Wireless Device Join Key Provisioning via Handheld Communicator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for provisioning wireless devices with join keys in wireless mesh networks are prone to human errors, expose cryptographic material to unauthorized access, and are time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple devices, due to manual documentation and insecure key loading processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a physical connection to the wireless device for secure data communication, associating the device with a gateway using join key information and a unique device identifier, and utilizing a network computer or handheld communicator to securely load and manage join keys, either common or individual, through a graphical user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual key loading and documentation processes are used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but human errors occur and security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of key loading processVSAvoidaccuracy of key loading and documentation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a handheld communicator as an intermediary device between the user and the wireless device. This mediator automatically retrieves join keys from the gateway, loads them into the wireless device, and documents the provisioning process, eliminating manual key handling and documentation while ensuring accuracy and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is used to load cryptographic material, then convenience is improved, but security is worsened due to potential unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of key loadingVSAvoidrisk of unauthorized access to cryptographic material

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing secure authentication and authorization before transmitting cryptographic material. The handheld communicator verifies device identity and obtains proper authorization from the gateway before retrieving and loading join keys, ensuring that only authorized devices receive cryptographic material through secure wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If individual join keys are used for each device, then security is improved, but the complexity and time required for provisioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of network joiningVSAvoidcomplexity of key management process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld communicator performs self-service by automatically retrieving individual join keys from the gateway for each wireless device, loading them without manual intervention, and documenting the process. This automation eliminates the complexity of manually managing individual keys while maintaining the security benefits of device-specific cryptographic material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual documentation of key loading is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and potential for errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in documentation processVSAvoidtime required for provisioning multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual documentation with an automated electronic system. The handheld communicator automatically records all provisioning activities, including device identifiers, join key information, timestamps, and operator details, storing this documentation electronically without requiring manual writing or data entry, thereby eliminating time consumption and human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2255577B1Join key provisioning of wireless devices

Publication Date: 2019.02.27 FISHER ROSEMOUNT SYST INC

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

Wireless devices are provisioned to join a wireless mesh network by writing an individual or common join key and network identification information to the wireless device, and creating an association of the wireless device with a gateway of the network by providing the gateway with a unique device identifier for the wireless device. The writing of the join key to the wireless device is achieved without revealing the join key to a user.