Configuration of wireless-equipped devices

Abstract

In order to allow automatic installation of a newly-supplied wireless device () such that it can communicate with the internet () through an access point (), the new device () is configured so that on initial installation it operates in access point mode. A remote service provider () is provided with authentication information () and generates to instructions to the access point () to monitor for a broadcast beacon from the target wireless device (). When it detects the beacon, the access point () switches to client mode to establish a secured wireless network connection () between the access point () and the new wireless network device (), with the access point () operating in a client mode. By reversing the roles in this way, the provider of the new device () can arrange for automatic connection to the access point () without having to programmed the device () with any password or other data relating to the customer's access network. The customer's network is instead provided with security data burnt in to the new device on manufacture. The new device () can then exchange data with the access point () relating to a local area network controlled by the access point (), such that it can be added to that LAN as a client, with the access point (), with its connection to the Internet () then reverting to normal access point mode. Alternatively the new device () may be configured to remain in access point mode to operate as a repeater or, if it is connected to the internet () itself, to replace the original access point ().