APPLICATION NUMBER
`61/331,459
`
`FILING OR 3 71 (C) DATE
`05/05/2010
`
`FIRST NAMED APPLICANT
`Ramanathan Subramaniam
`
`Ul\TfED STATES DEPA RTME'IT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Adm"'· COMMISSIO'JER FOR PATENTS
`PO Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virgmia 22313-1450
`\VVi\V.USpto.gov
`
`ATTY. DOCKET NO./TITLE
`6428-02900
`CONFIRMATION NO. 7187
`POA ACCEPTANCE LETTER
`
`35690
`MEYERTONS, HOOD, KIVLIN, KOWERT & GOETZEL, P.C.
`P.O. BOX 398
`AUSTIN, TX 78767-0398
`
`111111111111111111111111]~!l]~~1~~1~~Hi~Hi~t111111111111111111111111
`
`Date Mailed: 10/25/2011
`
`NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE OF POWER OF ATTORNEY
`
`This is in response to the Power of Attorney filed 10/19/2011.
`
`The Power of Attorney in this application is accepted. Correspondence in this application will be mailed to the
`above address as provided by 37 CFR 1.33.
`
`/ttkim/
`
`Office of Data Management, Application Assistance Unit (571) 272-4000, or (571) 272-4200, or 1-888-786-0101
`
`page 1of1
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1006
`
`

`

`APPLICATION NUMBER
`61/331,459
`
`FILING OR 3 71 (C) DATE
`05/05/2010
`
`51414
`GOODWIN PROCTER LLP
`PATENT ADMINISTRATOR
`53 STATE STREET
`EXCHANGE PLACE
`BOSTON, MA 02109-2881
`
`Ul\TfED STATES DEPA RTME'IT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Adm"'· COMMISSIO'JER FOR PATENTS
`PO Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virgmia 22313-1450
`\VVi\V.USpto.gov
`
`FIRST NAMED APPLICANT
`Ramanathan Subramaniam
`
`ATTY. DOCKET NO./TITLE
`BCO-OIOPR
`CONFIRMATION NO. 7187
`POWER OF ATTORNEY NOTICE
`
`111111111111111111111111]~!l]~~1~~1~~Hi~H111111111111111111111111111111
`
`Date Mailed: 10/25/2011
`
`NOTICE REGARDING CHANGE OF POWER OF ATTORNEY
`
`This is in response to the Power of Attorney filed 10/19/2011.
`
`•The Power of Attorney to you in this application has been revoked by the assignee who has intervened as
`provided by 37 CFR 3.71. Future correspondence will be mailed to the new address of record(37 CFR 1.33).
`
`/ttkim/
`
`Office of Data Management, Application Assistance Unit (571) 272-4000, or (571) 272-4200, or 1-888-786-0101
`
`page 1of1
`
`2
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/80 (11-08)
`Approved for use through 11/30/2011. OMB 0651-0035
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
`
`POWER OF ATTORNEY TO PROSECUTE APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE USPTO
`
`I hereby revoke all previous powers of attorney given in the application identified in the attached statement under
`37 CFR 3.73(b).
`I hereby appoint:
`[{] Practitioners associated with the Customer Number:
`OR
`Practitioner(s) named below (if more than ten patent practitioners are to be named, then a customer number must be used):
`
`N\iim<:\
`
`R9)J~i~.t!(:>n
`Number
`
`N~rt~H~
`
`R~~·~·~raHan
`Number
`
`)
`
`:
`as attorney(s) or agent(s) to represent the undersigned before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in connection with
`any and all patent applications assigned fill!y to the undersigned according to the USPTO assignment records or assignment documents
`attached to this form in accordance with 37 CFR 3.73(b).
`
`Please change the correspondence address for the application identified in the attached statement under 37 CFR 3.73(b) to:
`
`[i] The address associated with Customer Number: I
`OR
`LJ Firm or
`
`Individual Name
`Address
`
`35690
`
`I
`
`City
`
`Country
`
`Telephone
`
`I State
`
`Zip
`
`I Email
`
`Assignee Name and Address:
`SMSC Holdings S.a.r.I
`6 rue Philippe II
`L-2340 Luxembourg
`Grand-Duchy of Luxembourq
`A copy of this form, together with a statement under 37 CFR 3.73(b) (Form PTOISB/96 or equivalent) is required to be
`filed in each application in which this form is used. The statement under 37 CFR 3.73(b) may be completed by one of
`the practitioners appointed in this form if the appointed practitioner is authorized to act on behalf of the assignee,
`and must identify the aoolication in which this Power of Attorney is to be filed.
`
`SIGNATURE of Assignee of Record
`The individual whose signature and title is supplied below is authorized to act on behalf of the assignee
`
`~ Date SB
`
`Kris Sennesael
`
`Telephone
`
`Signature
`
`Name
`
`Manager
`Title
`This collection of 1nformation 1s reqwred by 37 CFR 1.31, 1.32 and 1.33. The information 1s required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which 1s to file (and
`by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 3 minutes
`to complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer,
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`
`If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PT0-9199 and select option 2.
`
`3
`
`

