IoT Device Onboarding via Wireless Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for onboarding IoT devices to Wi-Fi networks are cumbersome, requiring manual intervention and technical expertise, and are not scalable or secure, especially due to the lack of dedicated user interfaces on IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an onboarding server that automatically connects IoT devices to access points via a wireless network by transmitting configuration settings based on device status, allowing for seamless and secure onboarding without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is used for onboarding, then manual connection is achieved, but the process requires manual intervention and is not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic onboarding where the IoT device autonomously connects to the Wi-Fi network without manual user intervention. The device independently performs probe requests, receives configuration settings from the access point, and completes the connection process automatically, eliminating the need for manual WPS operations while maintaining ease of connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the IoT device with necessary onboarding capabilities and protocols before deployment. The device is pre-programmed to automatically initiate connection sequences, send probe requests, and process configuration settings, enabling seamless onboarding without requiring manual setup or technical expertise from users.
2Ease of operation
If WPS is used for onboarding, then connection capability is provided, but security flaws are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security vulnerabilities inherent in WPS by completely eliminating WPS dependency from the onboarding process. Instead of relying on WPS protocols, the system uses direct probe request-response mechanisms between the IoT device and access point, combined with secure configuration setting transmission, thereby removing known security flaws while preserving connection capability.
3Device complexity
If IoT devices lack dedicated user interface, then device simplicity is maintained, but Wi-Fi configuration provisioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables IoT devices to autonomously perform Wi-Fi configuration provisioning without requiring a dedicated user interface. The device automatically sends probe requests, receives and processes configuration settings from the access point, and completes the connection process independently, maintaining device simplicity while enabling seamless Wi-Fi provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication mechanism where the access point acts as a mediator between the IoT device and the Wi-Fi network. The access point receives probe requests from the IoT device, retrieves appropriate configuration settings, and transmits them to the device automatically, eliminating the need for a user interface while ensuring proper configuration provisioning.
4Productivity
If automated onboarding is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the onboarding process into distinct functional modules: probe request transmission, configuration setting reception, and connection establishment. Each module is independently implemented in the system architecture, allowing automated onboarding while managing complexity through modular design where each component has a specific, well-defined function.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for automatically connecting an IoT device [130] to an access point [120] via a wireless network [140], comprising: receiving a configuration setting request at an onboarding server [110] from the access point [120] pursuant to receiving a broadcasting probe request from the IoT device [130] at the access point [120], transmitting one of a configuration setting and a default setting to the access point [120] based on a status of the IoT device [130] wherein status includes one of an on-board and an off-board, establishing one of a permanent connection using the configuration setting and a temporary connection using the default setting between the access point [120] and the IoT device [130] via the wireless network [140]; and switching the status of the IoT device [130] to the on-board in an event the temporary connection is established.