Network Setup Switching Based on Security and Device Capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network setup processes for connecting communication apparatuses to access points can be inconvenient due to failures arising from the combination of security methods and capabilities of the involved devices, leading to degraded usability.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that utilizes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to facilitate network setup by acquiring security method and capability information, enabling devices to decide on an appropriate setup method using Wi-Fi Easy Connect (WEC) and Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) with Bootstrapping information exchange via QR codes, Bluetooth Low Energy, or Near Field Communication, ensuring secure and efficient connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a security method is used in the network formed by the access point, then network security is improved, but network setup convenience deteriorates due to compatibility issues between security methods and device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compatibility checking between the access point's security method and the communication apparatus's capabilities before attempting network setup. By acquiring capability information in advance and comparing it with the security method, the system can determine whether the setup is likely to succeed, thereby preventing setup failures while maintaining security requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the access point and the communication apparatus. It acquires both the security method information from the access point and capability information from the communication apparatus, then uses this information to decide on the appropriate network setup method, mediating the compatibility issue between security requirements and device capabilities
2Reliability
If capability information checking is performed before network setup, then setup success rate is improved, but processing time increases due to additional information acquisition steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs capability information acquisition and compatibility checking as preliminary actions before the actual network setup process. By determining compatibility in advance, the system avoids time-consuming retry attempts and failed setup operations, ultimately reducing the total setup time despite the initial information gathering step
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the capability information checking process to make intelligent decisions about the network setup method. By acquiring feedback on device capabilities and security method compatibility, the system can select the most appropriate setup approach, avoiding unnecessary setup attempts and reducing overall processing time
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus able to communicate with a communication apparatus, when a network setup for causing the communication apparatus to connect to an access point existing outside the information processing apparatus and the communication apparatus is performed, acquires, as a network setup information, information of a security method supported by the communication apparatus, and information indicating whether the communication apparatus supports the network setup based on a predetermined standard. Based on the acquired network setup information, the network setup is performed by a first method based on the predetermined standard, on at least a condition the security method is supported by the communication apparatus and the network setup based on the predetermined standard, and when the condition is not satisfied, the network setup is performed by a second method different from the first method.