Pairing of wireless devices using a wired medium

Abstract

Techniques that facilitate pairing of wireless devices with other wireless devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, a pair of wireless devices can be paired for wireless data exchange using an available wired link. Advantageously, the wired link can be used to transport a pin code from one of the wireless devices to the other. Consequently, pairing of the wireless devices can be completed without necessitating user entry of a pin code so long as the wired link is available.

1 . A method for pairing a wireless device with a host device, the method comprising:
 at the wireless device;   receiving a pairing request from the host device over a wireless network;   after detecting a wired connection between the wireless device and the host device,
 waiting at least a pre-determined time period or until receiving a pin code from the host device over the wired connection; 
   when not receiving the pin code during the pre-determined time period,
 presenting a pin code prompt screen to a user of the wireless device, and 
 receiving a pin code through a user input device of the wireless device; 
   after receiving the pin code,
 generating authentication data based on the received pin code; 
 sending the authentication data from the wireless device to the host device; and 
 subsequently completing pairing of the wireless device with the host device when the wireless device has been authenticated. 
   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , completing pairing comprises at least:
 at the wireless device;   receiving one or more keys generated by the host device based on the authentication data from the wireless device when the pairing is successful.   
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , completing pairing comprises at least:
 at the wireless device;   generating one or more keys; and   sending at least one of the one or more keys from the wireless device to the host device when the pairing is successful.   
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the one or more keys are received over the wireless network. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the at least one of the one or more keys are sent over the wireless network. 
     
     
         6 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the one or more keys are received over the wireless connection. 
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the at least one of the one or more keys are sent over the wireless connection.