Blockchain Network Access Point for Secure Mobile Device Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ensuring network security for mobile devices that access various networks, especially when network connectivity is not pervasive and authentication mechanisms are not universally accessible across different networks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a blockchain to securely associate mobile devices with network access points, where digitally signed records validated by miner components ensure exclusive access to the network, allowing for seamless transfer of association between access points and incorporating cryptocurrency transactions to manage resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized authentication mechanisms are used for network access, then network security is improved, but network connectivity and accessibility across different networks deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized authentication system is segmented into distributed blockchain nodes, where each access point maintains its own authentication capability through the blockchain ledger, eliminating the single-point bottleneck while preserving security through cryptographic verification
Solution Approach 2:
A blockchain-based intermediary layer is introduced between mobile devices and network access points, using cryptographically signed records and miner validation as mediators to enable secure authentication without requiring direct connectivity to a centralized server
2Reliability
If blockchain validation by miner components is implemented, then network security and access control are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The blockchain system performs self-validation through miner components that automatically verify cryptographically signed records according to consensus rules, eliminating the need for complex external validation infrastructure at each access point
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical authentication systems (physical keys, centralized servers) are replaced with cryptographic mechanisms including digital signatures, hash functions, and consensus algorithms that provide equivalent or superior security with distributed architecture
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices can access multiple networks, then adaptability and mobility are improved, but network security and access control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The association between mobile devices and network access points is made dynamic through time-stamped blockchain records that can be updated as devices move between networks, allowing mobility while maintaining secure authorization through immutable ledger verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the blockchain ledger where each network access point can verify the current authorization status of a mobile device by checking the latest validated record, ensuring that access rights are continuously enforced even as devices move between networks
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method of a network access point for secure network access by a mobile computing device, the mobile device being associated with the access point by a digitally signed record in a blockchain wherein the blockchain is accessible via a network and includes a plurality of records validated by miner computing components, the method including receiving a request from another network access point to associate the mobile device with the other access point, the request having associated identification information for the mobile device; responsive to a verification of an entitlement of the mobile device to access the network, generating a new record for storage in the blockchain, the new record associating the mobile device with the other access point and being validated by the miner components such that the other access point provides access to the network for the mobile device based on the validation of the new record.