Controlled connection of a wireless device to a network

Abstract

Methods, systems and apparatus for connecting a wireless device to a network are disclosed. One method includes automatically associating, by the wireless device, to a cloud system through a router, retrieving, by the wireless device, after automatically associating, a list of approved networks from a cloud service of the cloud system, wherein the list of approved networks includes a prioritization of the approved networks, scanning, by the wireless device, a local wireless environment, comparing, by the wireless device, a list of available networks advertised from nearby routers from the scan of a local wireless environment with the list of approved networks when the wireless device is looking for networks to join, and choosing, by the wireless device, an available network from the list of available networks advertised based at least in part on the comparing and the prioritization of the approved networks.

Description

FIELD OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

The described embodiments relate generally to wireless networking. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to methods, systems and apparatuses for controlling a connection of a wireless device to a network.

BACKGROUND

Binding and provisioning devices to a network can be technically complicated. Methods like WiFi Protected Setup were developed to address this challenge, but fail to simplify the process sufficiently to allow seamless connectivity for connected devices.

It is desirable to have a system, method and apparatus for controlling a connection of a wireless device to a network that provides binding and provisioning of the wireless device to the network.

SUMMARY

An embodiment includes a method for connecting a wireless device to a network. The method includes automatically associating, by the wireless device, to a cloud system through a router, retrieving, by the wireless device, after automatically associating, a list of approved networks from a cloud service of the cloud system, wherein the list of approved networks includes a prioritization of the approved networks, scanning, by the wireless device, a local wireless environment, comparing, by the wireless device, a list of available networks advertised from nearby routers from the scan of a local wireless environment with the list of approved networks when the wireless device is looking for networks to join, and choosing, by the wireless device, an available network from the list of available networks advertised based at least in part on the comparing and the prioritization of the approved networks.

Another embodiment includes a wireless device. The wireless device includes a wireless interface, and a controller. The controller operative to automatically associate to a cloud system through a router, retrieve after automatically associating, a list of approved networks from a cloud service of the cloud system, wherein the list of approved networks includes a prioritization of the approved networks, scan a local wireless environment, compare a list of available networks advertised from nearby routers from the scan of a local wireless environment with the list of approved networks when the wireless device is looking for networks to join, and choose an available network from the list of available networks advertised based at least in part on the comparing and the prioritization of the approved networks.

Other aspects and advantages of the described embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a system for connecting a wireless device to a network, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows another system for connecting a wireless device to a network, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows tables that depicts wireless device and router configurations, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that includes steps of an example of a method of connecting a wireless device to a network, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described embodiments include systems, methods, and apparatuses for connecting a wireless device to a network. At least some embodiments provide for simplification of provisioning and onboarding of the wireless device through coordination of the device manufacturer and the network equipment manufacturer.

At least some embodiments includes a connected wireless device (a wireless device that has internet connectivity), an access point or router (the device that allows joining of a network, for example a WiFi router in a home), a device cloud application (the software application, which may be owned and operated by the connected wireless device manufacturer, that connects to the device), the federated device cloud application (which may be run as a service by an operator), and the internet (providing connectivity from the access point or router to the wireless device connected application).

At least some of the described embodiments make it dramatically easier to connect internet-enabled products to wireless networks. Many of these devices (such as, Wi-Fi-enabled printers, lightbulbs, and/or kitchen appliances) do not have a rich user interface with a screen and keyboard, so it is difficult to configure these devices to connect to the wireless network. At least some of the described embodiments create a way to instantly and securely connect devices to the internet.

FIG. 1 shows a system for connecting a wireless device 110 to a network, according to an embodiment. For an embodiment, the wireless device 110 automatically requests association to a router 130. Further, for at least some embodiments, a cloud system 140 receives an authentication request from the router 130, wherein the router 130 received the authentication request from the wireless device 110. Further, for at least some embodiments, the cloud system 140, returns a response to the authentication request to the router 130, wherein the response includes internet domains and connection bandwidths the wireless device is allowed to use, wherein the wireless device has been preconfigured with credentials that are also preconfigured into the cloud system. As shown, for an embodiment, the cloud system 140 is connected to the router 130 through, for example, the internet 130.

