Bootstrap Server Tenancy Assignment for IoT Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods require pre-configuration of devices with tenant names before bootstrapping, which is costly in terms of time and resources, especially in low-power wireless networks used for IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A method where a device identifier is transmitted to a bootstrap server to receive a device server address, allowing the device to register and assign tenancy dynamically during the bootstrapping process, eliminating the need for pre-configuration of tenant names.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices are pre-configured with tenant names before bootstrapping, then the device can be registered with the device server, but the time and resource overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating and storing tenant names in the bootstrap server before the device arrives. When the device boots up, it can immediately retrieve its assigned tenant name from the bootstrap server without requiring pre-configuration, thus reducing bootstrapping time while ensuring reliable device registration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bootstrap server acts as an intermediary between the device and the device server. It receives the device identifier, retrieves the pre-assigned tenant name, and provides it to the device during bootstrapping. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct pre-configuration of devices while ensuring they can be properly registered with the device server.
2Reliability
If devices are pre-configured with tenant names before bootstrapping, then the device can be registered with the device server, but the resource overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-assigning tenant names on the server side before devices connect. Devices only need to store and transmit their identifiers, not full tenant names, reducing memory requirements and energy consumption during bootstrapping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bootstrap server intermediary handles the resource-intensive operations of tenant name management and retrieval, offloading these tasks from resource-constrained devices. This allows devices to use minimal energy while still achieving reliable registration through the server-mediated process.
3Reliability
If devices are pre-configured with tenant names before bootstrapping, then the device can be registered with the device server, but the complexity of the configuration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex tenant name assignment process from the device configuration and relocates it to the bootstrap server. Devices only need to provide their identifiers, while the server handles the complex task of retrieving and providing the appropriate tenant name, thereby simplifying device configuration while maintaining reliable registration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bootstrap server serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of tenant name assignment. It receives device identifiers, performs the complex lookup and assignment operations, and returns simplified information to devices, thereby reducing configuration complexity while ensuring reliable device registration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assigning tenancy to a device during bootstrapping between a device and a server in a network includes transmitting a device identifier to a bootstrap server. The method further includes receiving, at the device, a device server address to enable the device to register with the device server. The tenancy is assigned to the device with the device server address.