Access Point Provisioning via DPP for Limited-Interface Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in enhancing the convenience of connecting communication apparatuses to access points, particularly in scenarios where devices have limited or no user interface capabilities, and ensuring secure network setup.
Innovation Solution
Implementing the Wi-Fi Easy Connect function, which utilizes a Configurator apparatus to acquire Bootstrapping information from an Enrollee apparatus, encrypt protocol keys, and establish secure wireless connections using Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) for network setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used, then connection information can be transmitted, but the process requires manual user input and is complex for devices with limited interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The Enrollee apparatus automatically performs network connection setup without requiring manual user input. The system includes a Configurator that automatically generates connection information and an Enrollee that automatically joins the network using Device Provisioning Protocol, enabling self-service network setup for devices with limited user interface capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Configurator apparatus as an intermediary that facilitates connection between the Enrollee apparatus and the access point. The Configurator automatically exchanges connection information and encryption keys through the Enrollee, simplifying the overall connection process without requiring direct user intervention
2Reliability
If secure connection is implemented, then network security is improved, but the connection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing encryption keys and connection information before the actual network join process. The Configurator apparatus pre-generates and exchanges cryptographic material with the Enrollee apparatus, so that when connection is needed, the security protocols are already in place and can be executed automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (typing passwords, configuring settings) with automated digital communication protocols. The Device Provisioning Protocol automatically handles encryption key exchange and authentication through structured data packets, substituting complex manual security configuration with standardized digital mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If automated connection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but existing protocols do not support devices with limited user interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal connection mechanism that works across different device types. The Enrollee apparatus can be any device with network connectivity regardless of whether it has a full user interface or not. The standardized Device Provisioning Protocol provides multi-functional support for both simple and complex devices, enabling automated connection for previously unsupported device categories
Data Source
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AI summary
A program that when executed on a computer of an information processing apparatus configured to communicate with a communication apparatus causes the computer to perform first control to control the information processing apparatus to transmit connection information, for connecting to a first access point, to the communication apparatus via communication with the communication apparatus using a first protocol in a case where the communication apparatus is connectable to the first access point, and second control to control the information processing apparatus to transmit connection information, for connecting to a second access point different from the first access point, to the communication apparatus via communication with the communication apparatus using a second protocol different from the first protocol based on a fact that the communication apparatus is not configured to connect to the first access point.