Wireless Device Onboarding Using Cryptographic Network Vouchers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for onboarding data processing systems in distributed environments require human intervention and wired connections, which are inefficient and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A method involving vouchers that include cryptographic information to securely distribute access information for wireless networks, enabling data processing systems to automatically join wireless networks and communicate with orchestrators without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections and human intervention are used for onboarding, then security and control are improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidonboarding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-onboarding by automatically generating cryptographic credentials, establishing wireless connections, and registering with orchestrators without human intervention. The device serves itself through automated credential generation and network joining procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Cryptographic credentials and onboarding information are embedded in the device before deployment. The device pre-configures wireless network access information and cryptographic keys, enabling immediate autonomous onboarding upon activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If wired connections are used for onboarding, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidonboarding ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with wireless communication protocols. The device establishes wireless connections to orchestrators and rendezvous systems, eliminating the need for physical cable connections during onboarding while maintaining communication stability through cryptographic authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If human intervention is required for onboarding, then control and monitoring are improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontrolVSAvoidonboarding speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device autonomously completes the entire onboarding process including credential verification, wireless network joining, and orchestrator registration without requiring human operators. This self-service capability dramatically accelerates deployment while maintaining security through automated cryptographic verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

All necessary onboarding information and cryptographic credentials are prepared in advance and embedded in the device. This preliminary configuration enables the device to immediately execute the onboarding sequence autonomously upon power-up, eliminating manual setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If access information is distributed without encryption, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess distributionVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical secure distribution methods with cryptographic protection. Access information is encrypted using device-specific keys, and wireless communications are protected through cryptographic authentication, maintaining security while enabling automated distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12532163B2Onboarding of devices in distributed systems using wireless networks

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Methods and systems for managing onboarding of data processing systems are disclosed. To onboard the data processing systems, access information for wireless networks may be securely distributed to the data processing systems prior to being onboarded. The access information may be securely distributed using vouchers for the data processing systems. The vouchers may include information usable to secure distribution of the access information via wireless communication links to the data processing systems. The access information may allow the data processing systems to communication with rendezvous systems, orchestrators, and/or other entities that participate in the onboarding processes.