IoT Hub Pairing and Range Extension for Secure Device Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT systems face challenges in efficiently managing and securing a large number of interconnected devices, particularly in extending the range of communication between IoT devices and hubs, and ensuring secure data exchange without relying on traditional pairing methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of an IoT platform that includes a base hardware/software platform for IoT devices with a predefined networking protocol stack, an IoT hub for internet connectivity, and an IoT service for management, along with secure key exchange techniques and intermediary mobile devices for range extension, enables efficient data collection, secure communication, and universal remote control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pairing methods are used for device communication, then security is maintained through established protocols, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pairing assistant as an intermediary component that mediates the pairing process between devices. This assistant automates the exchange of cryptographic credentials and generates pairing codes, thereby maintaining security through proper cryptographic protocols while significantly simplifying the user experience by eliminating complex manual pairing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service pairing mechanisms where devices automatically perform cryptographic handshakes and credential exchange without requiring user intervention for each step. The pairing assistant handles the complex security protocols autonomously, allowing devices to pair themselves while maintaining robust security, thus improving ease of operation without compromising reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If intermediary mobile devices are used for range extension, then communication range is extended, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic connection strategies where intermediary mobile devices establish connections with IoT devices only when needed for data transmission or when within communication range. The system uses publish-subscribe mechanisms where devices wake up periodically to check for messages or data to send, rather than maintaining continuous connections, thereby extending communication range while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous data flow and communication functionality through the intermediary device architecture, where mobile devices act as persistent subscribers to IoT device data streams. When within range, the intermediary maintains active connections to continuously receive and forward data, ensuring uninterrupted useful action while only consuming energy when performing actual communication tasks rather than maintaining constant idle connections.
3Reliability
If secure key exchange techniques are implemented, then data transmission security is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary cryptographic key exchange and credential verification during the initial pairing phase, before actual data transmission begins. The pairing assistant pre-establishes secure channels and exchanges cryptographic credentials in advance, so that subsequent data communications can proceed with already-established security contexts, reducing the complexity of ongoing secure transmissions while maintaining high security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The pairing assistant serves as an intermediary that handles the complex key exchange and cryptographic protocol operations, isolating this complexity from the main IoT device functionality. By concentrating security protocol implementation in the dedicated pairing assistant component, the system achieves robust data transmission security while keeping the core device complexity manageable and modular.
Data Source
AI summary
An IoT-based system and method are described having an IoT hub including an accelerometer. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an Internet of Things (IoT) service, a plurality of IoT devices, each IoT device comprising a first secure communication module, and an IoT hub in communication with the plurality of IoT devices. The IoT hub comprising: a microcontroller unit to execute application-specific program code, a second secure communication module to establish a first secure communication channel with the IoT service and a plurality of second secure communication channels with the plurality of IoT devices, and a sensor to detect physical movements of the IoT hub and to change an operating mode of the IoT hub from a first operating mode to a second operating mode based on the physical movements.