Wireless AP Enrollment via DPP Smartphone Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enrolling wireless access points (APs) into Multi-AP wireless networks are cumbersome and require proprietary software applications, increasing the burden on users and equipment manufacturers, and limiting the ability to easily integrate APs from different vendors.
Innovation Solution
A method using a DPP-capable smartphone to perform Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) authentication and configuration without proprietary applications, leveraging the 1905 layer to authenticate and configure new APs into existing MAP wireless networks, reducing the need for proprietary software and simplifying the enrollment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary software applications are used to enroll APs into MAP wireless networks, then the enrollment process can be controlled and managed, but the burden on users and equipment manufacturers increases and the ability to integrate APs from different vendors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized enrollment mechanism that works across different vendor APs and smartphone platforms. The enrollment system uses common protocols (QR code scanning, DPP authentication) that are universally supported, allowing any DPP-capable smartphone to enroll any compatible AP without vendor-specific proprietary applications, thus reducing user burden while maintaining reliable control
2Reliability
If proprietary software applications are used to enroll APs into MAP wireless networks, then vendor-specific control is maintained, but the complexity of the system increases and seamless integration of APs from various vendors is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves vendor control through universal standards by implementing DPP authentication and standardized enrollment protocols that work across all vendors. The controller AP maintains control through standardized management commands while the system complexity is reduced by eliminating the need for multiple proprietary applications, as a single DPP-capable smartphone can manage enrollments for any vendor's AP
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the enrollment parameters from proprietary application-based to protocol-based (DPP, QR code). This parameter change allows the system to maintain control through standardized authentication mechanisms while reducing device complexity by using built-in smartphone capabilities rather than requiring additional proprietary software layers
3Productivity
If multiple wireless APs are enrolled in a MAP wireless network, then network performance and coverage are improved, but the enrollment process becomes more time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating QR codes on AP devices that contain embedded enrollment information and credentials. When a new AP is deployed, the QR code is already prepared with all necessary authentication data, allowing rapid enrollment by simply scanning the code rather than manually configuring parameters, thus reducing enrollment time while enabling easy expansion of the MAP network
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by distributing QR codes that contain copied enrollment credentials and configuration data. Each AP has a QR code that copies the necessary authentication information from the enrollment server, allowing rapid replication and enrollment of multiple APs without repeating the entire configuration process for each device
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for enrolling a wireless AP into a Multi-AP (MAP) wireless network. By enrolling multiple wireless AP in a MAP wireless network, the wireless APs can cooperate to efficiently service wireless STAs and advantageously mitigate signal interference and degradation do to walls, structures, objects, etc. To enroll a new wireless AP into an existing MAP wireless network, the new wireless AP is authenticated and configured into the MAP network using a wireless device with ‘controller’ functionality (a “controller device”) that can act as a ‘Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) configurator.’ A DPP-capable smartphone can perform DPP authentication and configuration without using a proprietary smartphone application. In this way the burden on both the user and the equipment manufacturer is reduced because a propriety smartphone application is not needed to enroll the new wireless AP.