Communication Device Security Level Comparison for Wireless Connection Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

When a station changes access points, there is a risk of establishing a wireless connection with an access point that has a lower security level than the initial one, compromising network security.

Innovation Solution

A communication device that compares the security levels of potential new access points with the existing one, notifying the user and requiring authentication information if the new security level is lower, thereby preventing the establishment of a connection with a lower security level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a station changes access point to a new access point, then connectivity and adaptability are improved, but security level may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess point switching capabilityVSAvoidsecurity level

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device performs preliminary comparison of security levels between the current access point and the target access point before establishing a new wireless connection. This preliminary action prevents security degradation by evaluating security parameters (such as authentication methods and encryption strength) in advance, and only allowing connection switching when the new access point meets or exceeds the security requirements of the current connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If security verification processes are added when changing access points, then security level is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidconnection management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device automatically performs security level comparison and connection management without requiring manual user intervention. The device independently evaluates security parameters of target access points, determines whether connection switching is permitted, and executes the connection process automatically. This self-service approach maintains high security standards while avoiding the complexity and operational burden that would result from manual security verification procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12160736B2Communication device and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for communication device

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A communication device may obtain second security information in a case where a first instruction for establishing a second wireless connection with a second parent station is accepted under a state where a first wireless connection with a first parent station is established, and determine whether a second security level indicated by the second security information is lower than a first security level indicated by first security information in a memory. The communication device may execute at least one process of a notification process or an acceptance process in a case where it is determined that the second security level is lower than the first security level and establish the second wireless connection with the second parent station without executing the at least one process in a case where it is determined that the second security level is not lower than the first security level.