In-Band Secure Access for Automatic Wireless Network Sign-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in connecting to secured wireless networks due to complex configuration requirements and lack of technical information, often resorting to unsecured connections, exposing their devices to cyber threats, and existing protocols like OSU and Passpoint require manual setup and additional infrastructure, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An in-band secure access protocol that enables mobile devices to establish an initial network connection, exchange subscription data, and download a subscription file for encrypted and trusted connections, using temporary credentials and authentication protocols to facilitate seamless and secure network access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional secured wireless network connection methods are used, then network security is improved, but user operation complexity increases and ease of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic authentication and subscription file download without requiring manual user input. The client computing device automatically establishes the initial network connection, exchanges subscription data, and completes the authentication process using the in-band secure access protocol, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex security settings or enter credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The subscription file is downloaded and cached on the client device before actual network connection is needed. This preliminary action allows the device to have authentication credentials ready in advance, enabling quick and simple connection to secured networks without performing complex authentication steps at the moment of connection.
2Reliability
If manual configuration methods are used, then network access control is improved, but setup time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the entire subscription process including establishing initial network connection, exchanging subscription data with the server, downloading the subscription file, and caching it locally. This self-service automation eliminates manual configuration steps while maintaining secure network access control through the in-band secure access protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-band secure access protocol enables continuous automatic authentication and subscription management. Once the subscription file is cached on the client device, subsequent network connections are established quickly without requiring repeated manual setup, maintaining continuous useful action of network access.
3Reliability
If separate infrastructure for secure access is implemented, then network security is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The in-band secure access protocol merges the authentication and subscription processes into the existing wireless network connection framework. Instead of requiring separate infrastructure or protocols, the secure access steps are combined with the standard network connection establishment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-band secure access protocol serves multiple functions within a single framework: it establishes initial network connection, performs authentication, exchanges subscription data, and enables secure access. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated protocols or infrastructure components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes determining, by a client computing device, that a wireless access point (WAP) supports an in-band secure access protocol to connect to a wireless network hosted by a server, where the protocol involves establishing an initial network connection to exchange subscription data. The method includes receiving, from the WAP, a temporary login credential and an authentication protocol for the server. The method includes utilizing the temporary login credential and the authentication protocol to establish the initial network connection. The method includes exchanging the subscription data with the server over the initial network connection. The method includes completing the protocol by downloading, from the WAP and over the initial network connection, a subscription file. The subscription file enables the client computing device to establish an encrypted and trusted network connection over the wireless network.