`

`PTO/S8/96 (08-08)
`Approved for use through 0813112008. OMB 0651-0031
`U.S Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Pa rnwork Reduction Act of 1995, no ersons are reauired to resoond to a coiiection of ;nformation un:ess it dis :avs a valicl OM8 controi number.
`
`STATEMENT UNDER 37 CFR 3.73{b}
`Rarnanathan Subrarnaniarn
`Applicant/Patent Owne r : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`61/331,459
`
`Application No./Patent No.:
`
`Entitled: Wi-Fi Setup Configuration
`
`SMSC Holdings S.<'u.I
`
`(r.Jame of Assignee)
`
`private limited liability company
`(Type of Assignee, e.g .. corporation, partnership, un:versity, government agency. etc.)
`
`states ihat it is:
`1. [{]the assignee of the entire ri~jht, title, and interest; or
`2. D an assignee of less than the entire right, title and interest
`(The extent (by percentage) of its ownership interest is
`
`%)
`
`in the patent application/patent identified above by virtue of either:
`
`A.[Z] An assignment from the inventor(s) of the patent application/patent identified above. The assignment was recorded
`in the United States Patent and Tradernark Office at Reel __ Q;?_f?_I_Q_§ _____________ , Frame _Ql_;?_Q _____________ _, or for which a copy
`thereof is attached.
`OR
`B. D A chain of title from the inventor(s), of the patent application/patent identified above, to the current assignee as follows:
`
`1. Frorn: _________________ To : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
`Reel
`, Frame
`, or for which a copy thereof is attached.
`
`2. From:
`To:
`The document was recorded in the United States Patent and Trademark Office at
`Reel
`, Frame
`, or for which a copy thereof is attached.
`
`3. From:
`To: ______________________ _
`The document was recorded in the United Siaies Patent and Trademark Office at
`Heel ------------------------------------' Frame ------------------------------------------'or !or which a copy thereof is attached.
`D Additional documents in the chain of title are listed on a supplemental sheet
`!Zl As required by 37 CF H 3. 73(b )( 1 )(i), the documentary evidence of the chain oi title from the original owner to the assi~inee
`was, or concurrently is being, submitted for recordation pursuant to 37 CFH 3.11.
`[NOTE: A separate copy (i.e., a true copy of the original assignment document(s)) must be submitted to Assignment
`Division in accordance with 37 CFR Part 3, to record the assignment in the records of the USPTO. See MPEP
`302.08]
`
`The undersigned (whose title is supplied below) is authorized to act on behalf of the assignee.
`/Jeffrey C. Hood/
`
`Signature
`Jeffrey C. Hood, Reg.# 35198
`
`Printed or Typed Name
`Attorney for Assignee
`
`Title
`
`2011-10-19
`
`Date
`512-853-8800
`
`Telephone Number
`
`This co!lect:on of irrforrnat:on is required by 37 CFR 3.73{b). The inforrnot:on is required to obtain or reta:n a benefit by the publk; which is to file {and by the
`USPTO lo process) an appiication. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This col!eciion is estimated to lake 12 minutes to
`complete, including gathrn·ing, preparing, and submitting the completed appiication form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you requ:re to cornp!ete this forrn and/or suggestions for rec~ucing this burden, should be sent to the Chief infonriation Officer,
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, ,<\lexandria, VA 22313'"1450. DO NOT SE~JD FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THiS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`
`if you need assistance in compiet1i1g the form, ca ii 1-800-PT0-9199 and seiect option 2.
`
`4
`
`

