Short-Range Communication System for Automatic Mobile Device Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting mobile devices to secure networks is cumbersome, requiring manual input of information like server names and passwords, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors due to small keyboards and forgotten details.
Innovation Solution
A short-range communication system using NFC, Bluetooth, or infrared technology to automatically provision mobile devices with necessary credentials and information, eliminating the need for manual input by using proximity-based data transfer between devices and a network, enhancing security and reducing setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input of credentials is required for network connection, then security control is maintained, but user time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network credentials and communication parameters on the mobile device before the actual connection event. The device stores authentication information and network settings in advance, enabling automatic connection without requiring users to manually input credentials at the time of connection, thus reducing setup time while maintaining security through pre-authorized credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs self-service by automatically retrieving and using stored credentials to connect to the network without user intervention. The device autonomously handles authentication, selects appropriate communication parameters, and establishes connections using pre-configured information, eliminating the need for manual user input and significantly reducing connection setup time.
2Ease of operation
If manual input of server name and credentials is required, then connection security is maintained, but device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a communication module that mediates between the user and the network connection process. This intermediary automatically handles credential validation, server identification, and authentication protocols, shielding the user from complex connection procedures while maintaining security through structured authentication intermediaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device implements self-service functionality where the operating system and communication modules automatically manage connection parameters, validate credentials, and establish network connections without requiring user input. The device autonomously processes what would otherwise be complex manual procedures, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security through automated authentication mechanisms.
3Loss of time
If short-range communication is used for automatic provisioning, then setup time is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary provisioning actions by pre-establishing communication parameters and authentication credentials before the actual connection event. The mobile device and network infrastructure exchange critical configuration information in advance through short-range communication, enabling rapid connection establishment without requiring extended communication range during the actual data transfer phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into distinct phases: initial short-range provisioning for credential exchange and authentication, followed by standard-range or wired data transfer for actual communication. This segmentation allows the system to utilize short-range communication efficiently for secure credential provisioning while maintaining overall system functionality without being constrained by the limited range of short-range communication technologies.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for transferring information over a short range are disclosed. The system and method can be used for a variety of applications, including administrative provisioning of information to particular users, providing information relating to a user during a conference call, handing off calls to or from another phone, for other application deployment, for pass of control, and similar applications. The system includes a first device capable of short-range communication and having a client application thereon and a second device capable of short-range communication and having a client or an administrator application thereon. Information is passed between the first device and the second device using short range communication.