Wireless Mesh Device Provisioning via Relay and Broadcast
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process of provisioning wireless devices in a wireless local area network is time-consuming and requires physical proximity, making it inefficient for large-scale networks like IoT installations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves configuring wireless devices to store default provisioning network data, allowing a provisioning device to connect wirelessly with devices in a default network, enabling distant devices to be reached through message relay, and using mesh network broadcast features to provision multiple devices simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional one-by-one provisioning method is used, then each device can be provisioned securely, but the provisioning time becomes excessively long for large-scale networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-provisions devices with default provisioning network data (including default security keys and provisional addresses) before deployment. This preliminary action allows devices to be quickly added to the network without time-consuming individual provisioning steps, reducing overall provisioning time while maintaining security through subsequent re-provisioning with site-specific data
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning process is segmented into two phases: (1) initial connection using pre-stored default provisioning data for rapid device addition, and (2) subsequent distribution of site-specific provisioning data through mesh network broadcasts. This segmentation allows secure provisioning to be maintained while dramatically reducing the time required for large-scale device deployment
2Reliability
If direct wireless contact with each device is required, then authentication can be performed securely, but the provisioning device must be within physical proximity (≤100 meters) of each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a default provisioning network as an intermediary layer between the provisioning device and individual end devices. The provisioning device first joins this default network (which can be accessed from a distance), then uses it as a base to remotely provision other devices. This intermediary network eliminates the need for physical proximity while maintaining authentication security through the two-phase provisioning process
3Reliability
If devices are provisioned one at a time, then each device receives individual attention, but the overall provisioning process takes hours for networks with hundreds of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the provisioning process for multiple devices by using mesh network broadcast functionality to distribute site-specific provisioning data to all devices simultaneously after initial connection. This combining of operations maintains individual device configuration requirements while increasing provisioning throughput from one device at a time to hundreds of devices in minutes
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device system can include lighting devices, sensing devices, and other wireless devices in a wireless mesh local area network. The devices are configured for rapid provisioning with provisioned site network data by using a process in which each device stores data for a default provisioning network, and a provisioning device, for example a smart phone or other mobile device, is used to wirelessly connect with at least one of the devices in the default provisioning network, enabling distant wireless devices to be reached by relay of messages in the default provisioning network. Devices can be individually provided a new network address, for example, from the provisioned site network data, and all devices are provided remaining data from the provisioned site network data using the mesh network broadcast feature, thus provisioning and switching devices near simultaneously from the default provisioning network to the provisioned site network.