Server-Mediated Wireless Peripheral Pairing Without Direct Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure pairing processes for wireless devices are often complicated and frustrating for users, requiring direct interaction with both devices and revealing the peripheral device's unique connection information, making it risky to share devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows a new host device to securely connect to a peripheral device without executing a secure pairing process by storing encryption and connection information on a server, enabling the new host device to obtain this information and establish a secure connection using a permanent or temporary ID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure pairing process is executed between host device and peripheral device, then security is ensured through encryption and authentication, but the connection process becomes complicated and time-consuming requiring user interaction with both devices
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between the host device and peripheral device, storing encryption and connection information. The server mediates the authentication process by providing pre-stored credentials to the host device, eliminating the need for direct user interaction with both devices during pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
Encryption and connection information is pre-established and stored on the server during an initial setup phase. This preliminary action allows subsequent connections to occur without repeating the full pairing process, as the credentials are already prepared and stored.
2Reliability
If traditional pairing processes are used, then security is maintained through device-to-device authentication, but the peripheral device's unique connection information is revealed making it risky to share
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a confidential intermediary that holds the peripheral device's connection information. Instead of exposing this information during pairing, the server acts as a trusted third party that can verify credentials without revealing the actual connection details to the host device.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensitive connection information is extracted from the peripheral device and stored securely on the server. This separation allows the peripheral device to remain secure while still enabling authentication, as the sensitive data resides outside the device itself.
3Reliability
If a permanent bond is formed between host and peripheral devices through pairing, then secure communication is established, but the peripheral device cannot be easily transferred to a new host device
Solution Approach 1:
The server provides a universal authentication mechanism that works across multiple host devices. Instead of creating exclusive one-to-one bonds, the system enables many-to-one relationships where multiple hosts can be authenticated to the same peripheral device through the server's credential verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system transitions from static device-to-device bonding to dynamic server-mediated authentication. This allows the set of authorized hosts to change over time, enabling easy transfer of peripheral devices between hosts without requiring re-pairing or permanent commitments.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to enable a new host device to wirelessly connect to a peripheral device without having to execute a secure pairing process. The method includes storing encryption and connection information for the peripheral device along with information identifying the peripheral device at a server. The new host device is then provided with the information identifying the peripheral device. The new host then uses the information identifying the peripheral device to obtain the encryption and connection information from the server. The new host can then use the encryption and connection information to connect and communicate with the peripheral device. The methods and systems described herein may be used, for example, to loan a peripheral device to the new host device, or to transfer the peripheral device to the new host device.