Secure Wireless Connection Setup via Wired Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Wi-Fi connection setup methods, such as WPS, are insecure as they transmit connection information wirelessly, making it vulnerable to leakage and compromising information security.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a first wired connection with a router to receive or send connection information securely, which is then used to set up a second wireless connection, ensuring that only authenticated devices access the connection information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connection information is transmitted wirelessly via WPS procedure, then the ease of operation for connecting devices is improved, but the security of connection information is compromised due to potential leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connection setupVSAvoidsecurity of connection information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A wired connection interface is introduced as an intermediary channel to transmit connection information between the router and electronic device. This mediator replaces the insecure wireless transmission path with a secure wired path, allowing the information to be transferred safely before enabling wireless connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the wireless electromagnetic transmission mechanism with a wired physical connection mechanism for transmitting sensitive connection information. This substitution leverages the inherent security of physical connections to protect against eavesdropping and information leakage during the setup process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If WPS mode is enabled for wireless connection setup, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the harmful factors increase due to information security compromise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless connection capabilityVSAvoidinformation security risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection establishment process is segmented into two distinct phases: a secure wired phase for transmitting connection information, and a subsequent wireless phase for actual connectivity. This segmentation isolates the security-sensitive information transfer from the wireless transmission, eliminating the security risk while preserving wireless functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection information is transmitted through the secure wired connection in advance, before the wireless connection is established. This preliminary action ensures that sensitive information is exchanged in a secure environment, and subsequent wireless communication can proceed without exposing the information to potential eavesdropping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10291608B2Method and device for establishing wireless connection

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 XIAOMI INC

AI summary

Methods and devices are disclosed for establishing a wireless connection. In one embodiment, a method includes establishing a first wired connection with a router, receiving connection information sent from the router via the first wired connection, wherein the connection information is configured to enable an electronic device to connect wirelessly to the router, and establishing a second wireless connection with the router based on the connection information.