NFC Tag Mediated WLAN Connection Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices face inefficiencies in locating available wireless local area networks (WLANs) due to continuous searching, which consumes battery charge, and the cumbersome process of loading profile information for network connections.
Innovation Solution
Employing a near field communication (NFC) device to detect the presence and connect to a WLAN by communicating with an NFC tag, eliminating the need for continuous searching and automating the collection and configuration of network connection information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mobile communication device continuously searches for available wireless networks, then the device can locate and connect to WLANs, but battery charge is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces NFC tags as intermediary elements deployed at WLAN access points. These tags contain encoded WLAN connection information and serve as mediators between the mobile device and the WLAN network. Instead of continuously searching for WLANs, the device only needs to read NFC tags when physically near potential access points, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining connectivity capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-deploying NFC tags at WLAN access points with all necessary connection information encoded in advance. This eliminates the need for the mobile device to perform continuous active scanning and authentication procedures, as all connection parameters are already prepared and available via simple NFC reading
2Ease of operation
If profile information is loaded into the device and user interaction is required for wireless connection, then connection can be established, but the process is cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the mobile device to automatically read NFC tags and extract WLAN connection information without user intervention. The device autonomously configures connection parameters including SSID, security type, and authentication credentials, eliminating manual profile loading and user interaction steps
Solution Approach 2:
Connection profiles and authentication credentials are pre-configured in the NFC tags at access points. When the device reads the tag, all necessary connection information is immediately available, eliminating the need for users to manually enter credentials or select from stored profiles, thus reducing both complexity and time
Data Source
AI summary
A near field communication (NFC) device is utilized in a mobile communications device to facilitate sensing the presence of and connecting to a wireless local area network (WLAN). A user can position the mobile communications device in close proximity to a designated location of a WLAN establishment at which an NFC device is situated. Near field communication is then detected and WLAN data can then be communicated by near field communication to the NFC reader in the mobile communications device. The NFC reader is coupled to a controller of the mobile communications device to input data received by the NFC device to the controller for processing. The data are utilized to facilitate connection to the WLAN.