IoT Device Configuration via Local Server Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT devices' integration into networks using Internet connections often leads to security vulnerabilities, such as malware attacks and device malfunctions, with no adequate solutions available to address device security in IoT networks.
Innovation Solution
The integration of IoT devices into networks is achieved through peer-to-peer communication using non-Internet methods like Bluetooth or Zigbee, where a newly connected device receives settings from an existing device within the same location, allowing it to operate similarly or complementarily without relying on external Internet connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IoT devices use Internet connections for integration and configuration, then device connectivity and remote management are improved, but network security deteriorates due to vulnerability to malware attacks and hacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local server as an intermediary that mediates all communication between IoT devices and the external network. The server acts as a secure gateway that receives configuration requests from remote devices, validates them, and forwards only approved commands to the target IoT devices. This eliminates direct Internet exposure of individual devices while maintaining remote management capability through the mediating server layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements configuration data copying between devices through the local server. When a new IoT device joins the network, the server retrieves configuration profiles from existing devices or remote sources, stores them locally, and distributes them to new devices. This copying mechanism allows remote configuration management without requiring new devices to directly connect to the Internet, as the server pre-loads configuration data from trusted sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IoT devices communicate with external servers over the Internet for configuration, then remote device management is improved, but device reliability deteriorates due to potential server attacks and service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements prior cushioning by pre-loading configuration data and profiles onto the local server before devices need them. The server maintains a local repository of device configurations, firmware updates, and operational parameters that can be distributed immediately when devices connect to the local network, without requiring real-time Internet access. This preparation in advance cushions against potential Internet disruptions or server attacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration management system into local and remote components. The local server handles all critical device operations, configuration distribution, and communication coordination within the local network. Remote Internet access is segmented to only allow specific management functions through the server, isolating the core device operations from external network vulnerabilities. This segmentation ensures that even if remote access is compromised, local device reliability remains unaffected.
3Ease of manufacture
If IoT devices use standard Internet protocols for network integration, then device compatibility and ease of deployment are improved, but network security deteriorates due to protocol exploitation by hackers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized secure communication environment within the local network that differs from standard Internet protocols. The local server implements customized authentication mechanisms, encrypted communication channels, and validated data formats specific to the local IoT ecosystem. While external communication uses standard protocols for compatibility, all critical device-to-device and device-to-server communications within the local network use these enhanced security measures, applying different protocol qualities to different communication contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a first Internet of Things (IoT) device includes at least one processor and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage includes instructions executable by the at least one processor to transmit a request related to one or more first settings to apply at the first IoT device, where the request transmitted using wireless communication other than Wi-Fi/Internet communication. The instructions are also executable to receive data indicating one or more second settings applied at a second IoT device using the wireless communication and to apply the one or more first settings at the first IoT device based on the received data.