For at least some embodiments, the cloud system 140 includes one or more servers, and one or more databases. The databases include information on the wireless devices, the pre-shared keys and certificates, the access plans for the devices, the internet domains that the devices are allowed to communicate with, the networks that the devices are allowed to join, and the connection bandwidth parameters of the devices. The servers of the cloud system 140 receive the authentication requests from the routers and devices, and use the data in the database to decide whether to authenticate the device, and what internet domains and connection bandwidth parameters should be passed back to the router.

For at least some embodiments, the authentication request includes the negotiation of a set of security keys to secure the transmission of the wireless device credentials (pre-shared key or certificate). For an embodiment, the authentication process includes mutual authentication of the router and the cloud system through the use of digital certificates or a shared secret.

For an embodiment, the authentication process includes the router 130 redirecting the wireless device 110 to a captive portal, which resides on a server separate from the cloud system 140, and which negotiates the authorization and authentication process on behalf of the router 130 before passing the connection bandwidths and internet domain parameters back to the router 130.

For an embodiment, the authentication process include the router 130 implementing firewall rules on the router 130 to prevent the wireless device 110 from connecting to domains that are not on the list of approved domains.

For an embodiment, the authentication process includes the router 130 implementing bandwidth limitations on the device connection which prevents the wireless device 110 from communicating outside the range of these bandwidth limitations.

At least some embodiments include a manufacturer of the wireless device 110 registering the wireless device 110 with the cloud system 140, and agreeing upon a credential for the wireless device 110. For an embodiment, the credential includes a pre-shared key (password) or a digital certificate. For an embodiment, the credentials are stored on non-volatile memory of the wireless device 110.

Further, for an embodiment, the manufacturer also specifies the internet domains the wireless device 140 needs to connect to, and chooses a data access plan, which may include connection bandwidths. For an embodiment, the connection bandwidth may include an upstream and/or downstream bandwidth, a duration of the connection, a total time on the network, an aggregate bandwidth of over time, and/or an aggregate data cap (for example 1 gigabyte per month). As will be described, for an embodiment, the connection bandwidth is adaptively adjusted.

For at least some embodiments, the cloud service 140 is coordinated with a set of wireless routers in homes of users that allow access to the internet if the wireless devices of the users are approved by the cloud service.

For an embodiment the cloud system 140 is connected to the router 130 via a proxy cloud system. The proxy cloud system in this case routes the authentication requests to the cloud system 140 based on the realm identified in the device credentials.

For at least some embodiments, the connection bandwidth is adaptively adjusted based on a variety of different parameters, including business agreements, available bandwidth, the service level agreed with the device manufacturer, the service level agreed with the router operator, the service level agreed with the internet service subscriber, the time of day, the amount of data the device has already used, the historical data usage of the wireless device 110, or other variables.

For at least some embodiments, the manufacturer puts the credential and the network configuration on the wireless device 110 when the wireless device 110 is manufactured. The network configuration defines the set of networks the wireless device 110 should try to join. For an embodiment, the network configuration is updated periodically, and the wireless device 110 receives, for example, the updated network configurations from time to time over the internet.

For an embodiment, the network configuration is updated based on new business relationships, aggregated or historical network performance data, network performance data from specific routers, or other variables.

For at least some embodiments, when the wireless device 110 is powered up (power turned on) by a user, the wireless device 110 automatically attempts to connect to one of the wireless networks included in the network configuration. When the device attempts to connect, the router (such as, router 130) the wireless device 110 is attempting to connect to queries the cloud service (of the cloud system 140) to authenticate the wireless device 110 and authorize the wireless device 110 to join the network. For an embodiment, the cloud service (of the cloud system 140) sends back to the router 130 allowed parameters of the connection. For an embodiment, the allowed parameters include the domains the wireless device 110 is allowed to access and the bandwidth and other connection parameters.

As described, at least some embodiments address some of the biggest security risks for wireless-connected products. The wireless device(s) are given access to the internet—but only very limited access, because the domains the wireless devices are allowed to connect to is limited to the domains preconfigured by the device manufacturer. This prevents devices from being hacked and used as part of denial-of-service and other security attacks.

