Automated IoT Device Registration via Secure Element Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for automated provisioning of Machine to Machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices over cellular or wireless networks are inefficient, often leading to errors in device pairing and misconfiguration, especially in complex global supply chains, and lack secure connectivity throughout the device's lifecycle from manufacturing to deployment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated secure device registration and provisioning using a Secure Element (SE) embedded in Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs), which enables restricted and general connectivity through a device registration service that authenticates devices using pre-shared keys and provisions them for secure access to IoT platforms, reducing manual intervention and operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated provisioning methods are used for M2M/IoT devices, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to errors in device pairing and misconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Device Registration Service (DRS) as an intermediary component that mediates between the device and the network. The DRS authenticates devices using pre-shared keys stored in secure elements, validates device information, and manages the registration process. This intermediary layer ensures accurate device pairing and configuration while maintaining automated provisioning efficiency, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Reliability
If secure connectivity is implemented throughout the device lifecycle, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing authentication keys in secure elements during device manufacturing and pre-configuring the Device Registration Service with authentication mechanisms. This advance preparation ensures secure connectivity from the moment of device activation without adding operational complexity during deployment. The security infrastructure is established beforehand, allowing seamless authenticated connections while keeping the provisioning process simple and automated.
3Ease of operation
If manual intervention is reduced in device provisioning, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to configuration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the Device Registration Service, which automatically authenticates devices using pre-shared keys, validates device information, and provisions network access without manual intervention. The system autonomously handles the entire registration process, including error detection and correction, ensuring configuration accuracy while maximizing automation. This eliminates both manual operational steps and manual configuration errors, simultaneously improving ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system and method for automated secure device registration and provisioning of one or more devices enabled for connectivity over cellular network are disclosed. The computer-implemented method for automated secure device registration and provisioning of one or more devices enabled for connectivity over cellular network includes receiving subscriber identity module (SIM) information for at least one SIM; enabling the SIM for restricted connectivity; authenticating the one or more devices using a pre-shared key for each of the one or more devices; obtaining device information from the device; associating at least one of the one or more devices with the at least one SIM; provisioning the authenticated one or more devices; and enabling the one or more devices for general connectivity over cellular network.