Multi-Interface IoT Control for Out-of-Range Secure Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT systems face challenges in ensuring secure and reliable communication and data transmission between devices, particularly when out of range of the central hub, and lack efficient mechanisms for updating and managing a diverse array of IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing multiple communication interfaces, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and cellular or Wi-Fi, with an IoT hub managing data transmission and updates, and employing mobile devices as intermediaries for out-of-range IoT devices, along with secure key exchange and encryption protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication interface (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy) is used for IoT device communication, then power consumption is reduced and device simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability deteriorates when devices are out of range of the central hub
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by equipping IoT devices with multiple communication interfaces (Bluetooth Low Energy and cellular/Wi-Fi) that can serve different purposes. The BLE interface handles low-power local communication while cellular/Wi-Fi interfaces provide long-range connectivity, allowing the system to adapt to various communication scenarios and maintain reliability across different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediary components that facilitate communication between out-of-range IoT devices and the central hub. The mobile device acts as a relay, receiving data from IoT devices via BLE and transmitting it through cellular networks when the IoT device is beyond direct hub range, thereby extending effective communication range without requiring the IoT device itself to have high-power communication capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple communication interfaces are implemented in IoT devices, then communication reliability and range are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication interface selection where the system adapts which interface to use based on current operational needs. The low-power BLE interface remains active for routine communications and device discovery, while higher-power cellular/Wi-Fi interfaces are activated only when long-range communication is required or when serving as an intermediary for out-of-range devices, optimizing power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic checking and switching between communication interfaces based on range requirements and power availability. Mobile devices periodically establish connections with IoT devices using BLE, and the system dynamically switches to cellular/Wi-Fi interfaces when out-of-range scenarios are detected, creating a rhythmic pattern of interface activation that balances power consumption with communication needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If diverse IoT devices are managed through a central hub, then centralized control is achieved, but devices out of range of the hub cannot be updated or controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediary components that extend the hub's reach to out-of-range IoT devices. The mobile device establishes a temporary communication bridge, receiving update instructions from the hub via cellular network and relaying them to the target IoT device through BLE, enabling centralized control without requiring the IoT device to be within direct hub range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into multiple communication paths: direct hub-to-device communication for in-range devices, and intermediary mobile device-based communication for out-of-range devices. This segmentation allows the system to handle different communication scenarios through specialized pathways, maintaining centralized control while expanding coverage to diverse device locations.
4Reliability
If secure key exchange protocols are implemented, then communication security is enhanced, but processing time and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary pairing actions where security credentials and encryption keys are exchanged and established during initial device setup or first connection attempts. Once paired, the security context is cached and reused for subsequent communications, eliminating the need for repeated key exchange protocols and reducing pairing time for ongoing operations while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for controlling IoT devices. For example, one embodiment of a method comprises: generating control data responsive to user input or sensor input; generating a random nonce; encrypting a combination of the random nonce and the control data using a key to produce encrypted data; generating, using the key, a first signature based on the encrypted data and a second signature based on the control data; generating a corresponding counter value; transmitting by a first interface a first packet comprising the control data, the second signature, and the counter value; and transmitting by a second interface a second packet comprising the encrypted data, the first signature, and the counter value; wherein at least one of the first packet and the second packet are to cause each IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices to perform a corresponding function indicated by the control data.