Wireless mesh network with secure automatic key loads to wireless devices
First Claim
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1. A method of loading a join key into a wireless device to allow the wireless device to operate as part of a wireless mesh network, the method comprising:
- establishing a wired network connection between a configuration device and a security manager of the wireless mesh network;
establishing a secure communication connection between the configuration device and the wireless device to form a secure communication path between the security manager and the wireless device via the configuration device, wherein the secure communication connection between the configuration device and the wireless device includes a shielded wireless link between the configuration device and the wireless device, the shielded wireless link including a tubular antenna connected to the configuration device and mountable over an antenna of the wireless device;
loading the join key from the security manager to the wireless device through the secure communication path; and
joining the wireless device to the wireless mesh network by communicating wireless messages encrypted with the join key from the wireless device to neighboring wireless devices within the wireless mesh network.
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Abstract
A wireless mesh network provides secure communication by encrypting data using one or more encryption keys. A configuration device in communication with a security manager of the network provides a temporary secure communication path between the security manager and a new field device to be added to the mesh network. Cryptographic material and other configuration data can then be transferred between the security manager of the network and the new field device securely via the configuration device.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of loading a join key into a wireless device to allow the wireless device to operate as part of a wireless mesh network, the method comprising:
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establishing a wired network connection between a configuration device and a security manager of the wireless mesh network; establishing a secure communication connection between the configuration device and the wireless device to form a secure communication path between the security manager and the wireless device via the configuration device, wherein the secure communication connection between the configuration device and the wireless device includes a shielded wireless link between the configuration device and the wireless device, the shielded wireless link including a tubular antenna connected to the configuration device and mountable over an antenna of the wireless device; loading the join key from the security manager to the wireless device through the secure communication path; and joining the wireless device to the wireless mesh network by communicating wireless messages encrypted with the join key from the wireless device to neighboring wireless devices within the wireless mesh network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A configuration device for providing initial configuration data, including a join key, for a wireless device to be installed in a wireless mesh network including a gateway that interfaces the wireless network with a wired digital communication network, the configuration device comprising:
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a wired connection to the wired digital communication network for receiving the initial configuration data, including the join key, from the gateway according to a wired communication protocol; a secure communication link for communicating with the wireless device to provide the initial configuration data, including the join key to the wireless device, wherein the secure communication link includes a shielded wireless link between the configuration device and the wireless device, the shielded wireless link including a tubular antenna mountable over an antenna of the wireless device; and an interface for establishing a secure communication path between the gateway and the wireless device over which the join key is transferred. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A method of loading cryptographic material into a wireless device to allow the wireless device to operate as part of a wireless network, the method comprising:
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establishing a network connection between a configuration device and a security manager of the wireless mesh network; establishing a secure communication path between the security manager and the wireless device via the configuration device, wherein the secure communication path includes a shielded wireless link between the configuration device and the wireless device, the shielded wireless link including a tubular antenna connected to the configuration device and mountable over an antenna of the wireless device, wherein the shielded wireless link ensures wireless messages generated by the configuration device are receivable only by the wireless device; and loading the cryptographic material from the security manager to the wireless device through the secure communication path in which the cryptographic material is receivable only by the wireless device. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A configuration device for providing initial configuration data for a wireless device to be installed in a wireless network including a gateway that interfaces the wireless network with a wired digital communication network, the configuration device comprising:
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a wired connection to the wired digital communication network; a secure wireless communication link for communicating with the wireless device, the secure wireless communication link including a shielded wireless link making wireless message generated by the configuration device receivable only by the wireless device, the shielded wireless link including a tubular antenna mountable over an antenna of the wireless device; and an interface for establishing a secure communication path between the gateway and the wireless device over which the initial configuration data is transferred.
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Specification