`

`Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt
`
`EFSID:
`
`Application Number:
`
`11221338
`
`61331459
`
`International Application Number:
`
`Confirmation Number:
`
`7187
`
`Title of Invention:
`
`WI-Fl SETUP CONFIGURATION
`
`First Named Inventor/Applicant Name:
`
`Ramanathan Subramaniam
`
`Customer Number:
`
`51414
`
`Filer:
`
`Jeffrey C Hood/Katherine Meals
`
`Filer Authorized By:
`
`Jeffrey C Hood
`
`Attorney Docket Number:
`
`BCO-OlOPR
`
`Receipt Date:
`
`Filing Date:
`
`Time Stamp:
`
`Application Type:
`
`Payment information:
`
`Submitted with Payment
`
`19-0CT-2011
`
`05-MAY-2010
`
`16:14:40
`
`Provisional
`
`I no
`
`File Listing:
`
`Document
`Number
`
`Document Description
`
`File Name
`
`1
`
`Change of Address
`
`6428-02900_trans_poa_addch
`g.pdf
`
`File Size( Bytes)/
`Message Digest
`
`Multi
`Part /.zip
`
`Pages
`(if appl.)
`
`70583
`
`no
`
`1
`
`4f86653da248f1Odl5d076431 a411 Oa6ef08
`5fb3
`
`Warnings:
`
`Information:
`
`5
`
`

`

`2
`
`Power of Attorney
`
`SBOOSO_general_poa_KS_signe
`d_2011-08-08.pdf
`
`221641
`
`0354b689a3c42246b318edfa204cfd01119
`2371d
`
`no
`
`1
`
`Warnings:
`
`Information:
`
`3
`
`Assignee showing of ownership per 37
`CFR 3.73(b).
`
`6428-02900_Statement_37 _CF
`R_3-73-b_2011-10-19.pdf
`
`34218
`
`cl 225 99 7 dS 0 7 4 7 5 083 3bd 24af3f09087f93 c
`a160
`
`no
`
`1
`
`Warnings:
`
`Information:
`
`Total Files Size (in bytes)
`
`326442
`
`This Acknowledgement Receipt evidences receipt on the noted date by the USPTO of the indicated documents,
`characterized by the applicant, and including page counts, where applicable. It serves as evidence of receipt similar to a
`Post Card, as described in MPEP 503.
`
`New A~~lications Under 35 U.S.C. 111
`If a new application is being filed and the application includes the necessary components for a filing date (see 37 CFR
`1.53(b)-(d) and MPEP 506), a Filing Receipt (37 CFR 1.54) will be issued in due course and the date shown on this
`Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the filing date of the application.
`
`National Stage of an International A~~lication under 35 U.S.C. 371
`If a timely submission to enter the national stage of an international application is compliant with the conditions of 35
`U.S.C. 371 and other applicable requirements a Form PCT/DO/E0/903 indicating acceptance of the application as a
`national stage submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 will be issued in addition to the Filing Receipt, in due course.
`
`New International A~~lication Filed with the USPTO as a Receiving Office
`If a new international application is being filed and the international application includes the necessary components for
`an international filing date (see PCT Article 11 and MPEP 181 O), a Notification of the International Application Number
`and of the International Filing Date (Form PCT/R0/1 OS) will be issued in due course, subject to prescriptions concerning
`national security, and the date shown on this Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the international filing date of
`the application.
`
`6
`
`

