IP Privacy Indication in Access Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current networks lack adequate IP privacy protection, making it difficult to prevent user identity traceability and maintain user privacy in IP-based packet communications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of techniques that allow access networks to indicate privacy-support capabilities, enabling user devices to discover privacy-capable access networks and selectively enable or disable IP privacy features on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IP addresses are used for identification in packet communications, then device identification and network routing are enabled, but user privacy and identity traceability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function by introducing a separate identifier (such as a random or pseudoramous identifier) that is distinct from the traditional IP address. This allows the network to route packets while the actual user-identifying information is separated and protected, preventing direct traceability from IP addresses to user identities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a privacy protection entity or gateway) that mediates between the network routing requirements and user privacy protection. This intermediary can translate or mask identifiers, allowing packets to be routed without exposing the user's true identity or location information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network coverage and accessibility are maximized, then more users can connect to the network, but the ability to selectively protect privacy on specific networks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic privacy protection where the level of privacy shielding can change based on the network context. Users can dynamically enable or disable privacy protection features, or adjust the degree of anonymization, allowing the system to adapt between maximum accessibility (when privacy is not needed) and maximum protection (when privacy is required).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different privacy protection qualities to different network connections. Instead of a uniform approach, each network connection can have its own privacy settings and protection level, allowing users to connect to public networks with strong privacy protection while maintaining full functionality on trusted private networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for establishing connections between user devices and access points to connect to networks. Access points may indicate privacy-support capabilities, enabling a user device to discover privacy-capable access networks, and use this capability for network selection. Furthermore, the techniques enable the user device to request to enable and/or disable privacy support on an on-demand basis. The techniques described herein include the use of an access point that indicates the network's privacy capability to an endpoint device (e.g., source device, user device, etc.) over one or more link-layer messages, IP address configuration mechanisms, and over authentication protocols.