IoT Access Point Dynamic Firmware Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access points with IoT radios face memory limitations, preventing support for multiple protocols, and manual reconfiguration is labor-intensive and complicated, especially with varying IoT device densities and silent Zigbee devices that do not provide data automatically.
Innovation Solution
A centralized entity uses an access point identifier list and rules list to dynamically configure IoT radios, balancing radio capabilities and reducing manual intervention by identifying and configuring access points based on admin-defined constraints and values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If access points use limited memory capacity, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to support multiple protocols is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic firmware selection where the access point can switch between different firmware versions (e.g., first firmware for Wi-Fi 6, second firmware for Wi-Fi 7) based on operational needs. This allows the limited-memory device to adapt its protocol support dynamically rather than requiring all protocols to be simultaneously installed in memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides protocol support into separate firmware images stored in different locations (e.g., internal storage vs. removable storage). This segmentation allows the access point to load only the necessary firmware into its limited memory capacity at any given time, while maintaining the ability to support multiple protocols through selective loading.
2Ease of operation
If manual reconfiguration is performed for each access point, then configuration accuracy is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated configuration where the access point autonomously selects and applies the appropriate firmware based on pre-stored criteria (e.g., device type, location, operational requirements). The system performs self-configuration without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing configuration time and labor intensity while maintaining accuracy through rule-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures multiple firmware versions and their corresponding selection criteria in advance within the access point or central management system. When configuration is needed, the system simply retrieves and applies the pre-prepared firmware based on stored criteria, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and significantly reducing configuration time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access points are configured with multiple protocols, then adaptability to different IoT devices is improved, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic firmware loading mechanisms where the access point can switch between different firmware versions stored in external memory based on the connected device type. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain multiple protocol capabilities without permanently storing all firmware in the limited internal memory, thereby reducing memory management complexity while maintaining device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external storage (e.g., removable storage device, cloud storage) as an intermediary to store additional firmware versions. This intermediary expands the effective memory capacity for protocol support without increasing the complexity of the access point's internal memory architecture, allowing flexible protocol selection based on operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein relate to configuration of access points including Internet-of-Things (IoT) radio. An access point identifier list is received from a network administration node in a network. Each access point identifier in the access point identifier list is uniquely associated with an access point, which includes an IoT radio. A first rules list is received from the network administration node. Each rule in the first rules list indicates a constraint and access point configuration values. An objective function is used to identify access point identifiers satisfying one or more of the constraints in the rules. The access points associated with the identified access point identifiers are configured with the access point configuration values as indicated in the rules.