At least some of the described embodiments provide users a way to use internet-connected devices that may not be trusted. The devices are joining the wireless network, but are not authorized to communicate with other devices in the local network—they are specifically bound to communicate only with the specified internet domains. This feature allows for safe, secure zero-touch joining. Further, because the device joins the wireless network automatically, and because the user may wish to have the device on a different, secure wireless network, there is some complexity on the device in managing the network configurations and the connections to the various networks.

For an embodiment, a wireless connection manager (WCM) that operates on the wireless device dynamically decides whether the wireless device should join the user's (user of the wireless device) secure personal network or the authorized network (the network that device is allowed to join through authentication from the cloud service of the cloud system). For an embodiment, the wireless connection manager prioritizes a secure personal network, but opting to use the network which is authorized by the cloud service of the cloud system if network performance of the secure personal network falls below a threshold level. For an embodiment, the wireless connection manager of the wireless device selects to send at least some data on a secure personal network, and send at least some other data on the network which is authorized by the cloud service of the cloud system. The partitioning of network connectivity across time and across data sources or data types can be done dynamically by the device, and can be directed by the cloud system or by configurations pulled by the device from the cloud system. That is, an embodiment includes dynamically partitioning between the sending of the at least some data on the secure personal network, and the sending the at least some other data on the network authorized by the cloud service of the cloud system, wherein the dynamic partitioning is performed by either the wireless device or by the cloud system.

For an embodiment, the WCM is software that runs on the wireless device 110 to manage the wireless connection and configuration. The WCM uses the network configuration to decide which network to join. If a user wants the wireless device 110 to connect on a different network, the WCM prioritizes that network, and stays connected to it if possible. It can fall back to another network if the preferred network is not available. For at least some embodiments, the WCM includes device code that manages the automatic joining the network.

Further, for an embodiment, the WCM may also include software to upload wireless network performance or technical information to the cloud service 140. The WCM can upload information such as network traffic patterns, availability or visibility of wireless networks, network performance parameters, device communication parameters, device usage data, device logs, or other device data.

For an embodiment, the WCM also updates the cloud service 140 with the real time status of the wireless device 110. This status may include information about the network the device is connected to such as the network name, router MAC address, and signal strength.

As previously described, at least some of the described embodiments make it dramatically easier to connect internet-enabled products to wireless networks. Many of these devices (such as, Wi-Fi-enabled printers, lightbulbs, and/or kitchen appliances) do not have a rich user interface with a screen and keyboard, so it is difficult to configure these devices to connect to the wireless network. At least some of the described embodiments create a way to instantly and securely connect devices to the internet.

FIG. 2 shows another system for connecting a wireless device to a network, according to an embodiment. For an embodiment the router 130 is one of a plurality of routers 232, 234, 236 that the wireless device 110 is operable to attempt to associate with, and wherein the plurality of routers that wireless device 110 is operable to associate with is adaptively updated at the wireless device.

For at least some embodiments, the wireless device 110 periodically retrieves a list of approved networks from a cloud service of the cloud system 140, wherein the list of approved networks includes a prioritization of the approved networks. When the wireless device 110 looks for networks to join, the wireless device 110 compares the list of available networks advertised from nearby routers from a scan of a local wireless environment with the list of approved networks, and chooses the highest priority network that is available to be joined. By updating the list of approved networks on the cloud service of the cloud system 140, the wireless device 110 is adaptively updated to associate with a specific set of routers.

For an embodiment, the adaptive updating is done based on a number of criteria including cost, network performance, device connectivity success rate, bandwidth, limitations on the connection parameters, limitations on the domains, signal strength, or other network parameters. For example, the wireless device could periodically update its connection information to the cloud system, and if the device repeatedly falls off of a particular network or has communications trouble on a particular network, the cloud system could update the network configuration to lower the priority of that network. That is, for an embodiment, the cloud service of the cloud system 140 adaptively updates the list of approved networks, wherein adaptive updating includes lowering a priority of an approved network if the wireless device repeatedly has problems communicating with the approved network.

