Wireless Network Reconfiguration via Scheduled Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
When the security credential or network configuration of a wireless network is changed, connected devices often lose their connection and cannot rejoin until they receive the new credentials, which can be time-consuming, especially in large networks with devices having limited user interfaces.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a base station can schedule updates and notify devices in advance, or using a facilitator device to distribute updated network access information through temporary point-to-point communication links, ensuring seamless reconnection after configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security credentials are changed at the base station, then network security is improved, but devices lose connection and require manual reconfiguration which increases time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The base station sends notification messages to wireless devices in advance before the security credential change takes effect. This preliminary action allows devices to prepare for the upcoming change and automatically receive the new credentials when the update becomes effective, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where wireless devices that fail to reconnect after a security credential change automatically notify the base station. The base station then responds by sending the new credentials to these devices, ensuring they can rejoin the network without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If security credentials are changed at the base station, then network security is improved, but the complexity of reconfiguring multiple devices manually increases
Solution Approach 1:
Wireless devices automatically perform the reconfiguration process themselves without requiring manual user intervention. When a security credential change is announced or when reconnection fails, devices autonomously retrieve and apply the new credentials from the base station, eliminating the need for users to manually update each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station serves multiple functions: it acts as both the security credential manager and the automatic distribution point for updated credentials. The notification message system and the credential distribution mechanism are integrated into the base station's existing network management capabilities, providing a universal solution for all connected devices.
3Ease of operation
If notification messages are sent to all wireless devices, then devices can be informed of upcoming changes, but network traffic and base station workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sending individual notification messages to every single wireless device on the network, the system uses broadcast messages that reach all devices simultaneously through the existing wireless medium. This partial action approach notifies the necessary devices without requiring individual targeted communications to each device.
Data Source
AI summary
Updated network access information can be distributed to wireless devices that have joined a wireless network whose configuration is being or has been modified. In some instances, an update can be scheduled in advance and a notification provided from a base station to other devices on the network. In some instances, a portable wireless device can distribute updated network access information to other devices that had been on the network prior to the update in a partially or fully automated process.