`

`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Examiner:
`Group/ Art Unit:
`Atty. Dkt. No:
`
`NIA
`NIA
`6428-02900
`
`61/331,459
`
`Application No.:
`Filed:
`05/05/2010
`Inventor(s):
`Ramanathan Subramaniam
`
`Title: Wi-Fi Setup Configuration
`
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`§
`
`TRANSMITTAL OF POWER OF ATTORNEY and
`STATEMENT UNDER 37 CFR 3.73(b) and
`NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`
`Sir/Madam:
`
`Please find attached a Power of Attorney and Statement Under 37 CFR 3.73(b) with regard to the
`
`above-identified patent application. Applicant respectfully requests the Commissioner to change the
`
`correspondence address for the above-identified patent application.
`
`The old correspondence address was:
`
`Customer Number 51414
`GOODWIN PROCTER LLP
`PATENT ADMINISTRATOR
`53 STATE STREET
`EXCHANGE PLACE
`BOSTON, MA 02109-2881
`
`Applicant's new address is:
`
`Customer Number 35690
`Jeffrey C. Hood
`Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel PC
`P.O. Box 398
`Austin, Texas 78767-0398
`(512) 853-8820
`
`If there are any questions regarding this matter, please contact me.
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`/Jeffrey C. Hood/
`Jeffrey C. Hood, Reg. #35198
`Attorney for Applicant
`
`Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel PC
`P.O. Box 398
`Austin, Texas 78767-0398
`(512) 853-8800
`Date: 2011-10-19
`
`7
`
`

`

`APPLICATION
`NUMBER
`61/331,459
`
`FILING or
`37l(c)DATE
`05/05/2010
`
`GRPART
`UNIT
`
`FIL FEE REC'D
`110
`
`51414
`GOODWIN PROCTER LLP
`PATENT ADMINISTRATOR
`53 STATE STREET
`EXCHANGE PLACE
`BOSTON, MA 02109-2881
`
`Ul\TfED STATES DEPA RTME'IT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Adm"'· COMMISSIO'JER FOR PATENTS
`PO Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virgmia 22313-1450
`\VVi\V.USpto.gov
`
`ATTY.DOCKET.NO
`BC0-010
`
`TOT CLAIMS IND CLAIMS
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 7187
`FILING RECEIPT
`
`111111111111111111111111]~!l]~~1~~1~~11111u~llH] 11111111111111111111111
`
`Date Mailed: 05/18/2010
`
`Receipt is acknowledged of this provisional patent application. It will not be examined for patentability and will
`become abandoned not later than twelve months after its filing date. Any correspondence concerning the application
`must include the following identification information: the U.S. APPLICATION NUMBER, FILING DATE, NAME OF
`APPLICANT, and TITLE OF INVENTION. Fees transmitted by check or draft are subject to collection. Please verify
`the accuracy of the data presented on this receipt. If an error is noted on this Filing Receipt, please submit
`a written request for a Filing Receipt Correction. Please provide a copy of this Filing Receipt with the
`changes noted thereon. If you received a "Notice to File Missing Parts" for this application, please submit
`any corrections to this Filing Receipt with your reply to the Notice. When the USPTO processes the reply
`to the Notice, the USPTO will generate another Filing Receipt incorporating the requested corrections
`
`Applicant( s)
`
`Ramanathan Subramaniam, Old Bridge, NJ;
`Power of Attorney:
`Steven Russell--60410
`
`If Required, Foreign Filing License Granted: 05/13/2010
`The country code and number of your priority application, to be used for filing abroad under the Paris Convention,
`is US 61 /331,459
`Projected Publication Date: None, application is not eligible for pre-grant publication
`Non-Publication Request: No
`Early Publication Request: No
`** SMALL ENTITY **
`Title
`
`WI-Fl SETUP CONFIGURATION
`
`PROTECTING YOUR INVENTION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
`
`Since the rights granted by a U.S. patent extend only throughout the territory of the United States and have no
`effect in a foreign country, an inventor who wishes patent protection in another country must apply for a patent
`in a specific country or in regional patent offices. Applicants may wish to consider the filing of an international
`application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). An international (PCT) application generally has the same
`effect as a regular national patent application in each PCT-member country. The PCT process simplifies the filing
`of patent applications on the same invention in member countries, but does not result in a grant of "an international
`page 1of3
`
`8
`
`

