IoT Wireless Device Reconnection Using Stable Service Identifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The connection between IoT devices and remote computing devices is prone to failure due to changes in network names or passphrases, making it difficult for third-party operators to reconnect the IoT devices reliably.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for connecting IoT devices to wireless networks involving an access point that receives configuration information, including a service identifier and credential, and authenticates the device based on these, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity through a credential-based authentication process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional network authentication using network name and passphrase is used, then the IoT device can connect to the WLAN, but the connection reliability deteriorates when network parameters change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to network parameter changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a service identifier as an intermediary element that mediates between the IoT device and the WLAN authentication process. Instead of directly using network name and passphrase, the service identifier acts as a stable reference that remains consistent even when network parameters change, enabling reliable reconnection without requiring manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the authentication parameter from volatile network-specific credentials (network name and passphrase) to a stable service identifier that is independent of network configuration changes. This parameter transformation allows the authentication mechanism to remain valid across network reconfigurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If network name or passphrase is changed, then security or configuration flexibility is improved, but the IoT device connection is disrupted requiring operator intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration flexibilityVSAvoidreconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The service identifier serves as a mediator that decouples the IoT device from direct dependency on network name and passphrase. When network parameters change, the service identifier remains unchanged, allowing the device to automatically reconnect without operator intervention despite network reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If credential-based authentication with service identifier is implemented, then connection stability is improved, but the authentication system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service identifier is designed to be a universal authentication element that can be used across different WLAN configurations and scenarios. This multi-functionality allows a single simple identifier to replace complex network-specific credentials, maintaining connection stability without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3849152B1Methods and systems for connecting a wireless device to a wireless network
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3849152B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3849152B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3849152B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and systems for connecting a wireless device to a wireless network. Configuration information is received by an access point of the wireless network including a service identifier corresponding to a service provided through the wireless device and a credential associated with the wireless device. The access point advertises the service identifier to the wireless device. The access point receives from the wireless device an association request including a network identifier corresponding to the wireless network. The access point authenticates the wireless device based on the service identifier and the credential.