Communication Apparatus Provisioning for Alternative Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication technologies lack convenience in facilitating connections between communication apparatuses and access points, particularly in scenarios where direct network switching or alternative network connections are required.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus equipped with Wi-Fi Easy Connect (WEC) functionality, capable of detecting compatible communication apparatuses and providing necessary connection information via bootstrapping, enabling seamless network setup through Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP), utilizing short-range wireless communication methods like NFC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi Aware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional network connection methods are used, then the communication apparatus can connect to the first network, but it cannot connect to alternative networks when the first network is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus pre-acquires connection information for multiple networks (first network and second network) before the communication apparatus needs to connect. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the communication apparatus requests network connection, alternative network information is already available, enabling seamless switching without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the communication apparatus and multiple networks. It receives connection requests, determines network availability, and transmits appropriate connection information to the communication apparatus, simplifying the connection management process while enhancing adaptability.
2Reliability
If the information processing apparatus provides alternative network information, then network connection success rate improves, but information transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus dynamically determines which network information to transmit based on real-time conditions. It evaluates whether the communication apparatus can connect to the first network and adaptively selects to transmit either first network information or second network information, ensuring high connection reliability while maintaining simple processing logic through conditional decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of network information (first network connection information vs. second network connection information) are provided based on specific connection scenarios. The system applies appropriate information transmission strategies locally according to the determined connection status, rather than uniformly transmitting all possible network information.
3Ease of operation
If manual network configuration is required, then connection security is maintained, but user operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus autonomously receives and processes connection information from the information processing apparatus without requiring manual user configuration. The system enables self-service network setup where the communication apparatus automatically configures itself based on transmitted connection information, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining security through authenticated information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection information for multiple networks is pre-prepared and stored in the information processing apparatus before user needs arise. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually configure network settings during setup, reducing operation time while maintaining security through controlled information distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus configured to communicate with a communication apparatus and the method performed by executing a first application. The method including: receiving first information concerning the communication apparatus, displaying, based on it being determined that the communication apparatus is not able to connect to a first network based on the first information, information concerning a second network which is different from the first network and to which the communication apparatus is able to connect, based on the first information, and starting a second application which is an application different from the first application and which transmits, to the communication apparatus via a communication with the communication apparatus, connection information which is used for the communication apparatus to connect to any one of networks.