Automatic Network Parameter Configuration for Consumer Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronics devices require complex setup processes for wireless or wired Ethernet connections, necessitating technical knowledge that average consumers do not possess, making it impractical for them to establish and maintain secure in-home networks.
Innovation Solution
The development of techniques for automatically configuring necessary network parameters, such as SSID, WEP security, and channel frequency, between devices to establish a secure Ad-hoc network with minimal human intervention, using a rudimentary communication path and public security procedures, allowing devices to connect wirelessly or via Ethernet with user activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic configuration techniques are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automatic configuration where devices autonomously obtain network parameters (IP addresses, subnet masks, gateway information) without human intervention. The configuration process occurs automatically when devices connect to the network, eliminating the need for users to manually set technical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
A configuration server acts as an intermediary between devices and the network infrastructure. This server receives configuration requests from devices, processes them, and returns appropriate network parameters. The intermediary handles the complexity of network management centrally, allowing individual devices to remain simple while achieving automatic configuration.
2Device complexity
If manual configuration is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automatic configuration where devices autonomously obtain network parameters (IP addresses, subnet masks, gateway information) without human intervention. The configuration process occurs automatically when devices connect to the network, eliminating the need for users to manually set technical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
A configuration server acts as an intermediary between devices and the network infrastructure. This server receives configuration requests from devices, processes them, and returns appropriate network parameters. The intermediary handles the complexity of network management centrally, allowing individual devices to remain simple while achieving automatic configuration.
3Reliability
If secure network setup is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automatic configuration where devices autonomously obtain network parameters (IP addresses, subnet masks, gateway information) without human intervention. The configuration process occurs automatically when devices connect to the network, eliminating the need for users to manually set technical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
A configuration server acts as an intermediary between devices and the network infrastructure. This server receives configuration requests from devices, processes them, and returns appropriate network parameters. The intermediary handles the complexity of network management centrally, allowing individual devices to remain simple while achieving automatic configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for automatically configuring necessary parameters of a device to be coupled to a network with minimum human intervention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wired and/or wireless Ad-hoc network is established to facilitate communications among a group of devices. When a new device is added to the network, a rudimentary communication path is initially established between one of the devices in the network and the new device such that necessary parameters (e.g., SSID, WEP security, channel frequency) can be exchanged for the new device to function properly in the network. To ensure the parameters are exchanged in a secure fashion, an additional public security procedure can be used between the two devices.