User adoption of new wireless technologies presents several challenges. Three of the biggest that hamper deployment and widespread use of new technologies are installing infrastructure, ease of use, and ease of installation and configuration.

Given the globally installed base and use of Wi-Fi for everything from smartphones to tablets, to laptops and desktop computers, the first two items are taken for granted by most Wi-Fi wireless users. With the emergence of the global Internet of Things (IoT), however, the issues faced by a user trying to quickly, easily, and securely configure a new device to the home network are not yet solved. ProbMe, from Econais addresses simple and easy configuration of devices for the Internet of things.

Most devices that users connect to a Wi-Fi network need a service-set identifier (SSID) and a pass phrase, which is generally longer than a password.

Manufacturers of wireless routers initially supplied routers with a default and generic SSID as well as open settings that required no pass phrase to join the network.

Most router manufacturers are now providing unique SSID’s and initial unique pass phrases that are supplied on a sticker on the Wi-Fi router.

Most of the devices that consumers have connected to Wi-Fi wireless routers have rich computing resources, displays, keyboards, and other abilities that make entering the information for a secure connection relatively easy. However, the devices now being added to homes, offices, commercial spaces, industrial facilities are quite small and don’t have a display or convenient data-entry capability that allows users to configure them. Thus, the devices need to be configured by a smarter device that is also on the network.

There are two likely approaches. The first is to use a Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) button on the coffee maker and assume the user’s wireless router has a WPS button as well. This requires the user to simply press the button on the coffee pot and also press the button on the wireless router.

Another common approach is to have the coffee maker come up as an access point with its own SSID and pass phrase, which is supplied by the manufacturer’s quick-start card. With a browser, a user logs in to the coffee maker, navigating to an area to enter the SSID and network pass phrase. The device is then configured as a client on the user’s network.

This is a very straightforward approach whereby when the coffee maker is plugged in, powered on, and the SSID of the coffee maker is broadcast so that it is easily identified. The user disconnects from their wireless network, connects to the coffee maker, configures it, and the process is complete.

The disadvantage of this method can be the required level of comfort with technology. Also, the process is quite time consuming, which is compounded if there are several devices to install, such as light switches, light bulbs, outlets, speakers, cameras, door locks, thermostats, alarms, and so on

Imagine an alternative approach to the ones described above. In this approach, the user brings home the coffee maker. After plugging it in, looks at the quick-start card, then using a smartphone enters the proper network SSID and pass phrase, and finally clicks, “Join,” “Save,” or “Submit.” The smartphone transmits the configuration information and automatically connects all the new ProbMe devices to the network.

ProbMe works by utilizing the discovery functionality of Wi-Fi networks, but instead of using the standard 802.11 management frames to simply interrogate the surrounding networks for their SSID information, the ProbMe method uses these frames as configuration carriers.