a Wi-Fi connection with a second device using Bluetooth LE in a wireless communication system, including receiving an advertising message from the second device, forming a Bluetooth LE connection with the second device based on the advertising message, transmitting a first write request message to the second device requesting writing of authentication information necessary for performing Wi-Fi authentication with the third device, wherein the first write request message including the authentication information, receiving a write response message from the second device as a response to the first write request message, and sending a second write request message to request the writing of Opcode indicating a Wi-Fi connection with the third device to the second device. The second write request message includes identification information for identifying the third device, and the Wi-Fi connection is formed between the second and the third devices based on the authentication information.