Credential Server for Wireless Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for accessing wireless hotspots are challenging for digital devices without web browsers, as they cannot enter credentials or payment information, and require pre-configuration with known hotspot credentials, limiting access to only pre-configured networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow digital devices to receive network information, generate an access identifier, and send a credential request to a credential server to obtain network credentials, enabling access to secured wireless networks without pre-configuration, using SSID, IP address, or captive portal data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital devices pre-configure credentials for all hotspots, then access to known hotspots is enabled, but device memory requirements increase and new hotspots cannot be accessed without updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring only the credential acquisition mechanism rather than actual credentials. The device is prepared with the ability to request credentials on-demand, eliminating the need to store extensive credential data while maintaining access capability to both known and new hotspots.
Solution Approach 2:
A credential server acts as an intermediary between the digital device and the hotspots. Instead of storing credentials locally, the device communicates with the credential server which provides credentials dynamically. This mediator eliminates the need for local credential storage while enabling access to multiple hotspots.
2Reliability
If conventional login processes require web browsers, then secure credential entry is enabled, but devices without browsers (VoIP phones, cameras, MP3 players) cannot access hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The credential acquisition system is designed to be universal and work across different device types without requiring web browser functionality. The system uses standard communication protocols that can be implemented on any digital device, making the authentication process accessible to VoIP phones, cameras, MP3 players, and other devices regardless of their interface capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical interaction of manual credential entry through web browsers with an automated electronic credential acquisition process. The digital device automatically requests and receives credentials through structured communication with the credential server, eliminating the need for user interaction via web interfaces.
3Reliability
If hotspots require authorized login processes, then network security is maintained, but user access complexity increases and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The digital device performs self-service by automatically requesting and acquiring credentials from the credential server without requiring user intervention. The device independently completes the authentication process, eliminating manual login steps while maintaining network security through the credential verification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary credential acquisition actions automatically before network access is attempted. The device proactively requests credentials from the credential server in advance, so when network access is needed, the authentication is already prepared and can proceed without user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary systems and methods for identifying a wireless network are provided. In exemplary embodiments, a method includes at least a digital device receiving network information associated with a network, generating an access identifier based on the network information, generating a credential request including the access identifier, providing the credential request to a credential server, receiving a credential request response from the credential server, the credential request response comprising network credentials to access the network, and providing the network credentials to a network device to access the network.