Wireless Hotspot Access Control via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributing and inputting network keys for private computing networks is time-consuming and can create security issues, particularly when complicated keys are involved, making it difficult for users to access these networks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented technique that uses a server to detect an intermediary device and establish a wireless hotspot for mobile computing devices to access a private computing network, managed through a social network website, allowing selective access without requiring users to share network keys, by transmitting access levels associated with user accounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network keys are distributed manually to users, then access control to private computing networks is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex particularly when complicated keys are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (such as a router or access point) that automatically manages network key distribution. This intermediary receives authentication requests, validates user credentials against stored credentials, and automatically grants or denies access without requiring manual key distribution. The intermediary device acts as a mediator between users and the private computing network, resolving the contradiction by automating the access control process while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where users can independently authenticate themselves to the private computing network by providing credentials (such as username/password combinations) that are automatically verified by the intermediary device. This eliminates the need for manual key distribution by network administrators, allowing users to autonomously gain access to the network while maintaining proper authentication and authorization controls.
2Ease of operation
If network keys are shared among users, then access to private computing networks is simplified, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device serves as a secure mediator that manages individual user credentials and authentication. Instead of sharing a single network key among multiple users, the intermediary device stores and validates unique credentials for each user. When a user attempts to access the network, the intermediary device independently verifies their credentials and establishes an authenticated session, thereby maintaining security while simplifying access for each individual user without requiring key sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the authentication process into individual user credential validations rather than using a single shared key. Each user has their own unique credentials stored and managed by the intermediary device, allowing the system to provide simplified access for each user while maintaining distinct security boundaries. This segmentation eliminates the security risk of key sharing while preserving ease of operation through automated authentication.
3Reliability
If complicated network keys are used, then security of private computing networks is enhanced, but user access becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device manages complicated security credentials and authentication processes on behalf of users. It stores complex passwords, encryption keys, or multi-factor authentication data securely and handles the verification process automatically. Users interact with a simplified authentication interface while the intermediary device manages the underlying complexity, thereby maintaining strong security without burdening users with complicated key management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and manages digital copies of user credentials and authentication data within the intermediary device's secure storage. Instead of requiring users to manually handle complicated keys, the system creates authenticated session copies or temporary access tokens that are automatically generated and managed by the intermediary device. This allows complex security mechanisms to operate in the background while users experience simplified access through automated credential verification and session management.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented technique includes receiving, at a server, a request to utilize an intermediary device to establish a wireless hotspot for a mobile computing device to access a private computing network via a network device. The technique includes receiving, at the server, access information from a first user having control of the private computing network and the network device, the access information specifying users and their corresponding levels of access to the private computing network via the wireless hotspot. The technique includes receiving, at the server, identification information for a second user associated with the mobile computing device. The technique also includes transmitting, from the server and to the intermediary device, a level of access to the private computing network via the wireless hotspot causing the intermediary device to grant the mobile computing device the level of access to the private computing network via the network device.