WLAN ESSID Provisioning via Provisioning VLAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for provisioning extended service set identifiers (ESSIDs) in wireless local area networks (WLANs) require manual data entry by users, which is cumbersome, and existing solutions do not efficiently allow the WLAN to automatically provision mobile devices with the necessary ESSID for initial connection.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device associates with a provisioning virtual local area network (VLAN) using a provisioning ESSID, allowing it to receive and store a primary ESSID from the WLAN after authentication, enabling subsequent communications with the WLAN using the primary ESSID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual data entry is used to provision ESSID, then the device can be configured, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically obtains the ESSID from the WLAN network through the provisioning VLAN, eliminating the need for manual user input. The device provisions itself by receiving the primary ESSID from the access point during the authentication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The WLAN network pre-configures the primary ESSID and makes it available through the provisioning VLAN before the mobile device needs to connect to the primary network. The access point is prepared in advance to provide the ESSID information to authorized devices.
2Ease of operation
If the WLAN automatically provisions the mobile device with ESSID, then data entry is minimized, but the mobile device needs the ESSID to initially connect with the WLAN
Solution Approach 1:
A provisioning VLAN acts as an intermediary network between the mobile device and the primary WLAN network. The mobile device first connects to the provisioning VLAN using a known provisioning ESSID, which then facilitates the transfer of the primary ESSID information from the access point to the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into two distinct VLANs: a provisioning VLAN for initial connection and ESSID distribution, and a primary VLAN for actual service access. This segmentation allows the device to connect through different network paths for different purposes.
3Extent of automation
If a provisioning VLAN is introduced for ESSID distribution, then automatic provisioning is enabled, but the network structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The provisioning VLAN and provisioning ESSID serve multiple functions: they enable initial device connection, facilitate secure authentication, and distribute the primary ESSID information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements an authentication feedback mechanism where the access point verifies the mobile device's credentials against the provisioning server, and only after successful authentication does the access point provide the primary ESSID. This feedback loop ensures security while automating the provisioning process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for use in provisioning mobile communication devices in wireless local area networks (WLANs) are described. In one illustrative example, a mobile communication device associates with a wireless access point of a provisioning virtual local area network (VLAN) of the network with use of a provisioning network identifier ("provisioning ESSID"). After associating with the wireless access point of the provisioning VLAN, a primary network identifier ("primary ESSID") associated with a primary VLAN of the network is received from the WLAN in a provisioning procedure and stored in memory of the mobile device after authentication. For subsequent communications with the WLAN, the mobile device associates with a wireless access point of the primary VLAN of the network with use of the primary network identifier.