IoT Device Network Setup via Intermediary Credential Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adding new devices to a local area network are inefficient, particularly when multiple gateways are present, as they often require manual login credentials and do not allow seamless access to all network devices from remote locations.

Innovation Solution

A method where an existing network device assists a new device in joining the network by transmitting credentials and using accountless authentication, allowing the new device to connect securely without requiring user input, leveraging cloud network servers for authorization and authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual login credentials are used for adding new devices, then network security is maintained, but the setup process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoiddevice setup process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

An existing network device acts as an intermediary to transfer credentials to the new device. The existing device receives credentials from the network gateway and automatically transmits them to the new device, eliminating the need for manual credential entry while maintaining security through authenticated device-to-device communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The new device performs self-setup by automatically receiving credentials from an existing network device without requiring manual user input. The device autonomously completes the network joining process through automated authentication and credential acquisition, reducing setup complexity while maintaining security protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If existing methods are used for adding devices, then network security is maintained, but the setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure connectionVSAvoiddevice setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The existing network device pre-arranges credential transfer before the new device needs to join the network. By having credentials ready and automatically transmitting them when a new device is detected, the system eliminates the time-consuming manual credential entry process while maintaining secure authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The existing network device serves as a mediator that accelerates the credential transfer process. Instead of manual entry or direct gateway authentication for each device, the intermediary existing device quickly transmits credentials, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining security through established authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If manual credential entry is required, then authentication security is ensured, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service authentication where the new device automatically receives and processes credentials without requiring user interaction. The existing device autonomously transmits credentials and the new device self-configures to join the network, eliminating manual credential entry while maintaining security through automated authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

An existing network device acts as a trusted intermediary that securely transmits credentials to the new device. This intermediary approach maintains authentication security by using established trust relationships while dramatically improving user convenience by eliminating the need for users to manually enter or manage credentials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9426153B2Setup of multiple IOT devices
Publication Date: 2016.08.23 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP
  • US9426153B2 patent drawing
  • US9426153B2 patent drawing
  • US9426153B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the setup of multiple devices on a local area network. Specifically, various techniques and systems are provided for utilizing a network device to efficiently add a new device to a local area network using an existing network device. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a computer-implemented method. The method comprises receiving, at a network device on a network, credentials identifying a network gateway in the network; receiving a communication including an indication that a new network device has generated a new access point; transmitting a query, wherein the query includes a request to determine whether the new network device is associated with the network; receiving a communication including a response to the query indicating that the new network device is associated with the network; establishing a connection with the new access point of the new network device; and transmitting the credentials identifying the network gateway, wherein the credentials are used for the new network device to join the network.