Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.

Abstract: An Internet of Things device is herein disclosed. The Internet of Things device comprises a communications module having circuitry to communicatively connect to a computer network, a memory operable to store data, a processor coupled to the memory and the communications module and operable to execute instructions stored in the memory, and an activity module, including at least one of a sensor and a control device. The activity module operates under control of the processor to perform a designated activity with at least one of the sensor and the control device. The activity module further communicates on the computer network via the communications module. The processor curtails a volume of communication of the communications module on the computer network if a measured value of a system parameter exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A method of operating an Internet of Things device is described. In the method, an electrical power is supplied to electrical circuitry in the Internet of Things device. The Internet of Things device is communicatively coupled to a computer network using circuitry of a transceiver and a communications module of the Internet of Things device. A detecting circuit is operated to indirectly monitor a level of activity of the communications module. If the level of activity of the communications module is determined to exceed a threshold value, a volume of communications between the Internet of Things device and the computer network is curtailed.

Abstract: An Internet of Things device is herein disclosed. The Internet of Things device comprises a communication module operable to connect to a network, a memory storing a device fingerprint having a plurality of predetermined system parameters, a processor coupled to the memory and operable to execute instructions stored in the memory, and an activity module, including at least one of a sensor and a control device, the activity module under control of the processor, to perform a predetermined operation with at least one of the sensor and the control device. The activity module communicates on the network via the communications module. The processor measures system parameters during performance of the predetermined operation, compares measured system parameters to predetermined system parameters of the device fingerprint, and disables the communications module, the processor, or the activity module responsive to the measured system parameters being out of compliance with the predetermined system parameters.

Abstract: A secure mechanism for adding network devices uses an unsecure guest network and a secure network both coupled to a secure hub. When an unknown device is introduced, it is initially connected to the guest network and can only communicate with the hub and with a wide area network (WAN). The unknown device is prohibited from communicating with the secure network and any device connected to the secure network. The unknown device provides credentials to the hub, which are verified with a secure database, such as a blockchain ledger, that provides manufacturer device information and certification. Upon authentication, the hub permits the identified device to connect to the secure network. The hub may also configure the now identified device for security and operational parameters. The hub may also retrieve network traffic pattern information from the secure database and use such information to monitor normal expected activity from the identified device.

Abstract: Secure control of network appliances uses a 5G compatible central hub connected to a plurality of network appliances or multiple hubs in a local area network (LAN) or wireless LAN. A master hub controls communication with the appliances and also includes a 5G cellular link for communication with a cellular network. Only the master hub can communicate with the Internet via the cellular link. User equipment (UE) contains an application program that works in conjunction with the central hub to control the appliances. Upon receipt of an authenticated command, the central hub propagates commands to the intended network appliance. The central hub includes a voice command module to permit a user to control operation of the network appliances using voice commands.