IoT Hub Secure Key Management for Device Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development and adoption of IoT devices are hindered by issues related to connectivity, power, and lack of standardization, requiring developers to design entire IoT platforms from scratch, including network protocols and infrastructure, and the difficulty in connecting and powering devices like refrigerators and sensors, which burdens end users.
Innovation Solution
A standardized IoT platform with a base hardware/software platform, IoT hub, and service that enables developers to design and connect IoT devices using a predefined networking protocol stack, cellular or WiFi connectivity, and low-power wireless communication technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy, along with a secure key management system using SIM cards and public/private key infrastructure for secure data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If developers design entire IoT platforms from scratch including network protocols and infrastructure, then device functionality and customization are improved, but development complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The IoT platform is segmented into modular components including device profile registration service, device management service, and predefined networking protocol stack. Developers can selectively implement only the components needed for their specific device functionality, rather than designing the entire platform from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes universal standards for device profiles, registration procedures, and networking protocols that can be applied across multiple IoT device types. This multi-functional framework allows the same infrastructure to support diverse devices while reducing individual development complexity.
2Reliability
If proprietary techniques are used for designing and connecting IoT devices, then device-specific optimization is improved, but ease of operation and user burden are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements homogeneous connection procedures where all IoT devices follow the same registration and connection workflow through the device profile registration service. Users interact with a standardized interface regardless of device type, eliminating the need to learn proprietary techniques for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device profile registration service acts as an intermediary between diverse IoT devices and the network infrastructure. It translates various device-specific protocols into standardized formats, allowing users to connect different devices through a unified process without dealing with proprietary techniques.
3Power
If electrical sources are required for powering IoT devices like refrigerators and sensors, then device power requirements are met, but ease of operation is worsened due to inconvenient electrical source location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication technologies as intermediaries that eliminate the need for direct electrical connections between users and IoT devices. Devices can be powered remotely or via alternative power sources while maintaining network connectivity through wireless protocols, allowing installation in locations without convenient electrical access.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform, apparatus and method for Internet of Things Implementations. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an Internet of Things (IoT) hub comprising a network interface to couple the IoT hub to an IoT service over a wide area network (WAN), and programming logic to program an identification device with one or more encryption keys usable to establish encrypted communication with an IoT device; and at least one IoT device interfacing with the identification device following programming of the identification device by the IoT hub; wherein once the identification device is programmed and interfaced with the IoT device, the IoT device uses the one or more keys to establish a secure communication channel with the IoT hub and/or the IoT service.