IoT Device Network Setup via Proxy Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting IoT devices to a network can be complex due to the lack of control panels or interfaces, and existing solutions like setup modes can be cumbersome and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method where a first IoT device generates a proxy request, which is received by a second device with a network connection. The second device acts as a proxy, forwarding setup requests to a setup server, receiving setup information, and forwarding it back to the first device to establish a network connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IoT devices are equipped with management features and control panels to assist with network connection, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary that handles network setup operations on behalf of IoT devices. The gateway maintains a registry of IoT devices and manages their network connections, allowing simple IoT devices to connect to networks without requiring complex management interfaces or control panels. The gateway acts as a mediator between the IoT device and the network infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If setup modes are implemented on IoT devices to assist with connection, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to complexity and susceptibility to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as a reliable intermediary that manages the setup process centrally. Instead of relying on potentially flawed setup modes embedded in each IoT device, the gateway provides a centralized, controlled environment for device registration and network configuration. This approach improves reliability by consolidating setup logic in a more capable system that can handle errors and edge cases more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network parameters and credentials before IoT devices need to connect. The system can pre-register devices, pre-establish security credentials, and pre-configure network settings, thereby simplifying the actual connection process and reducing the likelihood of setup failures.
3Device complexity
If IoT devices without control panels attempt to connect to networks directly, then the device complexity remains low, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device acts as an intermediary that bridges the capability gap between simple IoT devices and complex network infrastructure. IoT devices can remain simple without control panels, while the gateway handles the complexity of network protocols, authentication, and configuration on their behalf. This allows IoT devices to maintain simplicity while still achieving network connectivity through the gateway's assistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method includes receiving a proxy request from a first device at a second device having a network connection to a setup device. Setup requests from the first device are forwarded to the setup device with the second device acting as a proxy for the first device. A setup communication is received from the setup device and includes setup information for the first device. The setup information is then forwarded to the first device allowing the first device to connect to a network.