For an embodiment the router 130 is one of a plurality of routers 130, 232, 234, 236 that the wireless device 110 is allowed to authenticate against, and wherein the plurality of routers 130, 232, 234, 236 that the wireless device 110 is allowed to authenticate against is adaptively updated in the cloud system 140.

For at least some embodiments, the cloud system 140 is configured to specify which devices are allowed to join which routers. For at least some embodiments, when a router sends a message to the cloud service of the cloud system 140 to authenticate a specific wireless device, the cloud service approves or rejects that request based on this configuration. For at least some embodiments, this configuration is dynamically updated to change which wireless devices can successfully associate with which routers.

For an embodiment, this configuration for approving devices on a router is done based on a number of different parameters including connectivity cost, network performance, network bandwidth, business relationships between the entity that designs, builds, or sells the device and the company that designs, builds, sells, or operates the router. For an embodiment, this configuration is updated over time as these parameters or relationships change.

An embodiment includes preconfiguring the internet domains and the connection bandwidth into the cloud system 140. For at least some embodiments, the internet domains and connection bandwidth configurations, which are stored in the cloud system, can be modified over time—even after a device has been deployed.

For an embodiment, this modification is done manually by an operator of the cloud system 140, based on business priorities or technical metrics like bandwidth or network performance. For an embodiment, these modifications are done automatically by analysis of the wireless device 110 or network performance, as monitored by the wireless device 110 or the cloud system 140.

For at least some embodiments, the internet domains and connection bandwidth parameters are updated at any time in the cloud system 140. When a wireless device attempts to associate with a router, and the router sends the authentication request to the cloud system 140, the cloud system 140 dynamically determines the domains and connection bandwidth configuration. For at least some embodiments, this configuration is updated at any time, and the new parameters are sent to the router the next time the wireless device attempts to associate.

This allows device manufacturers to provide dynamic services to their customers by expanding the network capability of the devices, to remotely turn on a network connection for a specific device or set of devices. For example, a kitchen appliance company makes a Wi-Fi connected appliance. The appliances are configured at the time of manufacture to connect only to the cloud service. If the appliance manufacturer receives a warranty claim or a service call, they can dynamically provision a direct connection to the device by adding an additional internet domain to the provisioned connection for the device. This allows the appliance manufacturer to communicate directly to the device to identify what is wrong. This can reduce the cost of providing service, eliminate field service calls, and enable better customer support.

For an embodiment, the cloud system 140 is preconfigured to accept authentication requests from the router. For an embodiment, the cloud system is configured to only accept authentication requests from a specific set of routers. By rejecting authentication requests from non-approved routers, the cloud system 140 eliminates some security vulnerabilities around repeated retries of passwords. For an embodiment, this pre-configuration can be periodically changed as a company rolls out new routers, or as old routers are removed from service.

For an embodiment, the router is configured to send the authentication request to the cloud system 140. For an embodiment, the deployed routers are configured to send authentication requests to the cloud system 140, either by provisioning a specific internet domain or IP address. For an embodiment, the routers are configured through software at the time of manufacture, or through a configuration or software update while in the field. This configuration tells the router that devices that attempt to associate should be authenticated and authorized by the cloud service 140.

For at least some embodiments, the cloud service (of the cloud system 140) is configured to and updated to allow or disallow specific wireless devices to associate with specific routers. For an embodiment, this configuration happens in two places: in the wireless device through its network configuration, and in the cloud service through the authorization process.

FIG. 3 shows tables that depicts wireless device and router configurations, according to an embodiment. As shown in Table 1 of FIG. 3, there may be Devices (#1, #2, and #3) and three sets of Routers (set A, set B, and set C). The Devices and Routers may be configured as shown in the table 1 of FIG. 3.

In this case Device #1 may try to join Router Set A or Router Set C, but will only be approved to join Router Set A. This configuration can be dynamically changed in the Cloud System to update the network configurations on the devices, and to update which Router Sets the devices are approved to connect to. For example the configuration above may be updated as shown by Table 2 of FIG. 3, wherein Device #1 is allowed to join Router Set C.

