Wireless Device Setup via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
The initial setup and configuration of wireless-enabled devices are often cumbersome for users, requiring the device to act as an access point hosting a provisional wireless network, and the client device to temporarily break its internet connection to connect to this provisional network.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a wireless client device to receive encoded network credentials from a wireless-enabled device, which are then used to establish a provisional network connection. The system includes a server that decodes these credentials and provides them to a wireless access point, which then establishes connections with the wireless-enabled device in both the provisional and a secondary wireless network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wireless-enabled device acts as an access point hosting a provisional wireless network, then the device can be configured for network access, but the client device must temporarily break its internet connection to connect to the provisional network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that facilitates the configuration process. The server receives credentials from the client device, establishes connections with the wireless-enabled device, and manages the transition between provisional and permanent network connections. This mediator approach eliminates the need for the client device to manually disconnect and reconnect to different networks, simplifying the setup process while maintaining proper connection management.
2Loss of information
If the client device connects to the provisional wireless network hosted by the wireless-enabled device, then network credentials can be exchanged, but the client device must disconnect from its current internet connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the server establish the connection with the wireless-enabled device and retrieve its credentials before the client device needs to connect. The server proactively manages the credential exchange process, obtaining the provisional network credentials from the wireless-enabled device through the established connection, and then using these credentials to facilitate the client device's connection without requiring the client to break its internet connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a provisional wireless network is hosted by the wireless-enabled device, then initial configuration can be performed, but the setup process becomes cumbersome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the wireless-enabled device to automatically host and manage its own provisional wireless network with pre-configured credentials. The device autonomously provides its network identity and authentication information, which the server then uses to establish connections and complete the configuration process without requiring complex user intervention or manual network switching.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and device of wireless network access are provided. A first network connection is established, by the wireless-enabled device, between a wireless access point and the wireless-enabled device in a first wireless network based on first network credentials, by: receiving a connection request from the wireless access point; and transmitting an authorization message in response to the connection request, the authorization message comprising parameters for the first network connection with the wireless access point; receiving, from the wireless access point, second network credentials for a second wireless network using the first network connection; and A second network connection is established, by the wireless-enabled device, between the wireless access point and the wireless-enabled device in the second wireless network based on the second network credentials, by: transmitting a connection request to the wireless access point; and receiving an authorization message from the wireless access point in response to the connection request, the authorization message comprising parameters for the second network connection with the wireless access point.