Secure Wireless Sensor Network Control via Internet Portal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless sensor network control methods face challenges in securing the connection between sensor nodes and the base station, particularly during initialization, as they are vulnerable to hacking and require additional computational resources at the base station.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that establish a secure connection between a remote control module and an Internet-based portal, allowing manual initiation of the connection and using secure protocols like SSL and public/private key authentication to protect against hacking, with the portal acting as a shield and processing center for configuration and data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an extensive user interface is provided at the base station for controlling wireless sensor network, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional interface controls and computing power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user interface functionality from the base station and relocates it to a remote portal accessible via the Internet. The base station retains only essential network control functions, while the portal handles all user interactions, configuration, and monitoring tasks through a web-based interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary portal system that mediates between the user and the wireless sensor network. This portal acts as a remote control interface accessible through standard web browsers, eliminating the need for complex local interfaces at the base station while maintaining full operational capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If web server functionality is implemented at the base station to enable remote control via Internet, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional computational resources required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the web server functionality from the base station and implements it at the remote portal. This allows the base station to communicate over the Internet using simple protocols without requiring complex web server software, reducing computational resource requirements at the base station.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the base station provide web server functionality to enable remote access, the patent inverts the approach by having the portal provide web-based access to control the base station. This reversal eliminates the need for complex embedded web servers in resource-constrained base stations.
3Ease of operation
If remote control via open Internet connection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to hacking threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing pre-configuration of security parameters, encrypted communication channels, and authentication mechanisms before any remote control operations begin. Security is built into the system architecture from the outset rather than added as an afterthought.
Solution Approach 2:
The portal acts as a secure intermediary between the Internet and the wireless sensor network, implementing authentication, authorization, and encrypted communication protocols. This intermediary layer protects the base station and sensor nodes from direct Internet exposure while enabling remote access.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for controlling a wireless sensor network from a user interface coupled to the Internet are provided. A user accesses an Internet-based portal from the user interface and establishes a secure broadband Internet connection between a remote control module coupled to the wireless sensor network and the portal. The connection is established by manually triggering a connection between the remote control module and the portal from the remote control module.