Multi-AP Device Onboarding via DPP Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for onboarding multiple access point (Multi-AP) devices in a Multi-AP Network, such as Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), require user involvement and manual button pressing, leading to user experience issues and potential security concerns due to lack of authentication and risk of incorrect device configuration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a device provisioning protocol (DPP) and Multi-AP communication protocols like IEEE 1905.1 to automate the onboarding process, where configuration information is derived pre-deployment or remotely by a network operator, enabling secure and seamless device configuration without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If WPS push button configuration is used to onboard Multi-AP devices, then device onboarding can be achieved through manual user interaction, but user experience is negatively affected and security is compromised due to lack of authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring DPP credentials and authentication information in devices before deployment. The network operator performs DPP configuration remotely prior to device deployment, so that when devices are deployed, they already contain the necessary cryptographic material and authentication credentials to securely join the network without requiring manual user intervention or compromising security.
2Ease of operation
If manual push button process is used for device onboarding, then device configuration can be performed with user involvement, but troubleshooting complexity increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to automatically perform DPP-based authentication and configuration with the network operator without requiring manual user actions. The devices autonomously execute the onboarding process using pre-configured credentials, eliminating the need for users to press buttons, input credentials, or troubleshoot configuration issues, thereby reducing both user involvement and troubleshooting complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the DPP protocol and network operator system that mediates the onboarding process. Instead of direct manual user interaction with devices, the DPP framework acts as an intermediary that automates authentication and configuration, allowing seamless device integration while reducing user burden and troubleshooting needs.
3Extent of automation
If automated onboarding with DPP is implemented, then user involvement is reduced and security is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to protocol implementation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized DPP framework that provides multi-functional capabilities for device onboarding. The DPP protocol serves multiple purposes including authentication, key establishment, and configuration management within a single unified framework, reducing the need for multiple separate mechanisms and thereby managing complexity while achieving high automation and security.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for onboarding one or more Multi-AP devices using a device provisioning protocol (DPP) and a Multi-AP communication protocol. In one aspect, a first Multi-AP device may determine, during an onboarding process, DPP configuration information that was derived using the DPP. The first Multi-AP device may establish a Multi-AP network configuration between the first Multi-AP device and a second Multi-AP device using the Multi-AP communication protocol based, at least in part, on the DPP configuration information. In one aspect, the DPP configuration information may be derived remotely by the network operator prior to device deployment. In one aspect, a configurator station (STA) may be delegated as the DPP configurator by the network operator, and may onboard one or more STAs into the Multi-AP network using the DPP and the Multi-AP communication protocol.