Location-Aware Wireless Network Controller for Zone-Based Access Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (LANs), precise control over access is challenging due to environmental and signal-related factors, leading to unintended extension of network access across adjacent areas, necessitating a method to control access based on client location within specific zones.
Innovation Solution
A location-aware network controller identifies zones within a wireless LAN and applies access controls by determining client positions, assigning logical networks, and applying profiles to manage access to network resources, ensuring clients can only access resources within their designated zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless network access is extended to cover adjacent areas for better signal coverage, then network availability is improved, but access control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless network coverage area into multiple distinct zones (e.g., