DTMF MAC Address Authentication for WLAN Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless local area network (WLAN) systems allow mobile devices to access the network without a password but restrict Internet access unless authorized, posing a challenge in managing access control and authentication efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a connection system with a receiving module, sending module, and processing module that uses dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals to authenticate mobile devices by broadcasting their MAC addresses, which are then verified against an access control list to determine Internet access permissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mobile devices are allowed to access WLAN without password, then ease of operation is improved, but security and access control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication by capturing the mobile device's MAC address through DTMF signals before granting Internet access. The access control list is pre-configured with authorized MAC addresses, and the system proactively verifies device identity upon WLAN connection attempt, preventing unauthorized access before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism using DTMF signals and MAC address verification between the mobile device and the access control system. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator that allows password-free WLAN access while maintaining security through automated MAC address validation against the access control list.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If password-based authentication is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity and user configuration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service authentication where the mobile device automatically transmits its MAC address information through DTMF signals without requiring user input of passwords or manual configuration. The electronic device automatically captures, validates, and processes the MAC address against the access control list, eliminating the need for complex password management by users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/password-based authentication system with an automated signal-based system using DTMF tones. Instead of requiring users to manually enter passwords, the system substitutes this with automatic MAC address transmission through audio signals, simplifying the authentication mechanism while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If MAC address broadcasting is used for authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information may occur if signals are not properly received

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electronic device monitors and confirms successful reception of DTMF signals containing MAC address information. The access control list is dynamically updated based on verified MAC addresses, providing feedback loops that ensure accurate information capture and reduce loss of authentication data through repeated verification attempts if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10154033B2Electronic device and method for establishing wireless connection
Publication Date: 2018.12.11 SHENZHEN FULIAN FUGUI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO LTD
  • US10154033B2 patent drawing
  • US10154033B2 patent drawing
  • US10154033B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connection method for a mobile device to access the Internet through wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) established by a wireless access point (WAP) includes receiving a connection request from a mobile device. Login information and interface is sent to the mobile device by WAP, the mobile device can generate and broadcast dual tone multi frequency information including its own MAC address through loudspeaker. A distance between the mobile device and the WAP being close, the information of mobile device through DTMF is heard and received and MAC address is extracted. If the extracted MAC address matches the MAC address recorded in an access control list of the WAP, the mobile device is permitted to access the internet through the established WLAN.