Wireless Credential Provisioning via Smartphone Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless-enabled devices often require cumbersome manual entry of network credentials for connection to wireless networks, and there is a need for a more convenient and secure method to provision WiFi network credentials, especially for devices like thermostats that need to connect to local premise networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a host device, such as a mobile phone already connected to the home network, to provide network credentials to an installed device, like a thermostat, by broadcasting a beacon and using a provisioning app to transfer credentials securely over the network, allowing the installed device to connect to the local premise network without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual entry of network credentials is required for wireless connection, then connection security is maintained, but user operation complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone application as an intermediary device that mediates the credential transfer process. The app captures the WiFi credentials from the smartphone's stored network information and automatically transmits them to the embedded device, eliminating the need for manual user input while maintaining security through controlled authentication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the embedded device to automatically obtain and configure network credentials without user intervention. The device autonomously receives the credentials through the provisioning protocol and configures its network connection independently, reducing operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If WPS capabilities are included in hardware for credential provisioning, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone application serves as a software-based intermediary that replaces the need for dedicated WPS hardware components. The app implements the provisioning logic and credential transfer mechanisms that would otherwise require specialized hardware buttons, LEDs, or wireless interfaces, thereby maintaining ease of operation while reducing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical or hardware-based WPS interfaces with a software application running on a smartphone. The provisioning functionality is implemented through software protocols and digital communication rather than physical buttons, LEDs, or dedicated wireless provisioning hardware, reducing overall device complexity
3Ease of operation
If user interface is provided for credential entry, then ease of operation improves, but security risks increase due to potential credential exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone application acts as a secure intermediary that handles credential extraction and transmission without exposing them to the user. The app accesses credentials already stored in the smartphone's secure memory and transmits them through encrypted channels, eliminating the need for users to type or view sensitive credentials while maintaining operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the network credentials through the smartphone's existing network profile and transfers this copy to the embedded device. This copying mechanism allows credential provisioning without requiring the user to manually input or expose the actual credential values, reducing security risks while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are used to connect an installed device to a local premise network, such as a home network provided by a router in the home. A user may use a host device, such as a mobile telephone that is already connected to the home network to provide the home network credentials to the installed device without having to enter the home network credentials manually into the installed device such as a thermostat.