Lighting Fixture Network Joining with Preinstalled Security Credentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting fixtures lack secure network formation and management, leading to inefficiencies in network setup and security, particularly in large-scale distributed lighting systems where manual intervention is required for device authentication and network expansion.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating solid-state light sources, communications circuitry, and processing circuitry within lighting fixtures that pre-install common security credentials during factory calibration, allowing devices to automatically join and secure a distributed lighting network without user intervention, and enabling secure communication through updated security credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual device authentication and network setup procedures are used in lighting fixtures, then security can be maintained through user control, but network formation and expansion become time-consuming and require significant user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
Security credentials are pre-installed in lighting fixtures during factory calibration before deployment. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual authentication during network formation, allowing devices to automatically join the network using their pre-configured credentials, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
Lighting fixtures autonomously perform network joining and authentication using their pre-installed security credentials without requiring user intervention. The fixtures self-configure into the distributed lighting network automatically, enabling scalable deployment of large numbers of devices without manual configuration
2Ease of operation
If common security credentials are pre-installed in all lighting fixtures during factory calibration, then network formation becomes automatic and scalable, but security risks may increase if credentials are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the credential distribution process into two phases: initial deployment uses common pre-installed credentials for automatic network formation, while subsequent security updates distribute unique credentials to individual devices or groups. This segmentation allows easy network joining initially while maintaining the ability to enhance security later through credential updates
Solution Approach 2:
Security credentials in the system are dynamic rather than static. The processing circuitry can update security credentials stored in memory based on network conditions and security requirements. This allows the system to transition from common credentials during setup to updated, more secure credentials during operation, balancing ease of operation with security reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If lighting fixtures incorporate networking circuitry and sensors for environmental monitoring, then functionality and utility are improved, but device complexity and security attack surfaces increase
Solution Approach 1:
Lighting fixtures are designed with universal networking capabilities using standardized protocols that enable multiple functions including lighting control, environmental sensing, and communication. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device architecture to handle diverse tasks without requiring separate specialized hardware for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture includes a solid-state light source, communications circuitry, a memory, and processing circuitry. The memory stores common security credentials, wherein the common security credentials are pre-installed during a factory calibration process. The processing circuitry is coupled to the solid-state light source, the communications circuitry, and the memory. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the solid-state light source to provide a desired light output. Further, the processing circuitry is configured to join a common network using the common security credentials, wherein only devices with the common security credentials are permitted to join the network.