RFID Voucher Provisioning for Offline Device Bootstrap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for provisioning computing devices onto organizational networks are inefficient and require internet communication with vendor services, which can be a security concern and impractical for organizations without internet access or those requiring secure, zero-touch bootstrap configurations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a voucher server and a logistics device with an RFID chip to securely provision devices onto a network, where the voucher is written to the RFID chip during manufacturing or packaging, eliminating the need for internet communication and USB sticks, and allowing devices to be authenticated and configured upon bootstrapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If USB sticks are used to deliver vouchers, then device provisioning can be performed offline, but logistics complexity increases and matching USB sticks with correct devices becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voucher delivery function with the device packaging itself by embedding RFID tags in the packaging materials. The voucher is written to the RFID tag during packaging, combining what were previously separate items (USB stick and device) into a unified system where the packaging serves both protective and credential delivery functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical USB stick delivery system with an electromagnetic RFID-based system. Instead of physically attaching or transporting separate USB sticks, the voucher is wirelessly written to RFID tags embedded in the packaging, eliminating the need for manual USB stick handling and device matching.
2Reliability
If ANIMA protocol is used for zero touch bootstrap, then secure device provisioning is achieved, but internet connectivity to vendor server is required which creates security concerns and operational challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the voucher delivery action in advance during the packaging process. The RFID tag is programmed with the voucher before the device leaves the manufacturing facility, eliminating the need for subsequent internet connectivity to vendor servers for voucher acquisition. This preliminary action enables offline provisioning while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as an intermediary carrier between the voucher server and the pledge device. The RFID tag receives the voucher wirelessly during packaging and stores it locally, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct internet connectivity between the device and vendor server during provisioning.
3Reliability
If individual device configuration is performed manually, then devices can be configured securely, but IT staff workload increases significantly for large organizations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to self-configure through automatic voucher retrieval from RFID tags during the bootstrapping process. The pledge device automatically reads the voucher from the packaging RFID tag and configures itself without requiring manual IT staff intervention, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining secure configuration through cryptographic authentication.
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 solution enables efficient and secure provisioning of devices without requiring internet connectivity to vendor services, simplifying the logistics and reducing the complexity of USB stick management, while ensuring secure authentication and configuration of devices upon bootstrapping.
Implementation Method 1
RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) chip that stores a voucher
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for provisioning secure devices onto a network are provided. The system includes a voucher server configured to provide a vouchers to a logistics device, and a secure pledge device associated with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) chip, wherein the RFID chip comprises the voucher obtained from the voucher server and written to the RFID chip by the logistics device and the voucher is used for provisioning the pledge device to a customer network.