Biometric Access Control for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access control methods for local area communication networks, particularly in home environments, are unreliable due to the ease with which users can modify software MAC addresses and the use of random MAC addresses by mobile operating systems, making parental control and network access planning ineffective.
Innovation Solution
Implementing access control based on user authentication using biometric information, such as fingerprints, to generate a unique MAC address or password, ensuring that access permissions are applied to the correct user, regardless of the terminal used, and maintaining security through robust representations and hashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MAC address filtering is used for access control, then access planning and parental control can be implemented, but the reliability is insufficient because users can easily change software MAC addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/software-based MAC address identification system with a biometric authentication system. Instead of relying on the MAC address stored in network adapters or software configurations, the system uses biometric characteristics (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scan) to identify users and apply access control policies. This substitution eliminates the ability of users to modify their identification markers while maintaining reliable access planning and parental control.
2Reliability
If random MAC addresses are used by mobile operating systems, then security is improved, but access control through MAC address filtering becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces biometric authentication as an intermediary mechanism between the mobile operating system and the access control system. Mobile devices continue to use random MAC addresses for security, but the biometric system acts as a mediator that identifies the user through their biological characteristics and maps them to the appropriate access control profile. This allows the system to maintain compatibility with security features of modern mobile operating systems while achieving reliable access control.
3Reliability
If biometric authentication is implemented, then access control reliability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements biometric authentication at the network gateway level, making the gateway a universal authentication point for all devices connecting to the network. The gateway consolidates multiple authentication functions (biometric verification, access control policy application, session management) into a single system, avoiding the need for complex authentication mechanisms in each individual device. This approach enhances authentication reliability while managing device complexity by centralizing authentication functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for access control to a wireless local area communication network, including a gateway for accessing the local area network and a plurality of user terminals capable of being connected to the local area network via the access gateway. The access control of one of the user terminals to the network includes: authenticating the user terminal on the basis of an item of information derived from a biometric print of a user of the user terminal, and applying, to the user terminal, a network access profile personalized for the user to whom the biometric print belongs.