IoT Device Setup via Intermediary Configuration Profile Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT device setup processes require manual user intervention, which is cumbersome and inefficient, especially when setting up multiple devices across different networks, due to the need for manual entry of configuration information such as network SSIDs and passwords.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an intermediary device to receive a configuration profile from a server, establish a connection to the IoT device, and automatically provide the configuration profile to enable the IoT device to connect to a wireless network, allowing for automated setup and simplifying the process of configuring multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setup process is used for IoT devices, then user control and configuration accuracy are improved, but setup time and user effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring IoT devices with default network settings and credentials before deployment. The intermediary device pre-establishes configuration profiles that are automatically applied during setup, eliminating the need for manual real-time configuration and reducing setup time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The IoT device and intermediary device engage in self-service through automated authentication and configuration exchange. The device automatically provides its identity credentials, receives configuration data, and applies settings without manual intervention, significantly reducing both setup time and user effort while maintaining configuration accuracy through structured data exchange protocols.
2Measurement precision
If individual manual setup is performed for each IoT device, then configuration precision is maintained, but productivity and setup efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the setup process for multiple IoT devices by using a single intermediary device to manage configuration for multiple devices simultaneously. The intermediary device maintains a queue of devices and systematically provides configuration profiles to each, enabling batch processing that dramatically improves productivity while maintaining individual device configuration precision through dedicated profile generation for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary device performs multiple functions: it acts as a configuration server, authentication broker, and setup coordinator for multiple IoT devices. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle the setup of numerous IoT devices sequentially or in parallel, significantly improving overall setup efficiency while maintaining precise individual configuration through universal profile generation capabilities.
3Loss of time
If automated configuration process is implemented, then setup time and user effort are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary device that mediates between the user and multiple IoT devices during setup. This intermediary handles the complexity of automated configuration, authentication, and profile distribution, shielding users from system complexity while enabling rapid automated setup. The intermediary translates user actions into automated device configuration sequences, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining fast setup times.
4Reliability
If manual network configuration is entered for each device, then network security is maintained through user verification, but setup effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Network credentials and security configurations are prepared in advance as pre-validated configuration profiles. The intermediary device retrieves these pre-approved credentials and automatically applies them to IoT devices, maintaining network security through pre-verified credentials while eliminating manual entry. This preliminary preparation of secure configuration data ensures reliability is maintained while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and distributes copies of validated network configuration profiles to multiple IoT devices. Instead of manually entering credentials for each device, the intermediary device generates secure copies of authentication data and transmits them automatically. This copying mechanism maintains network security through centralized credential management while significantly reducing setup effort and improving ease of operation through automated distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for (pre)configuration for IoT device setup is provided. In some implementations, the system performs operations comprising receiving, by an intermediary device (e.g., smartphone) and from a server (e.g., cloud computing system), a configuration profile for setup of an IoT device. The configuration profile can include an identifier (e.g., SSID) of a first wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi and/or WLAN network). The operations can further comprise establishing, by the intermediary device, a connection to a second wireless network provided by the IoT device. Thereafter, the operations can further comprise providing, by the intermediary device and over the second wireless network, the configuration profile to the IoT device, wherein providing the configuration profile to the IoT device causes the Internet of Things device to establish (e.g., automatically) a connection to the first wireless network. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.