Cloud-Based Thread Network Commissioning via Credential Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commissioning techniques for wireless mesh networks, particularly Thread networks, are limited in ensuring accurate device joining, secure credential injection, and provisioning of device-specific information, leading to a suboptimal user experience.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based Thread Credential Distribution Service (TCDS) facilitates network commissioning by securely distributing credentials and managing network identities, enabling flexible and efficient device integration into Thread networks using a cloud service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mesh network commissioning techniques are used, then device security and network authentication are ensured, but user experience quality and commissioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a border router as an intermediary device between the Thread network and IP network. The border router receives commissioning information from a commissioning device via IP network, translates it into Thread network format, and distributes credentials to Thread devices. This intermediary approach maintains security through proper authentication while significantly improving user experience by enabling cloud-based commissioning and reducing manual configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the commissioning process into distinct phases: credential distribution phase (where credentials are securely distributed to the border router), device joining phase (where Thread devices join the network using distributed credentials), and network management phase (where the border router manages network operations). This segmentation allows security mechanisms to operate independently in the credential distribution phase while enabling simplified user interaction in subsequent phases.
2Use of energy by moving object
If battery-powered devices are used in the network, then energy consumption is reduced, but available computing and radio resources are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The border router autonomously performs complex commissioning operations including receiving commissioning information, translating between network protocols, distributing credentials to multiple devices, and managing network configuration. Thread end devices simply need to scan for networks, receive credentials, and join automatically. This self-service approach at the border router level enables battery-powered end devices to maintain low energy consumption while the network as a whole achieves sophisticated commissioning capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If device-specific information is provisioned during commissioning, then network configuration accuracy is improved, but commissioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple commissioning functions into a single commissioning information structure that includes network credentials, device-specific parameters, and configuration data. The border router receives this consolidated commissioning information from the commissioning device and systematically distributes appropriate portions to different Thread devices. This merging approach ensures configuration accuracy by providing complete information while reducing commissioning complexity by presenting a unified commissioning interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and devices for maintaining network connectivity on a Thread network are described in which a Thread Credential Distribution Service (TCDS) receives a first message requesting credentials for the Thread network and based on the reception of the first message, the TCDS sends, to a home graph service, a second message that requests a structure identifier. The TCDS receives a third message that includes the structure identifier and based on the received structure identifier, sends a fourth message that directs the wireless network device to join the Thread network.