The parties involved in operating the system includes the User (the person who owns the access point (router) and the connected device), the ISP (internet service provider, which provides connectivity services to the user), the connected device manufacturer (which manufactures the connected device and associated cloud software), and the FDC operator.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that includes steps of an example of a method of connecting a wireless device to a network, according to an embodiment. A first step 410 includes preconfiguring the wireless device with credentials. A second step 420 includes automatically requesting association, by the wireless device, to a router. A third step 430 includes receiving, by a cloud system, an authentication request from the router, wherein the router received the authentication request from the wireless device. A fourth step 440 includes returning, by the cloud system, a response to the authentication request to the router, wherein the response includes internet domains and connection bandwidths the wireless device is allowed to use. A fifth step 450 includes preconfiguring the cloud system with the credentials that are also preconfigured in the wireless device.

As previously described, for an embodiment, the router is one of a plurality of routers that the wireless device is operable to attempt to associate with, and wherein the plurality of routers that wireless device is operable to associate with is adaptively updated at the wireless device.

As previously described, for an embodiment, the router is one of a plurality of routers that the wireless device is allowed to authenticate against, and wherein the plurality of routers that the wireless device is allowed to authenticate against is adaptively updated in the cloud system.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes preconfiguring the internet domains and the connection bandwidths into the cloud system.

As previously described, for an embodiment, the credentials comprise a pre-shared key or a digital certificate. As previously described, for an embodiment the credentials are stored on non-volatile memory.

As previously described, for an embodiment the connection bandwidths includes at least one of upstream bandwidth, downstream bandwidth, total time on network or aggregate bandwidth over a period of time. As previously described, for an embodiment, the connection bandwidths is adaptively adjusted.

As previously described, for an embodiment, the cloud system is preconfigured to accept authentication requests from the router.

As previously described, for an embodiment, the router is configured to send the authentication request to the cloud system.

An embodiment includes a program storage device readable by a machine of a cloud system, tangibly embodying a non-transitory program of instructions that when executed by the machine of the cloud system cause the machine to perform a method of connecting a wireless device to a network. For an embodiment, the method includes receiving, by a cloud system, an authentication request from a router, wherein the router received the authentication request from the wireless device, wherein the authentication request was automatically requested by the wireless device, and returning, by the cloud system, a response to the authentication request to the router, wherein the response includes internet domains and connection bandwidths the wireless device is allowed to use.

For an embodiment, the router is one of a plurality of routers that the wireless device is operable to attempt to associate with, and wherein the plurality of routers that wireless device is operable to associate with is adaptively updated at the wireless device. For an embodiment, the router is one of a plurality of routers that the wireless device is allowed to authenticate against, and wherein the plurality of routers that the wireless device is allowed to authenticate against is adaptively updated in the cloud system.

Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, the embodiments are not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated.

Claims

1. A method for connecting a wireless device to a network, comprising: automatically associating, by the wireless device, to a cloud system through a router;retrieving, by the wireless device, after automatically associating, a list of approved networks from a cloud service of the cloud system, wherein the list of approved networks includes a prioritization of the approved networks;scanning, by the wireless device, a local wireless environment;comparing, by the wireless device, a list of available networks advertised from nearby routers from the scan of a local wireless environment with the list of approved networks when the wireless device is looking for networks to join;choosing, by the wireless device, an available network from the list of available networks advertised based at least in part on the comparing and the prioritization of the approved networks; andprioritizing, by the wireless device, a secure personal network, but opting to use the network which is authorized by the cloud service of the cloud system if network performance of the secure personal network falls below a threshold level.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein choosing, by the wireless device, the available network comprises choosing a highest priority network that is available to be joined.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein after automatically associating with the cloud system, the wireless device receives connection bandwidths the wireless device is allowed to use, wherein the connection bandwidths includes at least one of upstream bandwidth, downstream bandwidth, total time on network or aggregate bandwidth over a period of time.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein after automatically associating with the cloud system, the wireless device receives connection bandwidths the wireless device is allowed to use, wherein the connection bandwidths are adaptively adjusted.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the connection bandwidths are adaptively adjusted based on one or more of business agreements, available bandwidth, a service level agreed with a device manufacturer, a service level agreed with a router operator, a service level agreed with an interne service subscriber, a time of day, an amount of data the wireless device has already used, historical data usage of the wireless device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the router is one of a plurality of routers that the wireless device is operable to attempt to associate with, and wherein the plurality of routers that wireless device is operable to associate with is adaptively updated at the wireless device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the router is one of a plurality of routers that the wireless device is allowed to authenticate against, and wherein the plurality of routers that the wireless device is allowed to authenticate against is adaptively updated in the cloud system.

