Host Device Credential Transfer for IoT Network Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Devices without user interfaces, such as certain sensors, face difficulties in connecting to wireless networks due to the need for manual entry of network credentials, which is not feasible for them.

Innovation Solution

A host device, already connected to a wireless network, detects and assists these devices by transmitting network credentials and authenticating them for access, using methods like NFC or displaying prompts for user authorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual entry of network credentials is required for device connection, then network security is maintained, but devices without user interfaces cannot connect to wireless networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device connectionVSAvoidcompatibility with devices lacking user interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a host device as an intermediary to transfer network credentials to dependent wireless devices. The host device, which has a user interface and is already connected to the wireless network, captures network credentials and transmits them to the dependent device through a separate communication channel (such as a wired connection or alternative wireless channel), enabling the dependent device to connect without manual credential entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection process is segmented into two independent stages: first, the host device establishes connection to the wireless network and obtains credentials; second, the host device transfers these credentials to the dependent wireless device through a separate communication path. This segmentation allows each device to operate within its capability constraints while achieving the overall goal of network access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If network credentials are transmitted to dependent devices, then connection ease is improved, but potential security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of connection processVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The host device serves as a trusted intermediary that manages credential transmission. It establishes a secure communication channel to the dependent device and controls the credential transfer process, reducing security risks associated with direct credential exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The host device performs preliminary authentication and credential preparation before transmitting to the dependent device. By pre-validating the dependent device and preparing credentials in a controlled manner, the system reduces security vulnerabilities during the actual connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10091047B2Connecting devices to networks

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Illustrative aspects described herein relate to assisting wireless devices, such as dependent devices, in connecting to an access point or associated wireless network. Dependent wireless devices may lack user interfaces, which may make it difficult for a user to input credentials for accessing the access point directly from the wireless device. Assisting the wireless device in connecting to the access point may be done through the access point or through other devices, such as host devices. Additionally, the wireless device may connect to the access point using other devices having user interfaces.