Blockchain Payment Authentication for Seamless Network Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network access methods require time-consuming user intervention for online payments, redirecting users to payment portals to provide credit card details or login to online wallets, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method using blockchain payments that allows users to access networks seamlessly by generating a blockchain address for receiving payments, eliminating the need for traditional payment processes through the introduction of a new EAP method called EAP-CRY, which facilitates blockchain payments during network access procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional online payment processes are used for network access, then network access can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and requires user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for network accessVSAvoiduser intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring blockchain payment capabilities in the network access architecture. The authentication function is prepared to receive and validate blockchain payments before network access is requested, eliminating the need for users to go through traditional payment portals during the access process. This preliminary setup enables seamless integration of blockchain payment validation into the existing EAP authentication framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If traditional payment portals are used, then payment can be processed, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayment processing efficiencyVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the blockchain payment validation process with the existing EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) authentication framework. By combining these two previously separate processes into a unified authentication flow, the system eliminates the need for users to navigate to separate payment portals. The payment validation occurs seamlessly within the same authentication exchange, improving both efficiency and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication function is designed with multi-functionality, serving both traditional authentication purposes and blockchain payment validation. This universal approach allows the same network infrastructure to handle both user authentication and payment processing without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through a single integrated interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If blockchain payments are implemented, then user intervention is reduced and access is faster, but new system complexity is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of payment processVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication function that mediates between the user equipment and the blockchain network. This intermediary component handles the complexity of blockchain interaction, including generating blockchain addresses, validating payments, and coordinating with the EAP authentication protocol. By placing this intermediary layer, the system achieves high automation while managing complexity centrally rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3724841B1Providing network access using blockchain payments
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • EP3724841B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3724841B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3724841B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for network access using blockchain payments. One apparatus (400) includes a processor (405) and a transceiver (425) that receives (90) an authentication request message for a remote unit, the authentication request message including a remote unit identifier, the remote unit identifier indicating the remote unit is requesting network access via a blockchain payment. The processor (405) generates (910) an address for a blockchain network indicated by the remote unit identifier for receiving the blockchain payment. The transceiver (425) receives (915) a blockchain payment information message from the remote unit and the processor (405) provides (920) network access to the remote unit in response to successfully validating the received blockchain payment information.