NFC Gateway for Wireless Field Device Secure Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual loading of join keys for new wireless field devices in process installations is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in secure and secure network environments, where ensuring the correct symmetric join key is essential for device acceptance.
Innovation Solution
The use of NFC technology between a new unverified device and a verified device for secure provisioning, allowing the new device to join the wireless network by automatically retrieving and transferring a network join key, eliminating the need for manual symmetric join key loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual loading of join keys is used, then system security is maintained, but installation time increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical key loading with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which uses electromagnetic induction to enable contactless data transfer. The NFC reader writer automatically retrieves and loads join keys to field devices without manual intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining security through automated controlled key distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the NFC reader writer to automatically retrieve join keys from the database and load them into field devices without requiring manual operator intervention. The automated process includes detecting field devices, retrieving appropriate join keys, and completing the loading sequence autonomously, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining security through automated controlled key distribution.
2Reliability
If manual loading of join keys is used, then system security is maintained, but error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical key loading with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which uses electromagnetic induction to enable contactless data transfer. The NFC reader writer automatically retrieves and loads join keys to field devices without manual intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining security through automated controlled key distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the NFC reader writer to automatically retrieve join keys from the database and load them into field devices without requiring manual operator intervention. The automated process includes detecting field devices, retrieving appropriate join keys, and completing the loading sequence autonomously, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining security through automated controlled key distribution.
3Loss of time
If NFC technology is used for automatic join key transfer, then installation time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC reader writer as an intermediary device that mediates between the central database and field devices. This intermediary handles the complex NFC communication, key retrieval, and loading processes, allowing field devices to remain relatively simple while enabling automated secure key distribution through the mediating NFC reader writer.
4Productivity
If NFC technology is used for automatic join key transfer, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC reader writer as an intermediary device that mediates between the central database and field devices. This intermediary handles the complex NFC communication, key retrieval, and loading processes, allowing field devices to remain relatively simple while enabling automated secure key distribution through the mediating NFC reader writer.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables secure and efficient network joining of field devices, reducing the risk of errors and saving time by automating the join key transfer, ensuring secure access to the network while maintaining system security.
Implementation Method 1
The gateway includes an NFC transceiver configured to detect a field device having an NFC tag
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for connecting a field device (200) to a wireless process communication network (16) is provided. The method comprises bringing the wireless field device (200) within a proximity of a wireless gateway (400). The method also comprises establishing a connection between an NFC transceiver (430) associated with the wireless gateway (400) and an NFC tag (210) associated with the wireless field device (200). The method also comprises generating a near field communication between the wireless gateway (400) and the field device (200) to exchange wireless field device access information. The method also comprises using the wireless field device (200) access information to allow the wireless field device (200) to communicate over the wireless process communication network (16). A method is also provided for configuring a wireless process communication adapter (410) at a wireless gateway (400) using NFC communication and then subsequently coupling the configured wireless process communication adapter (410) to a field device (200).