Automatic Network Device Role Switching via Profile Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wi-Fi-to-Ethernet boxes face challenges in network credential configuration and role changes, leading to bandwidth loss and connectivity issues when users physically alter their network setup, as existing solutions require manual reconfiguration and pre-pairing, which is cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automatic reconfiguration that involves receiving and comparing profiles of connected network devices, storing and broadcasting access point credentials, and dynamically switching roles using WPS-PBC, allowing devices to auto-detect their roles and restore network connectivity without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If devices are made generic without user interface to reduce complexity and cost, then device complexity and production cost are reduced, but network configuration becomes difficult when users physically alter the network
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic role detection and credential exchange where devices self-configure by detecting their network role (AP or STA) and automatically exchanging credentials with neighboring devices, eliminating the need for manual user configuration while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Devices perform preliminary role detection and credential exchange automatically when joining the network, so that when users physically relocate devices, the network is already pre-configured with the necessary credentials and roles, avoiding configuration difficulties
2Reliability
If pre-pairing is used to ensure network connectivity, then network reliability is improved, but user effort and configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary credential exchange automatically when devices join the network, storing credentials in advance so that network connectivity is maintained when devices are relocated, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual reconfiguration while ensuring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Devices automatically detect their roles and exchange credentials with neighboring devices without user intervention, self-configuring the network to maintain connectivity while reducing configuration time to minimal automatic processing
3Reliability
If manual reconfiguration is required when devices are moved, then network security is maintained, but user effort and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically detect their network role and exchange credentials with neighboring devices when relocated, self-reconfiguring the network while maintaining security through controlled credential distribution, eliminating manual user intervention and potential errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic role detection where devices provide feedback about their network position and credentials to neighboring devices, enabling dynamic reconfiguration that maintains security while adapting to physical changes in the network
Data Source
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AI summary
A solution for automatic reconfiguration of network devices adapted to switch from the role of access point to the role of station and vice versa is described. In order to prepare a first network device (AP, STA1, STA2) for automatic configuration in the network, a profile of a second network device (AP, STA1, STA2) connected to said first network device (AP, STA1, STA2) via a network is received (13, 22). The profile comprises access point credentials of the second network device (AP, STA1, STA2). The received profile is compared (23) with existing profiles stored in a memory (43) of said first network device (AP, STA1, STA2) and is stored (14, 24) in said memory (43), if necessary. In case at a later time a role change of the first network device (AP) is determined (30), the stored profile is retrieved (31) from the memory (43) and used for connecting (32) the first network device (AP) to the second network device (AP(2)).