Wireless Lighting Device Password Recovery via Power Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wirelessly connected lighting devices without an enterprise front end or infrastructure face challenges in easily changing network passwords without compromising security, especially when the password is unknown or misplaced, as existing methods are not ideal for inaccessible or security-sensitive devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves a first lighting device detecting a power cycling sequence to connect to a password recovery device over a recovery wireless network, using a recovery network identification to change the network password stored in the first lighting device, allowing secure password modification through a software user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless lighting device uses a password protected network for security, then security is improved, but the ability to easily change the password is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing a recovery wireless network with a known recovery password before the main wireless network password is needed. This recovery network is set up in advance so that when password changes are needed, the device can connect to the pre-established recovery network without requiring the original password, thus enabling easy password changes while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The recovery wireless network acts as an intermediary between the user and the lighting device when password changes are needed. Instead of directly accessing the main wireless network which requires the password, the system uses the recovery network as a mediator that provides an alternative access path for authorized password modification without compromising the security of the main network.
2Ease of operation
If traditional password recovery methods are used (button push, memory erasure, wiring), then password recovery is possible, but device accessibility requirements increase and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical/physical recovery methods (button pushing, wiring connections, memory erasure) with a wireless communication-based recovery system. The lighting device uses its wireless communication capability to connect to the recovery network, eliminating the need for physical access to the device and replacing mechanical interaction with electronic communication, thus reducing device complexity requirements while maintaining recovery capability.
3Ease of operation
If a generic password is used for password recovery, then password change becomes easy, but security is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by using different passwords for different purposes and networks. The recovery wireless network uses a specific recovery password that is separate from the main wireless network password. This localized password strategy allows easy password recovery through the recovery network while maintaining the security of the main network through its distinct password, thus achieving both ease of operation and security simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for changing a network password includes a first lighting device to wirelessly connect to a second lighting device on a first wireless network having a first network identification. The first network identification is a network password of the first wireless device. The system further includes a password recovery device, wherein, in response to detecting a power cycling sequence of power provided to the first lighting device, the first lighting device is to attempt to wirelessly connect to the password recovery device over a recovery wireless network having a recovery network identification before attempting to connect to the second lighting device over the first wireless network. The recovery network identification is a network password of the recovery wireless network. The password recovery device includes a software user interface for changing the first network identification stored in the first lighting device.