AP Device MAC Address Registration for Secure Wireless Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless networks where multiple AP devices share the same SSID, users face difficulties in distinguishing between them, leading to inefficient resource utilization and potential information leakage, as connections are often based on signal strength rather than intended device selection.

Innovation Solution

The method involves registering MAC address information of terminals with AP devices using external devices like RFID or NFC, allowing AP devices to selectively connect only to terminals with registered MAC addresses, thereby ensuring secure and efficient connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple AP devices use the same SSID on a wireless network, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but users cannot distinguish between AP devices leading to unauthorized connections and information leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identification function by introducing MAC address-based terminal registration for each AP device. While SSIDs remain unified for network coverage, each AP device maintains a separate registered terminal list, allowing users to connect only to their intended AP device among multiple APs with the same SSID.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary registration mechanism where AP devices act as mediators between users and the wireless network. Users must register their terminal MAC addresses with the specific AP device they intend to connect to, creating an intermediary authentication layer that prevents unauthorized connections while maintaining network coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users connect to AP devices based on signal strength without identification, then connection ease is improved, but network resource utilization becomes inefficient and information leakage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection easeVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by requiring users to register their terminal MAC addresses with the AP device before connection. This pre-registration step ensures that only authorized terminals can connect to specific AP devices, preventing inefficient resource utilization and information leakage while maintaining ease of connection through automated MAC address verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If AP devices accept any terminal connections, then device complexity is reduced, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection managementVSAvoidaccess security
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having each AP device automatically maintain its own registered terminal list and perform MAC address verification independently. This self-service approach enhances security without significantly increasing device complexity, as the AP device autonomously manages authentication based on pre-registered MAC addresses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3010287B1Method and device for connecting single AP device among multiple AP devices on same network to terminal
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3010287B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3010287B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3010287B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method of connecting an access point (AP) device from among a plurality of AP devices on a same network to a terminal. The method includes registering, by the AP device, media access control (MAC) address information regarding at least one or more terminals; receiving a connection request to the AP device from the terminal; and comparing the MAC address information regarding the terminal extracted from the connection request to the registered MAC address information and determining whether to connect the terminal to the AP device.