Hotspot Device Connectivity via WPS and MAC Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of adding new client devices to a Wi-Fi network using MAC address filtering increases operational complexity for users, as they need to manually find and add the MAC address of each device to the authentication list, making the process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and Hotspot Configuration Software (HCS) to establish a Wi-Fi connection with restricted access, where the administrative client device manages MAC address authentication, allowing users to easily add new devices by enabling WPS on both the hotspot and client devices, and updating MAC address information to grant or block access based on user authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MAC address filtering is enabled to enhance network security, then network security is improved, but the complexity of adding new client devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces WPS as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the security requirement (MAC filtering) and ease of operation. When a new device connects via WPS, the system automatically retrieves its MAC address and adds it to the authenticate list, eliminating manual MAC address entry while maintaining security controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing the MAC address authentication list. Instead of requiring users to manually add MAC addresses, the hotspot device automatically discovers new devices through WPS, retrieves their MAC addresses, and updates the authentication list without user intervention, thus maintaining security while simplifying operations.
2Reliability
If manual MAC address entry is required for each client device, then network security control is improved, but user operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring WPS on the hotspot device before new clients arrive. This allows automatic MAC address discovery and authentication list updates to occur seamlessly when devices connect, eliminating the need for users to perform complex manual MAC address entry and authentication processes.
3Ease of operation
If WPS is used to simplify device connection, then ease of operation is improved, but network security may be compromised without MAC address filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges WPS (for ease of connection) with MAC address filtering (for security) into a unified authentication system. The combination allows automatic MAC address discovery through WPS while simultaneously maintaining security controls through the authenticate and block lists, achieving both simplicity and security simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide increased security in Wi-Fi enabled client devices, Media Access Control (MAC) address of a client device may have to be entered manually in a hotspot device which may increase complexity. A method and apparatus are disclosed in which a first client device, referred as Admin client device, may be authenticated by provisioning the MAC address of the client device in a hotspot device. When a new client device is connected with hotspot device, the hotspot device may send MAC address of the new client device to Admin client device. The Admin client device may prompt the device authentication request with MAC address of a new client device. If the user authenticates the request, MAC address of the new client device may be authenticated and internet access may be provided to the new client device. With this method, connection establishment of new client devices is simplified with increased security.