Introduction
24
SWRU455A – February 2017 – Revised March 2017
Copyright © 2017, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Networking Application
2.1.6 Provisioning
Provisioning is the process of providing an IoT device with the information needed to connect to a wireless
network for the first time (network name, password, and so on). The provisioning process should be fast,
easy to use, and not require technical support. More details are in
2.2
Basic Examples
2.2.1 Wi-Fi Doorbell
2.2.1.1
Description
Wireless doorbells may have not only a push-button, but also a microphone or a camera, therefore
requiring advanced connectivity options which can be supported by Wi-Fi technology. By using a button
push, a smartphone application lets users monitor visitors through video and voice, from any location
using internet connectivity. In addition, from time to time the doorbell connects to a server for software
updates. The doorbell is usually battery powered.
2.2.1.2
Design Considerations
lists the design considerations for doorbell applications.
Table 2-1. Design Considerations for Doorbell Applications
Topic
Consideration or Constraint
Recommendations
Wi-Fi
connectivity
Wi-Fi connection with home access point, to
allow internet access
STA role
Configure profile with network name and password during the
provisioning process.
Traffic types
Reliable
SSL/TLS
Security
Must secure data:
Secure Wi-Fi password
Secure credentials
Secure user password of the up layer (connect
to the server)
Wi-Fi – profile and password are configured during the
provisioning process. The password is encrypted and cannot be
accessed by the application.
Data – encrypt and decrypt data using SSL
Credentials and server password – use the SimpleLink secured-
file system
Power
management
Sensitive, battery powered, or power
harvesting
Operation mode – hibernate mode, wakes up the SimpleLink
device by pressing a button, returns to hibernate mode quickly
Wi-Fi – profile with automatic and fast policies
IP – Decrease the number of DNS requests, resolve once and
keep the address, if TCP connection fails resolve again
User
experience
Connectivity must be fast, with minimal delay
Provisioning
Easy setup
Easy setup – Use the Smartphone app to perform the
provisioning and create the connection profile
2.2.2 Power Socket
2.2.2.1
Description
A power socket connects to the cloud, which lets users control products like air conditioners and boilers.
The power socket must be available for smartphone apps at any time with no delay, and are occasionally
connected to the server for software updates.
2.2.2.2
Design Constraints
lists the design constraints for power socket applications.