Wi-Fi Device Automatic Provisioning via Beacon Service Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wi-Fi devices face inconvenience in connection setup due to the limited use and complexity of Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), which requires user intervention, such as actuating a button or entering a PIN code, making it difficult for users to establish secure wireless connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable Wi-Fi devices to automatically exchange information on supported functions, allowing them to establish connections without user intervention by identifying compatible devices and using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for secure direct connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is used for secure connection setup, then connection security is improved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic device discovery and connection establishment where Wi-Fi devices autonomously exchange capability information and initiate WPS connections without user intervention. The system self-services by automatically selecting compatible devices and completing secure pairing, eliminating the need for users to manually operate WPS buttons or enter PIN codes while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary device capability exchange and compatibility assessment before initiating WPS connection. Devices pre-share their supported functions and identifiers through beacon or probe response messages, allowing the system to pre-select compatible pairing targets and prepare connection parameters in advance, thus simplifying the actual connection process while ensuring security.
2Reliability
If manual WPS setup procedure is implemented, then connection security is ensured, but connection setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary device capability exchange and compatibility assessment before initiating WPS connection. Devices pre-share their supported functions and identifiers through beacon or probe response messages, allowing the system to pre-select compatible pairing targets and prepare connection parameters in advance, thus simplifying the actual connection process while ensuring security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic device discovery and connection establishment where Wi-Fi devices autonomously exchange capability information and initiate WPS connections without user intervention. The system self-services by automatically selecting compatible devices and completing secure pairing, eliminating the need for users to manually operate WPS buttons or enter PIN codes while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device capability information is exchanged, then service compatibility is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing Wi-Fi protocol structures (beacon messages and probe response messages) to carry device capability information, making the communication mechanism multi-functional. These standard Wi-Fi messages serve both their original purposes (network discovery and identification) and the additional function of conveying service capability data, thus improving compatibility without adding separate communication channels or excessive overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
A Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) service method and system are provided. A beacon message and probe response message may contain a service information field storing device information. Wi-Fi devices can exchange information on supported functions with each other and one Wi-Fi device may identify functions supported by another Wi-Fi device. Hence, a Wi-Fi connection can be set up through automatic provisioning. The method includes receiving, by a first Wi-Fi device in non-Access Point (AP) mode, messages from nearby Wi-Fi devices operating in AP mode, analyzing a service information field of each received message, determining a second Wi-Fi device that is manufactured by the same manufacturer as the first Wi-Fi device and is capable of supporting a requested service, establishing a connection with the second Wi-Fi device through Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) based on automatic provision, and sending data associated with the requested service to the second Wi-Fi device for a Wi-Fi service.