Li-Fi OTP Authentication for Offline Edge Device Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Edge devices in remote or secure locations face challenges in performing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) due to lack of network access, making them vulnerable to security threats.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) process using Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) protocol, where a user device's built-in flash modulates a One Time Password (OTP) onto light signals transmitted to an edge device, enabling authentication even without network access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional network-based authentication is used, then authentication can be performed with network access, but edge devices in remote locations without network access cannot perform MFA

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces light signals as an intermediary medium to transfer authentication data (OTP) from the user device to the edge device. Instead of relying on network infrastructure, the flash LED modulates light to encode and transmit the OTP, enabling authentication in locations without network access while maintaining security through the use of time-sensitive one-time passwords

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electronic/network-based authentication system with an optical system. The built-in flash LED and photodetector create a light-based communication channel that substitutes for traditional network protocols, allowing MFA to function in remote locations by using optical signals instead of electrical/network signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If edge devices are placed in remote locations for edge computing, then computing capability is improved, but security vulnerability increases due to lack of physical security and network access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing capabilityVSAvoidsecurity threats

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary security measures by using time-synchronized one-time passwords that are generated before the authentication attempt. The OTP expires after a predetermined time period, preventing replay attacks and ensuring that even if an attacker intercepts the light signal, the authentication data becomes invalid immediately, thus addressing security threats proactively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The light signal acts as an intermediary that enables secure authentication without requiring network connectivity. This optical channel provides a secure method to transmit authentication data directly between user device and edge device, mitigating security threats associated with remote locations by eliminating dependency on vulnerable network infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides robust, scalable, and secure MFA, ensuring quick and reliable access control with enhanced security by requiring close proximity and high-speed light-based communication.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Fidelity (Li-Fi):

Data Source

PatentUS12549542B2Visible light communication (VLC) based multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanism for edge devices

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

One example method includes accessing, at a user device, a One Time Password (OTP) that includes randomly generated content that is used during a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) process between the user device and an edge device. At the user device, the randomly generated content of the OTP is mapped onto light that is generated by a built in flash of the user device to generate a modulated light signal. The modulated signal is transmitted from the user device to the edge device using Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) protocol. The edge device is accessed upon a successful completion of the MFA process.