System and method for automatic wireless network password update

Abstract

A system and method that allows an administrator to set a new password at a wireless access point, such as a traditional WAP or a wireless router. The wireless access point creates a message that includes the new password. The message is encrypted using the old password that was previously set for the wireless network. The encrypted message is wirelessly transmitted from the wireless access point to the active client devices (those clients currently accessing the wireless network). The clients decrypt the message using the old password that was previously provided to the clients. The clients retrieve the new password from the message. The clients construct a new message that is encrypted using the new password. The new message is wirelessly transmitted from the clients to the wireless access device and serves as an acknowledgement.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] The present invention relates in general to a system and method for updating passwords used to connect devices to wireless access points, such as routers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for automatically updating passwords used by clients to access a wireless access point. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Wireless networking is increasingly popular in homes and businesses. This is especially true in environments where installing network cables between devices is difficult due to some building and home designs. In addition, computer users, especially laptop or notebook computer users, often want to connect to a computer network, such as the Internet, without being confined to a particular physical location. [0005] Wireless networking often allows a user to roam 100 feet or more from a “wireless access point” or “WAP.” The user's information handling system, such as a h...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method that allows an administrator to set a new password at a wireless access point and have the new password encrypted using the old password. The clients then decrypt the new password and retrieve it from the message. This allows for secure and easy management of wireless networks. Additionally, the patent describes a method for preventing unauthorized access to the network by checking the old password and denying the connection request if it is expired. The technical effects of this patent are improved security and ease of management for wireless networks.

Problems solved by technology

This is especially true in environments where installing network cables between devices is difficult due to some building and home designs.

While wireless networking offers users increased mobility and flexibility, it also challenges users by potentially increasing security risks.

In this manner, a snooper cannot communicate with the wireless network without obtaining the password.

While encrypting data sent over a wireless network helps keep snoopers out of the network, it presents a maintenance challenge.

If the administrator or user forgets to change the password in one of the devices, that device will no longer be able to connect to the wireless network.

This challenge is exacerbated when the number of wireless devices is large.

Changing all the passwords on a larger wireless network can often take an extensive amount of time.

In addition, with a large number of devices, the chance that one or more devices will not be updated is increased.

Because of these challenges, administrators of wireless networks often neglect to update the password used for the wireless network as frequently as suggested by experts, thus increasing the chance that a snooper will obtain the password and surreptitiously access the wireless network.

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