IoT Network Configuration via Verified Probe Response Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configuration methods for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as intelligent home devices, often require manual user intervention and may lack security, particularly in selecting the correct router for connection and obtaining network identifiers, leading to inefficiencies and potential security risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for network configuration that involves broadcasting a probe request frame with device information, verifying connection information in probe response frames, and establishing connections with target routers to obtain and use secure network identifiers, thereby automating the selection of routers and enhancing security by avoiding manual user operations and cloud-based identifier retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual user intervention is used for network configuration, then user control is maintained, but configuration efficiency and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service network configuration where the IoT device automatically performs probe requests, receives probe responses with connection information, verifies the information, and establishes connections without manual user intervention. The device autonomously completes the entire network configuration process, eliminating the need for users to manually input network parameters or select routers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the router pre-configure and broadcast probe response frames containing connection information before the IoT device needs to connect. The connection information is prepared in advance and automatically transmitted to the IoT device, which then uses this pre-provided information to establish the connection without requiring real-time user input.
2Reliability
If cloud-based identifier retrieval is used, then network identifiers can be obtained, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the router itself as an intermediary to provide connection information directly to the IoT device through probe response frames. Instead of relying on cloud-based services that transmit information over the internet, the router acts as a local mediator that broadcasts connection details within the network, eliminating the security risks associated with cloud communication while maintaining reliable connection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical system of cloud-based identifier retrieval with a direct network-based mechanism. Instead of using network protocols to communicate with remote cloud servers, the system uses local probe request-response frames to exchange connection information, replacing the complex and less secure cloud communication mechanism with a simpler, more secure local network mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple routers are available, then connection options increase, but selecting the correct router becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses distinctive identification markers analogous to color changes to differentiate between multiple routers. Each router broadcasts unique connection information in its probe response frame, including identifiers that allow the IoT device to visually distinguish and correctly identify the intended target router among multiple available options, making accurate selection intuitive and automatic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where routers respond to probe requests with probe response frames containing connection information. The IoT device sends probe requests and receives feedback in the form of probe responses, using this feedback information to identify and select the correct router. The feedback loop ensures that the device receives accurate identification data from the correct router, enabling reliable selection even when multiple routers are present.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for network configuration includes that: a probe request frame is broadcast, the probe request frame carrying device information of a first device; responsive to that a predetermined field of a received probe response frame carries predetermined connection information, a first connection is established, based on the predetermined connection information, with a target router that sent the probe response frame, the probe response frame carrying the predetermined connection information in the predetermined field being sent after the device information is verified; a second network identifier is acquired from the target router based on the first connection; and a second connection with the target router is established based on the second network identifier, to perform interaction with a second device through the second connection.