8. A wireless device, comprising: a wireless interface;a controller, the controller operative to:automatically associate to a cloud system through a router;retrieve after automatically associating, a list of approved networks from a cloud service of the cloud system, wherein the list of approved networks includes a prioritization of the approved networks;scan a local wireless environment;compare a list of available networks advertised from nearby routers from the scan of a local wireless environment with the list of approved networks when the wireless device is looking for networks to join;choose an available network from the list of available networks advertised based at least in part on the comparing and the prioritization of the approved networks; andprioritize a secure personal network, but opting to use the network which is authorized by the cloud service of the cloud system if network performance of the secure personal network falls below a threshold level.

9. The wireless device of claim 8, wherein choosing the available network comprises choosing a highest priority network that is available to be joined.

10. The wireless device of claim 8, wherein the response further includes connection bandwidths the wireless device is allowed to use, wherein the connection bandwidths includes at least one of upstream bandwidth, downstream bandwidth, total time on network or aggregate bandwidth over a period of time.

11. The wireless device of claim 8, wherein the response further includes connection bandwidths the wireless device is allowed to use, wherein the connection bandwidths are adaptively adjusted.

12. The wireless device of claim 11, wherein the connection bandwidths are adaptively adjusted based on one or more of business agreements, available bandwidth, a service level agreed with a device manufacturer, a service level agreed with a router operator, a service level agreed with an internet service subscriber, a time of day, an amount of data the wireless device has already used, historical data usage of the wireless device.

13. The wireless device of claim 8, wherein the router is one of a plurality of routers that the wireless device is operable to attempt to associate with, and wherein the plurality of routers that wireless device is operable to associate with is adaptively updated at the wireless device.

14. The wireless device of claim 8, wherein the router is one of a plurality of routers that the wireless device is allowed to authenticate against, and wherein the plurality of routers that the wireless device is allowed to authenticate against is adaptively updated in the cloud system.

15. A method for connecting a wireless device to a network, comprising: automatically associating, by the wireless device, to a cloud system through a router;retrieving, by the wireless device, after automatically associating, a list of approved networks from a cloud service of the cloud system, wherein the list of approved networks includes a prioritization of the approved networks;scanning, by the wireless device, a local wireless environment;comparing, by the wireless device, a list of available networks advertised from nearby routers from the scan of a local wireless environment with the list of approved networks when the wireless device is looking for networks to join;choosing, by the wireless device, an available network from the list of available networks advertised based at least in part on the comparing and the prioritization of the approved networks;selecting, by the wireless device, to send at least some data on a secure personal network, and send at least some other data on the authorized network;dynamically partitioning, by the wireless device, between the sending of the at least some data on the secure personal network, and the sending the at least some other data on the network authorized by the cloud service of the cloud system.

16. A wireless device, comprising: a wireless interface;a controller, the controller operative to:automatically associate to a cloud system through a router;retrieve after automatically associating, a list of approved networks from a cloud service of the cloud system, wherein the list of approved networks includes a prioritization of the approved networks;scan a local wireless environment;compare a list of available networks advertised from nearby routers from the scan of a local wireless environment with the list of approved networks when the wireless device is looking for networks to join;choose an available network from the list of available networks advertised based at least in part on the comparing and the prioritization of the approved networks;select to send at least some data on a secure personal network, and send at least some other data on the network which is authorized by the cloud service of the cloud system; anddynamically partition between the sending of the at least some data on the secure personal network, and the send the at least some other data on the network authorized by the cloud service of the cloud system.