Credential Server for Automated Network Access and Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accessing wireless networks due to the complexity of entering and managing multiple passwords, especially on devices without keyboards, and the security risks associated with storing credentials on devices that can be lost or stolen, as well as the difficulty in selecting suitable networks without GPS or adequate communication functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a credential server to receive requests for network credentials, identify the appropriate credentials based on device information, and transmit them to the device for network access, while also enabling the selection of wireless networks based on attributes and quality of service using a DNS protocol for location identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually enter and store passwords on their devices, then network access is achieved, but security risks increase and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a credential server as an intermediary between the user's device and the network. The server stores credentials securely and provides them to the device when needed, eliminating the need for users to manually manage passwords on their devices. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining network access reliability through secure credential storage while significantly improving ease of operation through automated credential delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the credential server to automatically provide credentials to authorized devices without requiring manual user intervention for password entry or storage. The device can autonomously obtain credentials from the server, improving ease of operation while maintaining security through the server's controlled credential distribution.
2Ease of operation
If users store passwords on their devices, then network access is enabled, but security risks increase due to device loss or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The credential server acts as a secure intermediary that centralizes credential storage. Instead of credentials being stored on potentially lost or stolen devices, the server maintains secure storage and only provides credentials to authorized devices through controlled processes. This eliminates the security risk associated with device loss while maintaining ease of network access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a secure copy mechanism where the credential server maintains the master credential copy and can provide authenticated copies to authorized devices temporarily. This ensures that even if a device is lost, the credentials can be revoked or updated on the server without affecting the security of the network.
3Measurement precision
If GPS hardware is used for location identification, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The credential server provides multi-functionality by serving both as a credential distribution system and a location identification system. By using the existing network infrastructure and credential exchange mechanisms to convey location information, the system eliminates the need for dedicated GPS hardware while maintaining location identification capability. This resolves the contradiction by achieving location accuracy through a universal system rather than specialized hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based location determination system with an information-based system using network credentials and server communication. Instead of relying on satellite signals and physical hardware, the system uses digital credential exchanges to identify and determine location, eliminating the need for complex GPS hardware while maintaining location identification accuracy.
4Reliability
If manual password entry is required, then network security is maintained, but productivity and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The credential server performs preliminary actions by pre-storing and preparing credentials before they are needed. When a device needs network access, the credentials are already available on the server and can be quickly provided through automated processes. This eliminates the time-consuming manual password entry while maintaining security through the server's controlled credential distribution, thus improving productivity without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service where the credential server automatically provides credentials to authorized devices without requiring manual user intervention. This automated process significantly increases productivity by eliminating manual password entry while maintaining security through the server's authenticated credential distribution mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining location over a network are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises scanning, by a digital device, an area for one or more wireless networks, receiving one or more BSSIDs associated with the one or more wireless networks, generating a location request in a DNS protocol formatted message, the location request comprising the one or more BSSIDs, providing the location request, receiving a location response based on the location request, and retrieving at least one location identifier from the location response.