IoT Hub Subnet-Based Device Allocation with Geofenced Attestation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT systems face challenges in efficiently managing and securing IoT devices across various subnets, leading to increased setup times and management overhead, as well as security vulnerabilities due to the lack of automated and geographically validated connections.
Innovation Solution
An IoT hub is configured to automatically assign IoT devices to specific solutions based on subnet connectivity and geofenced attestation, utilizing prediction algorithms and machine learning techniques to streamline device setup, reduce errors, and enhance security by validating device locations before allowing connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual device setup and configuration is used, then device security can be controlled, but setup time increases and management overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring subnet-to-IoT-solution mappings and pre-establishing geofences before devices arrive. When devices connect, the hub automatically retrieves pre-defined configurations based on subnet and location, eliminating manual setup time while maintaining security through pre-validating rules.
Solution Approach 2:
IoT devices perform self-service by automatically detecting their own subnet information and geographic location, then autonomously requesting and receiving appropriate IoT solution assignments without human intervention. The system uses device-provided metadata (subnet, location) to trigger automated configuration, reducing setup time while maintaining security through automated validation.
2Loss of time
If automated device assignment is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but security validation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices provide metadata about their subnet and geographic location, which the hub uses to validate eligibility against pre-defined rules. This feedback loop ensures that automated assignment is based on verified device characteristics, maintaining security while reducing setup time through rapid automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
Security validation rules and geofence definitions are established in advance before devices connect. The hub retrieves and applies these pre-validating rules automatically based on device-subnet and location information, ensuring security is maintained during automated assignment without requiring manual security review for each device.
3Reliability
If geofenced attestation is added to validate device locations, then network security is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of geofence definitions and location validation services that mediate between device location data and security decisions. This intermediary component handles the complexity of geographic validation centrally, allowing devices to simply provide location information while the hub manages the sophisticated geofence matching and security enforcement.
4Ease of operation
If subnet-based automated assignment is implemented, then management overhead is reduced, but device control flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic configuration where subnet-to-IoT-solution mappings and geofence definitions can be updated in real-time without affecting existing device connections. New devices are automatically assigned based on current configurations, while existing devices maintain their assignments unless explicitly reassigned, providing both automated management and flexible control when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An IoT hub comprising one or more servers and databases is configured to automatically assign Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices to IoT solutions based on a subnet to which the IoT devices are connected. A user interface is configured to enable a user to define subnets within the customer's network environment and assign each subnet to an IoT solution. Upon the user setting up an IoT device's network connection to a network device, such as a router, the IoT device transmits its network information to the IoT hub. The IoT hub can then automatically assign the IoT device to a specific IoT solution without further user input or predict which IoT solution to utilize for that IoT device based on known parameters.