This topic provides answers to frequently asked questions about the device distribution feature of IoT Platform.
Device distribution entry point
The device distribution feature is visible in the IoT Platform console only for Standard and Premium Enterprise Edition instances and Public Instances in the China (Shanghai) region. There are no restrictions on the source and destination regions or instances.
For more information, see Device distribution.
Distribute a device back to the source
Use the device distribution feature again to distribute the Device back to the source instance, source account, or source region. For more information, see Device distribution.
Cross-account device connection
This can be achieved by using the cross-account distribution feature of Device Distribution. For more information, see Device Distribution.
Cross-account distribution of products and devices
Yes. For more information, see Device distribution.
Can the ProductKey be changed?
No. The device certificate (ProductKey, DeviceName, and DeviceSecret) is distributed with the Device and is used to authenticate the Device when it connects to the new instance.
Device distribution vs. account transfer
No. Device distribution only allows a Device to be used in a destination account. It does not transfer ownership or full management permissions to the destination account, such as modifying the DeviceName or deleting the Device.
For example, runtime data generated by the Device remains in the source region, source instance, and source account. If the Device is distributed back to its original location, this data can be used again. In the destination account, the distributed Product is read-only. You cannot edit or delete the Product, nor can you add new Devices to it.
For more information, see Device distribution.
Device distribution vs. instance migration
No. The device distribution feature only allows a Device to be used in a destination instance. The destination instance has usage rights but no management permissions. For example, operations such as modifying the DeviceName, adding Devices, or deleting Devices are not supported in the destination instance.
For more information, see Device distribution.
Distribution of runtime data
No. Runtime data, such as device status, TSL data, device shadow, files, and logs, is not distributed to the destination region, destination account, or destination instance.
For more information, see Device distribution.
Billing for distributed devices
The destination instance. Once a Device is distributed, the destination instance is billed for all costs it generates.
Find distributed products and devices
Log on to the IoT Platform console with the destination account. Select the destination region, and then on the Instance Overview page, click the destination instance. The distributed Products and Devices appear on the Products and Devices pages under Device Management.
Effects on source device credentials
No. For details on the effects of device distribution, see Device distribution.