Gateway Device Authentication Key Generation for Secure Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting devices to wireless local area networks, such as Wi-Fi, are either cumbersome or insecure, particularly in private networks where access management is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a gateway device to establish a connection between a device and a server, transmitting authentication key requests to a master device, generating authentication keys, and initiating an authentication procedure to grant access to a private local network, utilizing protocols like EAP for secure connection setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If WPS push-button configuration or near field communication is used to connect a device to a wireless LAN, then the connection process is simplified, but the security of the connection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the device and the gateway device. The server generates authentication keys and coordinates the authentication process, mediating the connection establishment to enhance security while maintaining ease of operation. This intermediary role allows complex security operations to be performed transparently without requiring direct user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary authentication key generation and distribution before the actual connection is established. The server generates authentication keys in advance and provides them to the gateway device, so that when the connection is needed, the authentication process can proceed smoothly without compromising security.
2Reliability
If traditional authentication methods are used in private LANs, then network security is maintained, but the access process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service authentication mechanism where the server automatically generates authentication keys and the gateway device automatically performs authentication without requiring manual user configuration. The device can access the network by simply establishing a connection request, and the authentication happens automatically in the background, combining security with ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Authentication keys are generated and distributed in advance by the server before the actual connection request. This preliminary preparation of authentication credentials allows the access process to be simplified while maintaining security, as the authentication data is already ready when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a device without sophisticated user interface attempts to connect to a wireless LAN, then device compatibility is improved, but the connection setup becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that handles the complex authentication setup on behalf of devices with limited user interfaces. The server generates and manages authentication keys, and coordinates with the gateway device, so that the device itself does not need to implement complex connection setup logic, thereby improving compatibility while reducing setup complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process is made self-service through automatic key generation and exchange coordinated by the server. Devices with simple interfaces can initiate connection requests without sophisticated configuration capabilities, and the system automatically handles the authentication setup, making the process simple despite the device's limited capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for granting access for a device to a private local network with a gateway device. The method includes: establishing a connection over the gateway device, wherein a request for accessing the private local network is transmitted; transmitting information on the device; receiving a request for preparing a setup of an authentication procedure; generating a pair of authentication keys; providing one of the generated authentication keys to the device requesting the access to the private local network; initiating the authentication procedure; granting access to the private local network for the device in response to a successful authentication procedure. The invention also relates to a gateway device, a computer program product and a system.