Home Network Node Installation via Client Device Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for installing a new node in a home Wi-Fi mesh network often require a technician's intervention, which is costly and time-consuming, and may involve unnecessary additions of new operating modes or wireless networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allow for the installation of a new node within the home network using existing elements without a technician, utilizing a WPS button and Transport Layer Security protocol to connect and configure the node securely, avoiding additional operating modes or wireless networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a technician visits on-site to install a new node, then the installation can be performed securely and correctly, but the time and cost involved increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation security and correctnessVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service installation by enabling the new node to automatically detect its presence on the network, initiate the installation process, and configure itself without requiring technician intervention. The node uses existing network resources (client device, gateway) to complete the installation autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by having the new node pre-configured with identification and authentication mechanisms before installation. The node proactively announces its presence and initiates the installation sequence, preparing all necessary configuration data in advance to eliminate the need for on-site technician setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a technician visits on-site to install a new node, then the installation can be performed securely and correctly, but the cost involved increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation security and correctnessVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates technician costs by implementing self-service installation where the new node autonomously performs detection, authentication, and configuration using existing network components. The gateway and client device provide necessary services free of charge, removing the need for paid technician intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent reuses existing network components (gateway, client device, Wi-Fi interface) for the installation process, making them multi-functional. These components serve both their original purposes and the additional function of facilitating node installation, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated installation hardware or services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If new operating modes or wireless networks are added to enable node installation, then the installation process becomes simpler, but the network complexity increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing network components multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their original functions and node installation tasks. The gateway continues to route traffic while also authenticating new nodes; the client device maintains its networking function while providing identification and authentication services during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the existing client device and gateway as intermediaries to facilitate the installation process. These components mediate between the new node and the rest of the network, handling authentication and configuration through existing protocols rather than requiring new operating modes or wireless networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3745808B1Method and device for installing a node in a home network
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP3745808B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3745808B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3745808B1 patent drawingFigure 4a

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of installing a new node in a home wireless network, the home network being made up of a client network and includes a node capable of forming a mesh network.According to the present invention: - a connection of a new node to the client network provided by the home network node is detected (E500), - an identifier of a client device that is connected to the client network provided by the new node is received (E507), - it is checked (E510) whether the client device is a known client device of the home network and, if so: - the new node is notified that the client device that is connected to the client network must be disconnected from the client network, - a connection of the client device to the client network provided by the home network node is detected, - mesh network identifiers are transferred to the new node if the connection of the disconnected client device to the client network provided by the home network node is detected.