Wireless Configuration via Temporary Hidden SSID

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Wi-Fi configuration processes for home networks are complex and require user interaction, especially when adding new devices, and are not universally applicable due to the need for USB ports and specific wireless client cards.

Innovation Solution

A method using IP UDP packets to exchange configuration information between a residential gateway and unregistered Wi-Fi client devices, enabling a temporary hidden SSID for secure communication, allowing devices without USB ports or special wireless client cards to be configured through software-only protocols, with the residential gateway acting as a configuration server for a limited time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If USB flash drives and full-size USB ports are used for configuration exchange, then configuration information can be provided to client devices, but the system becomes incompatible with devices lacking USB ports or with micro-USB only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different client devicesVSAvoidrequirement for USB ports and flash drives

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical USB flash drive system with a wireless communication system using IP UDP packets. Configuration information is exchanged through wireless messages between the access point and client devices, eliminating the need for physical USB connectors and flash drives. This substitution enables universal compatibility across all wireless-enabled devices regardless of USB port type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If WPS functionality is implemented, then automatic setup is achieved with minimum user interaction, but it requires special wireless client cards that not all devices have

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction requirementVSAvoidsupport across different client devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal configuration exchange mechanism that works across all wireless client devices regardless of their specific capabilities. By using standard IP UDP packets and wireless communication protocols that all Wi-Fi devices support, the system achieves multi-functionality and broad compatibility while maintaining automatic setup with minimal user interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the hardware-dependent WPS button-pressing mechanism with a software-based wireless message exchange system. Configuration information is transmitted automatically through IP UDP packets without requiring physical button presses or special wireless client cards, achieving both ease of operation and universal device support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If configuration information is exchanged wirelessly without security measures, then device compatibility is improved, but security protection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal configuration methodVSAvoidsecurity protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temporary hidden secondary SSID as an intermediary communication channel. This dedicated wireless network serves as a secure medium for configuration information exchange, isolating the communication from public wireless networks while maintaining universal accessibility. The intermediary SSID provides both security protection and broad device compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a temporary hidden secondary SSID in advance before configuration exchange begins. This pre-configured secure channel is ready to receive and transmit configuration information safely, ensuring security protection is in place before any sensitive data is exchanged wirelessly across universal interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8856290B2Method and apparatus for exchanging configuration information in a wireless local area network

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

A method of exchanging configuration information needed to authenticate an unregistered Wi-Fi client device to an access point of a wireless local area network is described. A SSID of the AP and a temporary hidden secondary SSID of the AP are enabled for a preset time period with a residential gateway providing the AP of the WLAN. A message is received in the form of IP UDP packets by the residential gateway to the temporary hidden secondary SSID of the AP during the preset time period requesting network configuration information. The residential gateway transmits the requested network configuration information via return message in the form of IP UDP packets on the temporary hidden secondary SSID of the AP. Additional methods and apparatus are described.