Preconfigured Network Access for Disconnected Device Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices deployed in the field often require configuration updates but lack network connectivity to receive updates, necessitating manual network adjustments that are tedious, prone to errors, and impractical for large-scale deployments.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing predefined network configuration parameters, an access device broadcasts identifiers to connect with target devices, establishes a communication session, receives update requests, and transmits packages, eliminating the need for manual network configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual network configuration is used to update disconnected devices, then devices can receive updates, but the process is tedious, error-prone, and impractical for large-scale deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The target device automatically connects to the access device using pre-configured network parameters stored in its memory. The device autonomously initiates the connection process, requests updates, and receives packages without requiring manual network configuration by operators, thereby eliminating the tedious and error-prone manual setup process while ensuring reliable update delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices are disconnected from networks to operate independently, then devices achieve better autonomy, but they cannot receive configuration updates automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The target device is pre-configured with network parameters (such as SSID, authentication credentials, and access device identifiers) during manufacturing or initial setup. These parameters are stored in the device's memory, enabling it to autonomously connect to the access device's network when needed, thus maintaining device autonomy during operation while ensuring the capability to receive updates when connectivity is required.
3Extent of automation
If network configuration parameters are pre-configured in target devices, then automatic connection is enabled, but network security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-configured network parameters are specifically tailored for the intended access device, creating a localized secure connection between the target device and its designated access device. This targeted approach ensures that while automation is enabled, the connection is restricted to authorized devices only, maintaining network security by preventing unauthorized access while still providing automatic connection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of distributing data to target devices using predefined network configuration, comprising broadcasting one or more predefined network identifiers via one or more networks accessible to one or more target devices, the one or more predefined network identifiers identify the access device in the network(s), receiving a connection request from one or more of the target devices to join the network(s) according to the predefined network identifier(s), establishing a communication session with the target device(s) via the network(s), receiving one or more update requests for one or more update packages from one or more of the target devices, and transmitting, responsive to determination that the update package(s) is available to the access device, the update packages to the target device(s) which is adapted to apply the one or more of the received update packages.