IoT Device Autonomous Network Pairing via Broadcast Credential Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Newer revisions of the WiFi™ standard, such as dual/multi-frequency band routers, pose challenges for IoT devices in joining wireless local networks due to hidden SSIDs and mismatched frequency bands, leading to difficulties in extracting necessary access credentials.
Innovation Solution
IoT devices implement a method of hopping between wireless network protocol frequency bands and broadcast channels using multicast, unicast, and broadcast broadcasting methods to detect and extract wireless network access credentials from broadcast packets, then request access to a local wireless network using these credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If dual/multi-frequency band routers are used to improve network performance, then network speed and capacity are improved, but IoT devices fail to join the network due to BSSID mismatch and hidden SSID
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the access point broadcast credentials (SSID, passphrase, BSSID) before the IoT device attempts to join. The credentials are embedded in broadcast packets sent on multiple channels and frequency bands, allowing the device to acquire necessary information in advance without manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where credentials are transmitted through broadcast packets that act as a mediator between the access point and IoT device. This intermediary carries the hidden SSID and authentication information, enabling the device to join the network without direct interaction or manual input.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hidden SSID is used to improve security, then network security is improved, but IoT devices cannot extract access credentials to join the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses broadcast packets as an intermediary to convey hidden SSID and credentials. The credentials are embedded within these packets which are transmitted on multiple broadcast channels, allowing automated extraction without compromising the hidden SSID security model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the credential transmission to another dimension by using multiple broadcast channels and frequency bands. Instead of relying on a single hidden SSID broadcast, the system transmits credentials across multiple dimensions (channels 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands), enabling detection and extraction from at least one successful broadcast.
3Measurement precision
If BSSID is used to identify access points, then network identification is improved, but IoT devices acquire wrong BSSID due to frequency band mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary credential distribution by embedding the correct BSSID in broadcast packets sent before the joining process. The IoT device acquires the correct BSSID in advance from these broadcasts, preventing mismatch errors that would occur with dual-band routers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple frequency bands and channels as additional dimensions for BSSID propagation. By broadcasting credentials on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands across multiple channels, the system ensures the correct BSSID is available in at least one dimension, allowing the device to identify and join the correct access point.
4Measurement precision
If manual network configuration is used to ensure accurate credential input, then network joining accuracy is improved, but automation and ease of device setup are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing IoT devices to automatically obtain and use credentials from broadcast packets. The device independently extracts SSID, passphrase, and BSSID information without human intervention, achieving both high accuracy and full automation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary credential distribution through broadcasts, preparing the authentication information in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual configuration during the joining process, enabling completely automatic network joining with accurate credential input.
Data Source
AI summary
An internet of things (IoT) device is disclosed. The IoT device comprising: one or more processors; a machine-readable medium comprising instructions stored therein, which, when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: hopping, between one or more wireless network protocol frequency bands and one or more wireless network protocol broadcast channels, wherein the wireless network protocol broadcast channels utilizes one or more of a multicast broadcasting method, a unicast broadcasting method, and a broadcast broadcasting method; receiving, in response to the hopping, wireless network protocol packets from the one or more wireless network protocol frequency bands on the one or more wireless network protocol broadcast channels; detecting a wireless network protocol broadcast packet of interest from the wireless network protocol broadcast packets; extracting wireless network access credentials from the wireless network protocol broadcast packet of interest; and sending a request to access, to a local wireless access network utilizing the extracted wireless network access credentials.