Provisioning Headless Devices via Mediator Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hotspot login procedures, such as Passpoint and DPP, are unable to provision headless devices, which lack a user interface, leading to failed authentication and inconsistent page layouts that hinder automated parsing and user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A mediator device with a UI is used to establish a connection with the headless device, allowing it to perform remote control and facilitate provisioning by presenting information for user selection and interaction, enabling the headless device to connect to a network through a tethered service set and subsequently disconnect to join a production network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If Passpoint or DPP is used for hotspot login, then automated authentication is enabled, but headless devices without user interface cannot be provisioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated authenticationVSAvoidsupport for headless devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A mediator device with a user interface is introduced between the headless device and the provisioning server. The mediator device performs the user interaction tasks (displaying information, receiving user input) that the headless device cannot perform alone, while still enabling automated authentication flow for the headless device to join the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual provisioning process is used, then headless devices can be provisioned, but authentication process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprovisioning capability for headless devicesVSAvoidauthentication process duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The headless device autonomously performs device discovery, selects available networks, and initiates the provisioning process without requiring manual user intervention. The mediator device automatically handles the user interface interactions, allowing the headless device to provision itself through automated selection and confirmation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If inconsistent page layouts are used in captive portal, then user interaction becomes difficult, but automated parsing and processing fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidautomated parsing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The mediator device standardizes the presentation of information by presenting consistent, structured data formats to the user interface. It transforms variable network information into uniform display formats that are easily parseable by automated systems, while still providing user-friendly interaction through the mediator's standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20230224803A1Provisioning a device in a network

Publication Date: 2023.07.13 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

In some examples, a headless device that is without an available user interface and that is to be provisioned for access to a network receives information relating to provisioning of the headless device from a network node. The headless device sends, to a mediator device with a user interface, at least a portion of the received information. The headless device receives, from the mediator device, information to proceed with the provisioning of the headless device.