Credential Server Automating Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accessing wireless communication networks due to the need to manage multiple passwords, especially on devices without keyboards, and the security risks associated with storing credentials on limited devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing network credentials, where a credential server receives a request from a digital device, identifies the necessary credentials based on the request, and transmits them back to the device, using standard protocols like DNS, to facilitate automatic network access while ensuring security through encryption and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users store passwords on a laptop computer, then network access is enabled, but security risk increases and device portability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the password storage function from the user's personal device (laptop, PDA, or mobile phone) and relocates it to a remote server. The server stores the network credentials in an encrypted form, and the client device only holds decryption keys or authentication tokens, thereby removing the security vulnerability of storing plain-text passwords on portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the user and the network access point. Instead of the user's device directly storing and managing passwords, the server acts as a mediator that provides credentials to the device when needed, reducing the security burden on the user's personal device.
2Reliability
If users manually enter passwords on devices with limited keyboards, then network access is obtained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic credential retrieval where the client device automatically requests and receives network credentials from the server without requiring manual user input. The device uses its unique identifier (such as device ID or MAC address) to automatically obtain the appropriate password, eliminating the need for users to manually type passwords on limited keyboards.
Solution Approach 2:
The server pre-stores credentials associated with each device identifier. When a device attempts to connect to a network, the server automatically retrieves the pre-stored credentials and provides them to the device, eliminating the need for real-time manual password entry.
3Ease of operation
If simple passwords are used for network access, then ease of operation improves, but security vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores encrypted copies of passwords on the server rather than requiring users to remember or manually enter the actual passwords. The server holds the master copy of credentials in encrypted form, and the client device receives temporary access tokens or decrypted credentials only when needed for authentication, preventing exposure of the actual password.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that handles password management securely. Instead of users dealing with complex passwords directly, the server manages the complexity and security of credential storage, while users only interact with simplified authentication processes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple passwords are stored on personal devices, then network access to multiple hotspots is enabled, but device complexity and security management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal credential management system where a single server handles authentication for multiple networks and hotspots. The client device only needs to store its unique identifier and communicate with this universal server to access any registered network, eliminating the need to manage separate credentials for each hotspot.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the credential management function from individual devices and consolidates it on a remote server. This allows multiple devices to access multiple networks without each device needing to store multiple passwords, as the server centralizes all credential management.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary methods and systems for providing network credentials are described. An exemplary method includes receiving a credential request from a digital device over a network device, identifying a network record based on at least some information within the credential request, retrieving a network credential from a plurality of network credentials based on the network record, and transmitting a credential request response containing the network credentials from the plurality of network credentials to the digital device.