Adaptive Wireless Channel Scanning for Anomaly Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) face security threats due to the mobility of wireless communication, which allows unauthorized access and eavesdropping, as well as vulnerabilities in existing encryption standards, leading to risks of data theft and network disruption.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for adaptively scanning wireless communication channels to detect anomalous activity, using a system data store and processor to monitor and adjust scanning parameters, and implement defensive measures such as dynamic channel changes and honeypot traps to enhance security and manage network activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixed scanning patterns are used to monitor wireless channels, then the scanning process is simple and predictable, but security threats can exploit these predictable patterns to perform targeted attacks and the system cannot respond dynamically to emerging threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning patterns where the system continuously adapts its scanning behavior based on detected network conditions and threats. The scanner transitions from fixed, predictable patterns to dynamic, unpredictable patterns that adjust in real-time, making it difficult for attackers to exploit predictable scanning behavior while maintaining reliable threat detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where scan results and detected anomalies feed back into the scanning pattern generation. The scanner analyzes returned data from previous scans and uses this information to modify future scanning patterns, creating a closed-loop system that improves reliability through continuous adaptation to new threats
2Reliability
If comprehensive scanning of all wireless channels is performed frequently, then security monitoring coverage is improved, but system resource consumption and scanning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively scanning only certain channels or frequency ranges based on detected threat levels and network conditions. Instead of uniformly scanning all channels at maximum frequency, the system concentrates scanning resources on areas of interest while reducing or skipping scans in low-risk areas, maintaining adequate monitoring coverage while improving overall scanning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic scanning with variable intervals, adjusting the frequency of scans based on detected activity levels. During periods of normal activity, scans are performed at standard intervals to conserve resources, while during periods of detected anomalies or high activity, the scanning frequency increases automatically to maintain comprehensive monitoring coverage
3Reliability
If secondary channels are scanned with the same priority as primary channels, then all channels receive equal monitoring attention, but the scanning time and resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different scanning priorities and resource allocations to different channel types. Primary channels (those most likely to contain legitimate network traffic) receive higher priority and more frequent scanning, while secondary channels receive reduced priority and less frequent scanning. This differentiated approach maintains adequate monitoring of all channels while significantly reducing the total time and resources required compared to uniform scanning
Data Source
AI summary
This application is directed to systems and methods for adaptively scanning for wireless communications. Scan data associated with scanning one or more wireless network channels based upon a scan pattern is received. Each wireless channel has a designation of primary or secondary with at least one channel having the secondary designation. A determination is made as to whether anomalous activity is present on a selected wireless channel designated as secondary. If anomalous activity is determined to be present, at least one scanning parameter of the selected channel is altered.