Locality Credential Verification for Revocable Guest Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently managing guest access to resources by determining the locality of a user, leading to complications in permitting and revoking access, especially when guests cannot access resources as intended.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes locality verification techniques using user devices and verification devices to determine the proximity and trustworthiness of a user's location, enabling or disabling network and resource access based on verified locality credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical door keys or Wi-Fi passwords are given to guests to permit access to resources, then guest access is enabled, but managing and revoking access becomes complicated and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical key systems with an electronic verification system that uses user devices (smartphones, tablets) to prove locality through digital credentials. This substitution eliminates the need for physical key distribution and manual revocation, allowing remote access control management through software-based verification of device location and identity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification system that acts as a mediator between the resource owner and the guest. This intermediary system verifies locality credentials and manages access permissions centrally, simplifying the process for both owners (who can remotely grant/revoke access) and guests (who automatically receive appropriate access based on verification results).
2Ease of operation
If remote door unlocking is implemented to permit guest access, then access convenience is improved, but security control is reduced when guests cannot access resources as intended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of locality credentials before granting access. The system verifies the user device's location, identity, and authorization status in advance of the access request, ensuring that only properly authenticated users can access resources. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized access attempts and ensures accurate authorization before remote unlocking occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the verification system continuously monitors and reports the status of access credentials and user locations. This feedback loop allows the system to detect when a guest should not have access (e.g., wrong location, revoked credentials) and automatically prevent or revoke access, maintaining security while enabling convenient remote management.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for receiving, by a first device connected to a network from a user device, a first locality credential indicating that the user device is within a first locality. The techniques further including obtaining, by the first device, a second locality credential indicating that the user device is within a second locality. The techniques further including determining, by the first device, whether the first locality credential is trusted based at least in part on a comparison of the first locality to the second locality. The techniques further including in accordance with a determination that the first locality credential is trusted, enabling, by the first device, the user device to access the network associated with the first device.