`

`patent" and does not eliminate the need of applicants to file additional documents and fees in countries where patent
`protection is desired.
`
`Almost every country has its own patent law, and a person desiring a patent in a particular country must make an
`application for patent in that country in accordance with its particular laws. Since the laws of many countries differ
`in various respects from the patent law of the United States, applicants are advised to seek guidance from specific
`foreign countries to ensure that patent rights are not lost prematurely.
`
`Applicants also are advised that in the case of inventions made in the United States, the Director of the US PTO must
`issue a license before applicants can apply for a patent in a foreign country. The filing of a U.S. patent application
`serves as a request for a foreign filing license. The application's filing receipt contains further information and
`guidance as to the status of applicant's license for foreign filing.
`
`Applicants may wish to consult the USPTO booklet, "General Information Concerning Patents" (specifically, the
`section entitled "Treaties and Foreign Patents") for more information on timeframes and deadlines for filing foreign
`patent applications. The guide is available either by contacting the USPTO Contact Center at 800-786-9199, or it
`can be viewed on the USPTO website at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html.
`
`For information on preventing theft of your intellectual property (patents, trademarks and copyrights), you may wish
`to consult the U.S. Government website, http://www.stopfakes.gov. Part of a Department of Commerce initiative,
`this website includes self-help "toolkits" giving innovators guidance on how to protect intellectual property in specific
`countries such as China, Korea and Mexico. For questions regarding patent enforcement issues, applicants may
`call the U.S. Government hotline at 1-866-999-HAL T (1-866-999-4158).
`
`LICENSE FOR FOREIGN FILING UNDER
`
`Title 35, United States Code, Section 184
`
`Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, 5.11 & 5.15
`
`GRANTED
`
`The applicant has been granted a license under 35 U.S.C. 184, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`LICENSE GRANTED" followed by a date appears on this form. Such licenses are issued in all applications where
`the conditions for issuance of a license have been met, regardless of whether or not a license may be required as
`set forth in 37 CFR 5.15. The scope and limitations of this license are set forth in 37 CFR 5.15(a) unless an earlier
`license has been issued under 37 CFR 5.15(b). The license is subject to revocation upon written notification. The
`date indicated is the effective date of the license, unless an earlier license of similar scope has been granted under
`37 CFR 5.13 or 5.14.
`
`This license is to be retained by the licensee and may be used at any time on or after the effective date thereof unless
`it is revoked. This license is automatically transferred to any related applications(s) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d). This
`license is not retroactive.
`
`The grant of a license does not in any way lessen the responsibility of a licensee for the security of the subject matter
`as imposed by any Government contract or the provisions of existing laws relating to espionage and the national
`security or the export of technical data. Licensees should apprise themselves of current regulations especially with
`respect to certain countries, of other agencies, particularly the Office of Defense Trade Controls, Department of
`State (with respect to Arms, Munitions and Implements of War (22 CFR 121-128)); the Bureau of Industry and
`page 2 of 3
`
`9
`
`

