Wireless Direct AP Setup Using Bootstrapped Parameter Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting communication devices to an access point are cumbersome, requiring simultaneous button pressing or wired connections, which complicates the setup process and affects security and usability.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus equipped with a wireless direct function for direct wireless communication with peer devices, using bootstrapping to exchange communication parameters and connect to an external access point without physical buttons or cables, enabling a simplified and secure setup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simultaneous button pressing is employed for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, then communication security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because devices must be placed at positions where they can be operated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal device as an intermediary to perform the connection setting process. The terminal discovers the communication apparatus, establishes a secure channel, and automatically configures AP connection parameters without requiring simultaneous user interaction with both devices, thus maintaining security while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal performs preliminary actions by discovering the communication apparatus and establishing secure communication parameters before the actual AP connection is made. This preliminary secure setup eliminates the need for simultaneous button pressing during the actual connection process
2Reliability
If registration is performed via a wired interface, then communication security is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring wired cables and connection preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The terminal and communication apparatus establish secure wireless connections using standardized wireless protocols, eliminating the need for physical cables and wired interface preparations while maintaining security through cryptographic authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both wireless direct communication with terminals and wireless infrastructure communication with APs. This universal design allows secure wireless registration without requiring separate wired interface hardware
3Ease of operation
If a terminal performs the process of connecting a communication apparatus to an access point, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases due to security requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal performs AP connection setting by receiving feedback information from the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus provides necessary connection parameters and security credentials to the terminal, which then uses this feedback to complete the AP connection process automatically without information loss
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus including a wireless direct function to perform direct wireless communication with a peer device without an external access point includes at least one memory and at least one processor which function as an execution unit configured to perform direct wireless communication with the peer device using the wireless direct function supporting a method of exchanging a communication parameter using bootstrapping, and a communication unit configured to communicate a connection parameter for connecting to the external access point via the direct wireless communication performed by the execution unit.