NFC Provisioning for Secure Wireless Device Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and security of wireless devices in networks are complex due to issues such as determining the correct device to install, ensuring secure connections, and mitigating security risks like eavesdropping and hacking, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing near field communication (NFC) links for secure data exchange, employing a PONG component for generic data transfer, and a security component for additional authentication, allows wireless devices to connect securely to networks by provisioning data and managing connections, thereby establishing trusted wireless connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless networks and devices are employed to eliminate hard-wires and provide freedom of movement, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but security and authentication become vulnerable to eavesdropping and hacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless connectivityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs authentication and security verification before establishing the wireless connection. The system validates device identities, checks authentication credentials, and establishes trusted relationships in advance, preventing unauthorized access and eavesdropping before they can occur during data transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that mediates between wireless devices and the network. This intermediary layer verifies credentials, manages authentication protocols, and ensures secure handshakes, protecting the wireless communication from security threats while maintaining operational freedom

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless devices are installed without structured procedures, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to difficulties in determining correct installation targets and procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice installationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables wireless devices to perform self-configuration and self-registration with the network. Devices automatically discover available networks, select appropriate installation targets, and complete authentication procedures without requiring manual configuration or user intervention, thereby simplifying installation while managing complexity through automated processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system provides information about available network entities and installation status to the device. This feedback loop guides the device through the installation process, helping it determine the correct installation target and proceed with appropriate procedures, reducing installation complexity through structured guidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP1894314B1Provisioning of wireless connectivity for devices using NFC
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP1894314B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1894314B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1894314B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates connecting a wireless device to a secure network. A device can establish a near field communication link with a verified device on a network, wherein the near field communication link can be a secure and/or encrypted link to provision the device without compromising security constraints within the network. An installation component can invoke the transfer of provisioning data to the network via the near field communication link to secure a wireless connection for the device to the network.