IoT Device WiFi Setup via Multicast IP Address Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

IoT devices without input functions, such as keypads or touchpads, face challenges in connecting to a designated Access Point (AP) via WiFi, as they cannot directly receive and process AP configuration information like SSID and password.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a communication device to write AP configuration information into the multicast IP address field, which is then mapped to the multicast MAC address field, allowing IoT devices in sniffer mode to receive and decode this information from multicast packets, even in encrypted environments, to connect to the AP.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If IoT devices are equipped with input functions such as keypads or touchpads, then they can directly input and process AP configuration information, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to input and process AP configuration informationVSAvoidDevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a communication device as an intermediary that writes AP configuration information into multicast IP address fields. This mediator handles the complex task of information input and encoding, allowing the IoT device to remain simple while still achieving the desired functionality of connecting to the designated AP

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical input functions (keypads, touchpads) with an electronic/software-based solution. Instead of requiring physical input mechanisms, the system uses multicast packet transmission and software decoding to deliver AP configuration information to the IoT device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If AP configuration information is transmitted in encrypted wireless networks, then security is improved, but IoT devices in sniffer mode cannot decode the information

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWireless network securityVSAvoidLoss of AP configuration information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts AP configuration information from the encrypted data stream by utilizing the multicast IP address field structure. The communication device writes the information into specific fields of multicast packets, which are then transmitted through the encrypted network. The IoT device extracts this information by reading the multicast MAC address fields without needing to decrypt the entire packet

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by not trying to decrypt the encrypted packets, but instead by embedding the AP configuration information in the multicast address fields that are visible even in encrypted transmissions. This allows the information to be obtained through the encryption layer rather than breaking through it

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2887587B1Methods for transmitting and receiving information and associated internet of thing apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.12.05 MEDIATEK SINGAPORE PTE LTD

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AI summary

A method for transmitting information is disclosed, including : writing (501) at least a portion of the information to at least one multicast Internet Protocol,IP, address field; and transmitting (502) at least a packet according to the at least one multicast IP address field. Even when the wireless network environment (100) is encrypted, information can be transmitted to desired devices(101) in the sniffer mode.