Wireless LAN Access Point Password Sharing via Host Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of devices connecting to a wireless LAN access point increases, the risk of password leakage grows, and managing password updates becomes costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing a host device to invite a target client device to share access to a wireless LAN access point by exchanging connection information, using a secret key for verification, enabling the client device to connect without needing the login password, with the host device or client device acting as an intermediary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are allowed to connect to the WLAN AP using the same password, then the number of connected devices increases, but the risk of password leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication mechanism by introducing a master device that holds the original password and generates unique connection credentials for each client device. This divides the single password system into multiple independent authentication paths, allowing multiple devices to connect without sharing the same password, thus reducing password leakage risk while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device acts as an intermediary between the WLAN AP and client devices. It receives the original password from the AP, generates unique connection information for each client, and mediates the authentication process. This intermediary role prevents direct exposure of the main password to multiple clients, reducing leakage risk while enabling versatile device connections.
2Reliability
If the legitimate password for the WLAN AP is updated, then security is improved, but each electronic device requires manual password updates increasing management cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service password update capability through the master device. When the WLAN AP password is updated, the master device automatically receives the new password and regenerates connection information for all client devices without requiring manual intervention. This maintains high security through frequent password updates while eliminating the complexity of manual password distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device performs preliminary actions by maintaining an updated copy of the WLAN AP password and proactively generating new connection information before clients need to reconnect. This preliminary update mechanism ensures security is maintained without requiring each device to manually update passwords, reducing management complexity.
3Reliability
If a password protection system is implemented for the WLAN AP, then security is improved, but the ease of connection for electronic devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The master device serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of password authentication. Client devices connect to the master device using simple generated credentials, and the master device manages the complex authentication with the WLAN AP. This maintains strong WLAN security while providing ease of connection for client devices through simplified authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified copy credentials for each client device based on the master password. These copied credentials are easier for clients to use than the main password, maintaining security through the master device's verification while improving ease of operation for connecting devices through simpler authentication strings.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sharing access to a wireless LAN access point is applicable between a target client device and a host device which is coupled to the wireless LAN access point, and includes the steps of: configuring the host device to send an invite request to the target client device, configuring the host device to receive an invite response sent by the target client device, and configuring the host device to exchange connection information with the target client device, such that the target client device may connect to the wireless LAN access point according to the connection information.