IoT Device Relay for Secure Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT systems face challenges in efficiently managing and securing data transmission between IoT devices and hubs, particularly in ensuring secure communication and reducing unnecessary wireless traffic, especially when multiple hubs attempt to connect to a single device.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a secure communication protocol that uses a combination of public/private key exchange and symmetric key encryption, along with adjusting advertising intervals and flow control mechanisms to manage data transmission and reduce redundant wireless traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hubs attempt to connect to a single IoT device, then connectivity coverage is improved, but wireless traffic congestion and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile device) that acts as a relay between the IoT device and multiple hubs. The intermediary receives data from the IoT device via short-range wireless communication and forwards it to multiple hubs through long-range wireless communication, eliminating the need for multiple hubs to directly compete for connection to the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional direct hub-to-device connection mechanism with an indirect communication path through an intermediary device. This substitution allows the system to maintain connectivity coverage while avoiding the harmful effects of multiple hubs attempting direct connections simultaneously.
2Reliability
If secure key exchange protocols are implemented, then security is improved, but communication overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs secure key exchange and device authentication in advance during the device provisioning phase. The intermediary device and IoT device establish secure credentials before actual data transmission begins, allowing subsequent communications to occur more efficiently without repeated authentication overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local authentication and encryption at the device level, where the IoT device and intermediary device independently verify each other's credentials and establish secure channels without requiring continuous verification from remote hubs. This self-service approach reduces communication overhead while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for ensuring that a product has been transported in acceptable environmental conditions. For example, one embodiment of the invention comprises: one or more sensors to measure environmental conditions during transport of the IoT device from an origin location to a destination location; a sensor interface coupled to the one or more sensors to communicate environmental values associated with the environmental conditions; a storage device to store monitor application program code; a processor coupled to the sensor interface and storage device, the processor to process the monitor application program code to perform operations based on the environmental values including storing the environmental values on the storage device; and a wireless communication interface to connect to an Internet of Things (IoT) service at one or more intermediate locations between the origin location and the destination location and/or at the destination location, the wireless communication interface to transmit the environmental values and/or event data associated with the environmental values to the IoT service; wherein the IoT service is to provide the environmental values and/or event data associated with the environmental values to one or more apps running on one or more client devices, the one or more apps associated with one or more accounts on the IoT service.