Abstract: A method for configuring network access parameters for a smart object to access a network is disclosed. The method comprises connecting, by the smart object, to a network using a first network access device. The smart object uses a wireless networking protocol to connect to the first network access device. The method further comprises authenticating the smart object with a server on the network and receiving network access information from the server. The network access information relates to a second network access device. The method further comprises using the network access information to connect to the network using the second network access device.

Abstract: A network-connected object for performing a function and communicating with a server computing device via a network includes a functional object, application-specific input/output (I/O) device, and a gateway device. The functional object is configured to perform a function. The application-specific I/O device includes an electronic circuit configured to perform an application-specific function related to the functional object. The gateway device includes a first communication device configured for data communication with the application-specific I/O device, a second communication device configured for data communication with the server computing device, at least one processing device, and at least one computer readable storage device.

Abstract: A smart object establishes communication with an application provider server computing device by sending a request to a manufacturer server computing device to identify a second server computing device; receiving a response from the first server computing device with an identifier indicating the second server computing device; and using the identifier to establish communication between the smart object and the second server computing device.

Abstract: A network-connected object for performing a function and communicating with a server computing device via a network includes a functional object, application-specific input/output (I/O) device, and a gateway device. The functional object is configured to perform a function. The application-specific I/O device includes an electronic circuit configured to perform an application-specific function related to the functional object. The gateway device includes a first communication device configured for data communication with the application-specific I/O device, a second communication device configured for data communication with the server computing device, at least one processing device, and at least one computer readable storage device.

Abstract: A modularized intermediate communication device for a sensor network includes multiple electronic modules assembled in a stack and configured to communicate with one another. Each of the stackable electronic modules includes a housing including first and second stacking portions mechanically complementary to each other. Each module further includes a first inter-module communication connector arranged on the first stacking portion, a second inter-module communication connector arranged on the second stacking portion, and a communication device electrically connected to the first and second inter-module communication connectors and communicating with a matching electronic module using at least one communication protocol.

Abstract: A smart object establishes communication with an application provider server computing device by sending a request to a manufacturer server computing device to identify a second server computing device; receiving a response from the first server computing device with an identifier indicating the second server computing device; and using the identifier to establish communication between the smart object and the second server computing device.

Abstract: A method for configuring network access parameters for a smart object to access a network is disclosed. The method comprises connecting, by the smart object, to a network using a first network access device. The smart object uses a wireless networking protocol to connect to the first network access device. The method further comprises authenticating the smart object with a server on the network and receiving network access information from the server. The network access information relates to a second network access device. The method further comprises using the network access information to connect to the network using the second network access device.