`

`Security, Department of Commerce (15 CFR parts 730-774); the Office of Foreign AssetsControl, Department of
`Treasury (31 CFR Parts 500+) and the Department of Energy.
`
`NOT GRANTED
`
`No license under 35 U.S.C. 184 has been granted at this time, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`LICENSE GRANTED" DOES NOT appear on this form. Applicant may still petition for a license under 37 CFR 5.12,
`if a license is desired before the expiration of 6 months from the filing date of the application. If 6 months has lapsed
`from the filing date of this application and the licensee has not received any indication of a secrecy order under 35
`U.S.C. 181, the licensee may foreign file the application pursuant to 37 CFR 5.15(b).
`
`page 3 of 3
`
`10
`
`

`

`PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION
`ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. BC0-010
`
`UNITED STATES PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION
`
`Wi-Fi Setup Configuration
`
`11
`
`

`

`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to systems and
`methods for configuring wireless networks and, more particularly, to adding
`a device having a limited user interface and/or no display to a wireless
`network, even in the absence of wireless configuration protocols such as Wi(cid:173)
`Fi Protected Setup ("WPS").
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Establishing a basic at-home wireless network between traditional computing
`devices (e.g., desktop and laptop computers) has become very easy. For
`example, next-generation customer-premises equipment
`for broadband
`access (e.g., cable and DSL modems provided by Internet service providers)
`may directly support wireless networks. Alternatively, a user may connect a
`wireless access point ("WAP") to a broadband modem to create a wireless
`home network.
`A simple, unsecured wireless network, however, may permit anyone to
`snoop on the conversations between the devices and/or gain access to the
`network and the information being exchanged. To avoid these unwanted
`intrusions, access points may be configured to use wireless security. A
`information
`secure wireless network is created by sharing confidential
`among the various devices and the WAP. The wireless client and the WAP
`exchange information over the wireless connection in a secure manner.
`Over the years, various wireless security schemes have evolved, such as
`WEP, WPA, WPA2;
`these schemes often involve complex, hexadecimal
`"keys" or passwords as a part of the confidential information that needs to
`be shared among the devices. The process of securing a wireless network
`involves configuring the router for the desired type of security and then
`configuring each wireless client with the settings and passwords to be used
`(i.e., the ones associated with the type of security scheme used in the
`router). This process may be tedious and challenging for an average home
`user, especially when the device requiring wireless configuration settings has
`limited input and display capabilities, such as a digital media player. As
`demand
`for networked and
`internet-based media
`rises, more next(cid:173)
`generation media-rendering devices would support networking - preferably
`wireless networking, given its ease and convenience of use. Thus, there is a
`need for establishing methods that simplify the process of adding a device to
`a wireless network.
`To address the above-mentioned problem, some efforts have been made to
`simplify establishment of wireless networks. For example, the Wi-Fi Alliance
`promotes a set of standards known as Wi-Fi Protected Setup ("WPS") for the
`purpose of simplifying wireless configuration. Additionally, newer versions of
`Microsoft Windows support a technology called Windows Connect Now
`("WCN") that supports storing configuration settings in a portable storage
`
`2
`
`12
`
`

`

`device, like USB flash memory, and transferring them to a device that needs
`to be configured.
`However, this does not completely solve the problem as most access points
`currently deployed still do not support WPS. Further, the devices that need
`to be configured may not support interfaces for portable/removable storage
`media.
`In summary, despite the efforts in the industry, the task of adding a new
`device to an existing secure wireless network continues to be complex and a
`daunting one.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for using a
`computing device to a) interface with an electronic device that needs to be
`configured to join a wireless network and b) execute a computer program
`(on the computing device) to gather network configuration information using
`various schemes and/or c) interact with the electronic device to configure it
`with Wi-Fi settings, thus enabling it to join the network.
`The process of configuration described herein of the wireless electronic
`device is different from prior-art methods at least because:
`
`a) It does not mandate the availability of a Wireless Access Point that
`supports WPS;
`b) It uses a computing device that supports a display and a user interface
`to couple with
`the wireless electronic device and provide
`the
`configuration; and/or
`c) Among the various methods used for connecting the computing device
`to the electronic device, it uses wireless, the same media used by the
`electronic device to connect to the network. Thus, no additional
`hardware interface is required in the electronic device.
`
`3
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`13
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`

