Out-of-band Bluetooth Pairing via Mobile Management Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing short-range wireless computer networks, such as Bluetooth, face challenges in securing communications between devices due to the inefficiencies of the pairing process, which can be vulnerable to security attacks and are not instantaneous, especially when relying on in-band pairing methods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves verifying enrollment credentials and obtaining security tokens and certificates for both fixed and mobile devices, followed by an out-of-band pairing process facilitated by a mobile device management server, which improves security and reduces pairing time by allowing pre-pairing before actual communication begins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in-band pairing is used for Bluetooth device pairing, then the pairing process can be completed through the existing communication channel, but the pairing is vulnerable to security attacks and not instantaneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary to facilitate out-of-band pairing between fixed devices. The mobile device generates and transmits pairing codes through a different communication channel (e.g., NFC, QR code, or wireless display protocol) than the Bluetooth channel being secured, thereby mediating the pairing process outside the vulnerable in-band channel while reducing pairing time through pre-established trust relationships.
2Reliability
If out-of-band pairing is implemented using a mobile device management server, then pairing security is enhanced and pairing time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mobile device management server as an intermediary to orchestrate the out-of-band pairing process. The server verifies enrollment credentials, manages security tokens, and coordinates pairing between fixed devices, thereby enhancing security and reducing pairing time while centralizing complexity in the server infrastructure rather than individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-enrollment of devices with the management server before actual pairing occurs. During enrollment, devices receive security tokens and establish trust relationships in advance, so that when pairing is needed, the process is expedited by referencing pre-verified credentials rather than performing full authentication during the pairing moment.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for securing communications between fixed devices and mobile devices. A mobile device management server mediates communications between the fixed device and mobile device. The mobile device management server enrolls mobile devices and then assists with pairing the mobile devices to fixed devices in an out-of-band manner. This enrollment, coupled with out-of-band pairing, improves the speed and security of authenticating communication between fixed and mobile devices. If the mobile device has appropriate capabilities, the mobile device management server may request that the mobile device obtain and verify biometric data from a user prior to enrollment and performing authentication procedures.