Network-assisted fabric pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for adding new devices to smart home networks are cumbersome, requiring manual network switching and increased user interaction, which complicates the pairing process and reduces automation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of network-assisted fabric pairing, where a joining device connects to an existing device on the network through an assisting device, allowing network provisioning and pairing to occur securely without forcing the commissioner to join the joining device's network, thus simplifying the process and reducing user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a joining device hosts its own network for pairing, then the device can establish initial connectivity, but the commissioning device must manually switch networks which increases complexity and user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fabric network as an intermediary communication channel between the commissioning device and the joining device. Instead of requiring the commissioning device to switch to the joining device's hosted network, both devices communicate through the shared fabric network, eliminating manual network switching while maintaining reliable connectivity establishment
2Reliability
If manual network switching is required for device pairing, then secure direct connection can be established, but user interaction increases and automation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing the joining device's connection to the fabric network before the pairing process begins. The commissioning device then leverages this pre-established connection to communicate securely through the fabric network, eliminating the need for manual network switching while maintaining security through pre-configured cryptographic credentials
3Ease of operation
If the commissioning device joins the joining device's network, then direct communication is possible, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric network serves as a mediator that enables direct communication between the commissioning device and joining device without requiring the commissioning device to physically join the joining device's network. This intermediary approach maintains the ease of direct communication while eliminating the time-consuming network switching process
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for joining a device to a fabric using an assisting device include an indication to add a joining device to a fabric. If the joining device supports network-assisted fabric pairing, a first connection is established between a commissioning device and the assisting device. The assisting device also connects to a joining device. Through the assisting device, the commissioning device and the joining device establish a communication channel over which fabric credentials may be sent.