`ILLUSTRATIONS
`
`Sernro:! \/Iii-Fi
`Network
`
`Laptop
`
`.·.-.:·:··
`.,
`
`POA
`
`Laptop
`
`Figure 1: Typical Wi-Fi Network at a home
`
`Broadband
`C;:tnnection
`
`%
`~
`
`:@
`::@:
`
`' ~'"""""'~~:;:;;,~;';;"""""""'··· .1 ... ~.:::.~.--~-It!,,.~~:
`
`Secun~ Wi-Fi
`Neh1101·k
`
`laptop
`
`.. ··::>:>
`
`.... _.<.· ' PD.A
`
`0<St><ktop
`
`Device to be
`Added to Secure
`\N'i·fi Network
`
`Figure 2: New device needs to be added to the secure Wi-Fi Network
`
`4
`
`14
`
`

`

`S>l!!eure \cVi-Fi
`tJetwork
`
`L.~ptop
`
`l->lptop :lnd th£
`D.:vii;:,,;: Conn,,;:,t
`
`D~vki:: Put in
`Confieu r::ition
`11/lrnle
`
`Figure 3: Device Configuration using a Laptop
`
`Secw rf.l \•Vi-Fi
`N£'!twork
`
`L.~ptop
`
`PDA or SP\.3rt
`Ph on<;:
`
`Confit::ll r•~tion
`Mode
`
`Figure 4: Device Configuration using a Smart Phone or a PDA
`
`5
`
`15
`
`

`

`Broadband
`(;or,nei::tion
`
`~~·-. -----\~·,·ir•e•d•l•A•t•J----~~
`
`Laptop
`
`Se>:lH'e Wi-Fi
`Net'.11ork
`
`.......... -.·.
`
`·.::::.:: ____ v_>/.ir_e_d __ E.th-· .e.rn •. e.-t------!·
`
`'~"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""~"
`L~~ptop am:! the Device
`Col'itH':cted tViine
`wired Eth«lr~~t
`
`Device Ptit in
`Confieu ration
`Mode
`
`Laptop
`
`Figure 5: Device configuration when the laptop and the device are connected using a wired
`connection
`
`6
`
`16
`
`

`

`t. ns
`6· Configuration utility an I
`.
`d "ts interac IO
`Figure
`·
`
`7
`
`17
`
`

`

`Broadband
`
`Seeure V\/i-Fi
`Networl<.
`
`l<lptop
`
`..................
`.................
`.......... · .
`
`••.• ;.v.
`
`.···
`
`PDA
`
`.......
`
`Device joins the
`Wi-FI Networl<
`
`Figure 7: Device now able to join the Wi-Fi Network
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`
`Figure 1 shows a typical Wi-Fi network in which an embodiment of the
`present invention may be implemented.
`Figure 2 illustrates the problem when a new wireless electronic device needs
`to be added to a secure Wi-Fi network.
`Figures 3 to 5 illustrate the process of interfacing to the wireless electronic
`device that needs to be configured.
`Figure 6 shows the configuration utility that interfaces with the web server
`or the proxy agent in the wireless electronic device to configure the settings.
`Also, the different ways in which the Wi-Fi settings may be obtained are
`depicted.
`Figure 7 shows that the new electronic device has been able to join the Wi-Fi
`network upon successful configuration.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`Figure 1 illustrates an example of a type of network in which the various
`embodiments of the invention may be employed. As shown in Figure 1, the
`network may include a variety of computing devices (also referred to as
`
`8
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`18
`
`

