Embedded Network Device Authentication Without Web Browser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices with embedded systems, lacking a web browser, face difficulties in user authentication over public networks due to varying authentication page formats and the inability to process HTTP data, making it challenging to connect to the Internet securely.
Innovation Solution
A network device with an embedded system, equipped with a storage unit, connection unit, input unit, and authentication unit, retrieves and fills authentication pages, allowing it to connect to the Internet by sending user authentication data to the authentication server, even without a web browser, using HTTP or XML protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a network device with an embedded system connects to an authentication server using XML protocol or other specified protocols, then it can obtain authentication information, but it cannot properly process HTTP authentication pages requiring a web browser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a bridge between the embedded system and the authentication server. This intermediary handles the HTTP authentication pages by extracting necessary information and presenting it to the embedded system in a format it can process, thereby enabling authentication without requiring a full web browser environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the authentication page data that the embedded system can handle. Instead of requiring the embedded system to process the complete HTML authentication page, the system extracts and copies only the essential authentication elements into a format suitable for the embedded environment.
2Quantity of substance
If a network device without a web browser attempts to authenticate, then device resources are conserved, but the device cannot retrieve or process authentication pages
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary component serves as a mediator that retrieves and processes authentication pages on behalf of the resource-constrained embedded system. This allows the device to maintain its resource efficiency while still achieving authentication capability through the intermediary's handling of web page processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a self-service mechanism where the embedded device can independently complete authentication by having the intermediary automatically retrieve, parse, and submit authentication data without requiring manual web browser interaction from the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different authentication servers use varying authentication page formats, then authentication flexibility is improved, but network devices struggle to handle diverse formats without a web browser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication mechanism that can handle multiple authentication page formats through the intermediary component. This intermediary is designed to work with various authentication server types and page formats, providing a multi-functional solution that adapts to different authentication requirements without requiring the embedded system to change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different authentication page formats by changing parameters such as data extraction methods, field identifiers, and submission formats. The intermediary dynamically adjusts its processing parameters based on the specific authentication server and page format being used, enabling flexible handling of diverse authentication requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An authentication method for a network connection for a network device is provided. An embedded system is installed in the network connection, and the network device is free from a web browser. First, the network device connects to an authentication server, and an internet access request is sent to the authentication server. An authentication page is retrieved from the authentication server. User authentication data is obtained by an input unit of the network device, and then the user authentication data is filled in corresponding fields of the authentication page. The authentication page is transferred to the authentication server. After, when authentication of the authentication page is successful, the network device connects to the Internet via the authentication server.