Wireless Credential Propagation for Multi-Device WLAN Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area networks (WLANs) in establishments like hotels and restaurants face challenges in securely allowing multiple devices of the same owner to access the network without requiring each device to manually input credentials, while preventing unauthorized access from freeloaders.
Innovation Solution
An initiating portable electronic device receives WLAN credentials, prepares a message containing these credentials, and transmits it to a supplemental device over a wireless personal area network (WPAN), cellular network, or a combination of both, allowing the supplemental device to connect to the WLAN using the extracted credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless networks implement security methods like WEP with passwords or network keys, then unauthorized access is prevented, but user convenience deteriorates due to repeated manual credential entry
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the user enter credentials once on a first device, then automatically propagates these credentials to multiple other devices through wireless transmission. This preliminary credential distribution eliminates the need for repeated manual entry on each device while maintaining security through encrypted transmission channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where a first portable electronic device acts as a credential distributor. This intermediary receives credentials from the user and automatically transmits them to multiple supplemental devices, serving as a mediator between manual user input and automated device authentication.
2Reliability
If multiple devices manually input credentials to access the WLAN, then security is maintained, but time consumption increases due to repeated entry processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary credential distribution by transmitting authentication credentials from a first device to multiple supplemental devices before actual WLAN access is needed. This preliminary action stores credentials in advance on multiple devices, eliminating repeated entry time while maintaining authorization security through verified credential storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating and distributing identical credential copies from a first device to multiple supplemental devices through wireless communication. Each device receives an authentic copy of the credentials, enabling fast access without re-entry while maintaining security through verified credential replication.
3Ease of operation
If wireless networks allow open access without passwords, then ease of operation improves, but unauthorized access from freeloaders increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary credential distribution mechanism where a trusted first device mediates between open wireless access and authorized users. Instead of requiring direct password entry at each device (which is cumbersome) or allowing completely open access (which is insecure), the intermediary distributes credentials selectively to authorized devices through controlled wireless transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing authorized devices to automatically obtain and use credentials without manual intervention at each access point. Once credentials are distributed to a device, that device can autonomously connect to the WLAN without user input, providing convenient self-service access while maintaining security through initial authorized distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for transmitting user credentials to another device. According to some embodiments, a method is described of receiving into a first portable electronic device a set of credentials from a user, the set of credentials to include a WLAN SSID and a network key, the set of credentials to allow the first device to connect to the WLAN. The set of credentials is used to connect the first device to the WLAN. The first device creates a message for wireless transmission, the message includes the set of credentials for accessing the WLAN and is adapted to be delivered to a second device. Finally, the first device transmits the message over the air, wherein the message is addressed to the second device. The second device receives the message and uses the credentials in the message to connect to the WLAN. Other embodiments are also described.