`

`"nodes"). For example, the network may include one or more desktop
`computers, one or more laptop computers, and/or one or more smart
`phones.
`
`The networked devices communicate with a Wireless Access Point ("WAP").
`The WAP may be connected to an external network, such as the Internet or
`other wide-area network. The modem that interfaces with the broadband
`for
`Internet connectivity may be built
`into
`the WAP.
`connection
`Alternatively, the modem may be disposed externally relative the WAP, and
`the WAP may be connected directly to the external modem. The WAP may
`also function as a gateway, thereby mediating some or all traffic exchanged
`between the nodes in the network and/or the Internet.
`
`Thus in the above context, a network may be defined as a set of networked
`devices that exchange data through a gateway device that also functions as
`a Wireless Access Point. The network devices may be connected to the
`gateway using any suitable communications medium. For example, in the
`network shown in Figure 1, the desktop computer is connected to the
`gateway using a wired Ethernet connection, while the laptops and the PDA
`communicate using an IEEE 802.11 wireless connection.
`
`The process of securing a wireless network involves configuring the router
`for the desired type of security and then configuring each wireless client with
`the corresponding settings and passwords associated with type of security
`being used.
`
`Figure 2 shows an electronic device that needs to be added to the secure Wi(cid:173)
`Fi network. This device is capable of exchanging data over the network once
`properly configured. However, it is not easy to configure as it does not have
`a display and has limited input capabilities.
`
`The new electronic device that needs to be added to the secure Wi-Fi
`network cannot communicate unless it is configured with proper wireless
`settings.
`To accomplish the same, on receiving a trigger from the user, the electronic
`device switches from a normal operating mode to a configuration operating
`mode. The trigger may be generated using, for example, a push button,
`switch, or toggle on the electronic device. The electronic device may thus
`enter into a configuration operating mode even in the absence of Wi-Fi
`Protected Setup (WPS).
`During the normal operating mode, the electronic device may operate in
`wireless infrastructure mode and configure itself to be a wireless client trying
`to connect to the Wireless Access Point which is the server. When operating
`
`9
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`19
`
`

`

`in the configuration operating mode, the device switches to ad-hoc wireless
`mode and uses a well-known (e.g., a pre-determined) SSID.
`As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment, a laptop or other computing
`device that is already a part of the network to which the electronic device
`needs to join is used to connect to the electronic device. The laptop and the
`electronic device may establish a point-to-point private ad-hoc wireless
`network or other type of device-to-device network link.
`In another embodiment of the invention, when operating in the configuration
`operating mode, the electronic device operates in infrastructure mode, but
`configures itself as a Wireless Access Point and broadcasts a well-known
`SSID. The laptop is configured as a wireless client and connects to the
`network associated with the SSID broadcast by the electronic device.
`In contrast to prior-art methods, embodiments of the current invention do
`not mandate using a Wireless Access Point that has additional hardware
`support for the purpose of easy setup of the wireless client. A computing
`device like a laptop is used to interface with the electronic device, using the
`same wireless media. Thus, no special hardware interface needs to be
`supported by the wireless electronic device.
`Other modes of connectivity may also be considered between the computing
`device and the wireless electronic device, if the other modes are supported
`In one embodiment, an Ethernet interface is
`by the electronic device.
`supported by the electronic device and the laptop is connected to the
`electronic device using a point-to-point wired Ethernet link, as illustrated in
`Figure 5. The laptop and the electronic device establish a point-to-point
`private network using link local communication.
`invention
`include a configuration utility and/or a
`Embodiments of the
`computer program that is executed on the computing device (e.g., a laptop).
`Given that the laptop is already a part of the secure Wi-Fi network, the
`wireless settings are available embedded as a part of the operating system
`on the laptop. The configuration utility extracts the wireless settings and
`uses them to configure the electronic device.
`the configuration utility
`In another embodiment of
`the
`invention,
`communicates with the Wireless Access Point associated with the network to
`which the electronic device wants to join, retriev