Cloud WiFi Access Point Setup Using Encrypted Credential Broadcast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in providing complete WiFi coverage in large areas, necessitating the setup and configuration of additional access points, which is often complex and inefficient for customers and service providers.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system facilitates the automated configuration of new 802.11 access points using public key cryptography and QR codes for secure credential transfer, enabling seamless integration of new APs into existing networks without manual setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If manual setup and configuration of additional wireless access points is used, then WiFi coverage can be improved in large areas, but the complexity and time required for setup and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The new access point automatically configures itself by receiving encrypted network credentials through QR code scanning. The system performs self-service configuration without requiring manual customer setup, automatically decrypting credentials and joining the network independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The network credentials are pre-encoded into a QR code that the new access point can scan and decrypt. This preliminary preparation of credentials in machine-readable form eliminates the need for manual configuration during setup.
2Area of stationary object
If manual setup and configuration of additional wireless access points is used, then WiFi coverage can be improved in large areas, but the time required for setup and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of typing credentials and configuring settings is replaced by an automated optical scanning system. The QR code scanning mechanism substitutes for manual keyboard input and configuration steps, dramatically reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point performs automatic self-configuration after scanning the QR code, eliminating the time-consuming manual setup process. The system independently completes credential decryption and network joining without customer intervention.
3Ease of operation
If automated configuration using QR codes and public key cryptography is used, then setup complexity is reduced, but the system requires more sophisticated security mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The QR code acts as an intermediary carrier that securely transmits encrypted credentials from the existing network to the new access point. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user interface while maintaining robust security through cryptographic protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for facilitating the automated configuration of one or more new 802.11 access points (APs) are disclosed herein. A cloud server may receive a message associated with a customer account for one or more new APs. The cloud server may associate a first AP of the one or more new APs based on the message. The cloud server may then retrieve a public key associated with the first AP which has a reciprocal private key. The cloud server may send the public key to a gateway (GW) associated with the customer account. The GW may encrypt the GW credentials, such as a password and SSID, into a ciphertext using the public key and then broadcast this information. When the first AP has been powered on it may decrypt the ciphertext using the private key and use the credentials to act as a node in the GW's network.