Wireless device authentication at mutual reduced transmit power
First Claim
1. In the operation of a wireless network managed by a master device, a method for adding a new device to the wireless network, the method comprising:
- selecting the master device of the wireless network for the purpose of requesting to join the wireless network;
placing the new device a proximate distance from the master device of the wireless network, wherein the proximate distance between the master device and the new device is substantially less than the maximum operating range of the devices;
sending a message from the new device to the master device, the message conveying a request from the new device to join the wireless network;
reducing the radio frequency transmission power outputs of the new device and the master device to reduced power levels that are sufficient to maintain radio communications between the devices at the proximate distance;
sending, from the new device to the master device at a reduced power level, a request to join the wireless network;
authenticating the new device into the wireless network;
responding, by the master device to the new device at a reduced power level, that the new device has joined the wireless network; and
increasing the radio frequency power outputs of the new device and the master device to normal power levels.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for facilitating the authentication of wireless devices in an environment with multiple wireless networks. A user wishing to join an operating wireless network can bring his wireless device within close physical proximity, for example, less than one meter, of a device in the network that he wishes to join. The user then presses an authenticate button, which causes both devices to enter a low transmission power mode. In such case, the devices are only capable of operation within the close proximity. Being in low power mode will diminish the possibility of eavesdropping on the authentication process. Power down mode also reduces the amount of message traffic in the area and saves scarce power and processing resources at the nodes, which are now out of range. Authentication then takes place in low power mode and once completed, both devices resume normal power levels and continue communicating normally.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. In the operation of a wireless network managed by a master device, a method for adding a new device to the wireless network, the method comprising:
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selecting the master device of the wireless network for the purpose of requesting to join the wireless network;
placing the new device a proximate distance from the master device of the wireless network, wherein the proximate distance between the master device and the new device is substantially less than the maximum operating range of the devices;
sending a message from the new device to the master device, the message conveying a request from the new device to join the wireless network;
reducing the radio frequency transmission power outputs of the new device and the master device to reduced power levels that are sufficient to maintain radio communications between the devices at the proximate distance;
sending, from the new device to the master device at a reduced power level, a request to join the wireless network;
authenticating the new device into the wireless network;
responding, by the master device to the new device at a reduced power level, that the new device has joined the wireless network; and
increasing the radio frequency power outputs of the new device and the master device to normal power levels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for connecting a first device to a second device in a wireless network, the first and second devices being compatible and capable of forming a wireless network, and the wireless network operating within a particular geographic area, comprising the steps of:
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selecting the second device out of a plurality of compatible devices for the purpose of forming a wireless network;
placing the first device a distance from the second device, the distance between the devices being less than the normal operating range between the devices;
receiving a command from the user of the first device, to send a message to the second device, the message conveying a request from the first device to the second device to form a wireless network;
reducing the radio frequency power outputs of the first and the second devices to a power level sufficient to maintain radio communications between the devices at the reduced distance;
sending a message from the first device to the second device, requesting permission to form a wireless network;
processing at the second device, the request from the first device to form a wireless network;
receiving at the second device, approval for the first and second devices to form a wireless network;
authenticating the first device into a wireless network with the second device; and
increasing the radio frequency power outputs of the first and second devices to normal power levels. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20)
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17. In the operation of a wireless network managed by a master device, a method for adding a new device to the wireless network, the method comprising:
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selecting the master device of the wireless network for the purpose of requesting to join the wireless network;
placing the new device a proximate distance from the master device of the wireless network, wherein the proximate distance between the master device and the new device is substantially less than the maximum operating range of the devices, and wherein the new device has limited user interface capabilities;
receiving an indication from the new version device that a corresponding user has depressed a user interface button of the version device;
in response to the depression of the user interface button of the new version device, sending a message from the new device to the master device, the message conveying a request from the new device to join the wireless network;
reducing the radio frequency transmission power outputs of the new device and the master device to reduced power levels that are sufficient to maintain radio communications between the devices at the proximate distance;
sending, from the new device to the master device at a reduced power level, a request to join the wireless network;
authenticating the new device into the wireless network;
responding, by the master device to the new device at a reduced power level, that the new device has joined the wireless network; and
increasing the radio frequency power outputs of the new device and the master device to normal power levels.
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Specification