Location-Based Network Device Reprovisioning for Automatic Role Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT devices require manual user intervention for provisioning and lack the ability to automatically set up configuration information, leading to inefficiencies in network operations and resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamically reprovisioning network devices based on their specific locations within predefined areas, allowing them to adapt their roles and configurations automatically by sharing and updating reprovisioning parameters with neighboring devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user intervention is used for provisioning IoT devices, then configuration information can be set up, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service provisioning where IoT devices automatically obtain configuration information from neighboring devices without user intervention. When a device enters a predefined area, it autonomously queries neighboring devices for reprovisioning parameters and configures itself, eliminating the need for manual setup while reducing provisioning time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by having neighboring devices maintain reprovisioning parameters in advance. When a new device enters the area, the configuration information is already available from previous devices, allowing immediate automatic provisioning without waiting for user input or external configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual user intervention is required for device provisioning, then configuration can be customized, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Devices automatically perform self-provisioning by querying neighboring devices for configuration parameters. The system handles the complexity of configuration management autonomously, allowing devices to adapt to different roles (access point, station, mesh node) based on their location without requiring users to understand or manage the provisioning process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal reprovisioning mechanism that works across different device types and roles. The same automatic provisioning process handles various device configurations (infrastructure mode, ad-hoc mode, mesh mode) through a single unified approach, reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Reliability
If IoT devices use processing and memory resources for provisioning operations, then configuration can be stored, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the provisioning information storage function from individual devices and places it in the external environment (neighboring devices and predefined areas). Devices only need to query and receive configuration parameters temporarily, rather than permanently storing extensive provisioning data, reducing their processing and memory resource requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism where neighboring devices act as mediators for configuration information exchange. Instead of each device independently managing and storing all provisioning data, devices communicate through intermediaries (neighboring devices) that hold and share reprovisioning parameters, reducing individual device resource consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method to dynamically reprovision network devices may include a first network device configured to reprovision a second network device in accordance with a specific location of the second network device in a predefined area. The first network device may be configured to sense the second device at the specific location in the predefined area, identify reprovisioning parameters associated with the specific location, and provide the reprovisioning parameters to the second network device. In turn, the second network device may be configured to perform one or more roles associated with the specific location in the predefined area based at least in part upon information in the reprovisioning parameters.