Centralized Authentication Management for Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing authentication information for various network devices is complex due to the need for different authentication methods based on device types, configurations, and locations, making it difficult for users to set and manage authentication details across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A management system with a management unit for shared authentication information, a communication unit for attempting authentication using stored information, and a storage unit for associating successful authentication details with network devices, allowing for centralized management and reuse of authentication credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authentication information is managed for each device individually according to device type, configuration, and location, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication information management mechanism that serves multiple devices across different types, configurations, and locations through a single centralized system. The management device stores and manages authentication information that can be applied universally to various network devices, eliminating the need for separate management approaches for each device category while maintaining device-specific authentication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the management of authentication information into a unified system where the management device consolidates authentication credentials for multiple network devices. By combining authentication management functions into a single centralized repository, the system reduces the complexity of managing separate authentication information for each device while ensuring reliable authentication across all devices.
2Reliability
If authentication information is managed for each device individually, then authentication security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The management device automatically retrieves and manages authentication information from a unified storage location, eliminating the need for users to manually configure and update authentication credentials for each device. The system performs self-service authentication management by automatically selecting and applying appropriate authentication information based on device identification, thereby maintaining security while significantly improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary management device that acts as a mediator between users and multiple network devices for authentication purposes. This intermediary automatically handles the complex task of selecting and managing authentication information, shielding users from the complexity of device-specific authentication requirements while maintaining secure authentication across all devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple authentication methods are supported for different devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adaptability through parameter changes by storing authentication information with varying parameters (such as different authentication types, credentials, and methods) in a unified management structure. The management device dynamically selects and applies appropriate authentication parameters based on the specific device being accessed, enabling support for multiple authentication methods without requiring complex separate management systems for each method.
Data Source
AI summary
If authentication information used for communication has not been determined in a case where authentication is required in communication with a network device, a communication unit of a management system attempts the authentication processing with the network device by using information for one piece each in order from among shared authentication information that has been managed. If the authentication has succeeded, a storage unit stores the authentication information used in the authentication in association with the network device. If the authentication information to be used for the communication has been stored in a case where the authentication is required in communication with the network device, the communication unit performs communication using the stored authentication information without performing an attempt.