Field Device Network Joining via Preconfigured Credentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for joining field devices to wireless sensor actuator networks are inefficient and time-consuming due to complex security protocols and indeterminate parameters, leading to prolonged configuration and joining times.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a network manager to generate field device credentials, including a session key and network key, and a configuration tool to preconfigure field devices with routing information, allowing for fast and secure joining to the network by eliminating the need for neighbor searching and advertise messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex security protocols like 128 bit AES encryption are implemented during field device joining, then security is improved, but joining time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring field devices with security credentials (network key, join key, session keys) and routing information during the manufacturing or initial setup phase. This allows devices to join the wireless network immediately without time-consuming authentication exchanges, thereby maintaining security while dramatically reducing joining time.
2Reliability
If multiple authentication and key exchange steps are performed during joining, then security is improved, but configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves all security configuration activities to the preliminary phase before the device is deployed to the field. The configuration tool pre-generates and loads all necessary security credentials and routing information into the device's memory during initial setup, eliminating the need for time-consuming authentication exchanges during actual network joining operations.
3Ease of operation
If automatic exchange of network credentials is performed over the air during joining, then ease of operation is improved, but joining time becomes unpredictable due to indeterminate parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the credential exchange process from the network joining sequence by pre-configuring all credentials locally. This separation eliminates the dependency on network manager availability, network size, number of hops, and other indeterminate parameters that cause unpredictable joining times, while maintaining the benefit of automatic operation.
4Reliability
If neighbor searching and advertise messages are performed during joining, then network formation reliability is improved, but joining time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-determines and configures the routing information and list of neighboring field devices into the device during the initial configuration phase. This eliminates the need for time-consuming neighbor searching and advertise message exchanges during network joining, while ensuring reliable network formation through pre-established routing paths.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for joining of a first field device to a wireless sensor actuator network using a configuration tool. The wireless sensor actuator network comprises a plurality of interconnected field devices and gateway for connecting the interconnected field devices to a plant automation network comprising controllers and network manager. The method comprises receiving device information associated with the first field device, transmitting a commissioning request for the first field device, the commissioning request comprising device information and geographical location information of the first field device, receiving commissioning information comprising a session key, a network key and routing information, and commissioning the first field device using the received commissioning information for joining the said field device to the wireless sensor actuator network.