Credential Server Automating Wireless Network Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing wireless networks due to the need to manage multiple passwords, limited device capabilities for password entry, security concerns, and the complexity of connecting to networks with varying quality and configuration, especially for devices without keyboards and limited dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing network credentials, where a credential server receives a request from a digital device, identifies a network record, and transmits the necessary credentials using a standard protocol like DNS, enabling automatic selection and access to the best available network based on attributes such as performance metrics and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually manage passwords on multiple devices, then network access capability is maintained, but device complexity and user burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a credential server as an intermediary between users and wireless networks. The server stores and manages network credentials centrally, allowing users to access multiple networks without manually managing passwords on each device. The device simply requests credentials from the server, which automatically provides the appropriate credentials based on the target network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic credential retrieval and network selection without user intervention. The device automatically queries the credential server, receives appropriate credentials, and connects to the optimal network based on performance metrics, eliminating the need for users to manually enter or manage passwords.
2Ease of operation
If passwords are stored on laptop computers, then access management is simplified, but security risks increase when devices are lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The credential server acts as a secure intermediary that stores credentials centrally rather than on user devices. When a device is lost or stolen, the credentials remain secure on the server and can be remotely revoked or updated, eliminating the security vulnerability of storing passwords locally on potentially compromised devices.
3Reliability
If users enter passwords manually on devices with limited keyboards, then network access is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic credential retrieval and network selection without requiring user input. The device automatically communicates with the credential server, receives the appropriate credentials, and connects to the optimal network, making the process as easy as pressing a button even on devices with limited keyboards.
4Reliability
If multiple credential verification steps are required, then security is enhanced, but connection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The credential server pre- validates credentials and prepares authentication information before the actual network connection attempt. By performing credential verification in advance and caching the results, the system reduces the time required during the actual connection process while maintaining security through multiple verification steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for obtaining network credentials are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving, with a digital device, a network identifier from a network device, providing a first credential request including the network identifier to another digital device on a network, receiving a request for additional network information from the other digital device, providing a second credential request including additional network information to the other digital device, receiving a credential request response including network credentials from the other digital device, and providing the network credentials from the credential request response to a network device.