Wireless Station Remote Provisioning via Time-Division Multiplexed AP-STA Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local networks face challenges in remotely provisioning wireless stations, especially for devices with limited user interfaces and those installed in hard-to-reach locations, as current methods require physical interaction and are not efficiently suited for diverse environments like the Internet of Things (IoT).
Innovation Solution
A wireless device operates in both Access Point (AP) and Station (STA) modes in a time division multiplexed manner, allowing it to receive provisioning parameters from an external user device, join a wireless network, and confirm provisioning status, using a single radio interface, thereby enabling remote provisioning without physical interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical interface methods are used for provisioning wireless stations, then configuration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for head-less devices and devices in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical interaction (buttons, keyboards, display screens) with wireless electronic communication. The provisioning system uses wireless messages to transmit configuration parameters and receive confirmation, eliminating the need for physical user interface elements. This allows head-less devices and remotely located devices to be provisioned easily through wireless communication while maintaining configuration accuracy through structured message exchanges.
2Ease of operation
If remote provisioning is implemented without confirmation mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as provisioning status cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wireless station automatically sends a confirmation message back to the provisioning system after receiving configuration parameters. This confirmation indicates whether the provisioning was successful. The feedback loop maintains ease of operation by requiring no additional user action while ensuring reliability through automatic verification of provisioning status.
3Device complexity
If a single radio interface is used for both AP and STA modes, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates during mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses time-division multiplexing to periodically switch the single radio interface between AP mode and STA mode. The radio interface operates in AP mode during provisioning to receive configuration parameters, then switches to STA mode to join the target network using those parameters. This periodic mode switching reduces device complexity by using a single radio interface while maintaining operational ease through automated mode transitions managed by the provisioning system.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are related to provisioning of wireless devices. In an embodiment, a wireless device (sought to be provisioned) receives values for provisioning parameters from an external user device, and attempts to join a wireless local network according to the received values for the provisioning parameters. The wireless device sends a response to the external user device indicating whether or not the joining was successful. The external user device may display the result indicating whether or not provisioning was successful. The wireless device may operate in a time division multiplexed manner as an access point (for securing the credentials) and as a station (once provisioning is complete).