Cloud Server Intermediary for Remote Network Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network control systems lack the ability for real-time, remote parental control over access to network resources, particularly in scenarios where the authorizing user is not physically present, and provide insufficient information for informed decision-making about access requests.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based network control system that uses a cloud server and router to intercept access requests, send authorization requests to authorizing users via multiple devices, and allow real-time permission granting or denial, including options for temporary access, with features like ratings and screenshots for informed decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cloud-based network control system is implemented to enable real-time remote parental control, then the ability to remotely manage and control network access in real-time is improved, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud server as an intermediary between the router and the parent's mobile device. The cloud server receives access requests from the router, forwards them to the parent's device for approval, and relays the approval/denial decisions back to the router. This intermediary approach enables remote parental control without requiring direct complex communication infrastructure between the router and parent's device, thus improving ease of operation while managing system complexity.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive information (ratings, screenshots) is provided in authorization requests, then the quality of informed decision-making is improved, but the amount of data processing and transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud server performs preliminary actions by pre-fetching and preparing overview information (ratings, screenshots, descriptions) about websites before these information elements are needed for authorization decisions. This preliminary preparation reduces the data processing burden during actual authorization requests, as the information is already gathered and formatted when needed, thus improving information completeness while managing energy consumption.
3Reliability
If multiple authorizing users are supported for access control, then the reliability and consistency of access management is improved, but the coordination complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a voting mechanism where multiple parent devices can independently approve or deny access requests. The cloud server collects approvals from multiple parents and implements access based on a threshold (e.g., majority approval). This partial action approach allows the system to achieve reliable consensus-based access control without requiring all parents to respond, thus improving reliability while managing response time by not waiting for excessive approvals.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described. The method includes receiving an access request from a router, the router having received the access request from a client device, the client device initiating the access request to obtain access to a website or application. The method also includes sending an authorization request to an authorizing user, the authorization request comprising the access request, thereby enabling the authorizing user to see information related to the access sought to be obtained. The method further includes receiving an authorization response from the authorizing user. The method additionally includes sending the authorization response to the router, enabling the router to act on the access request.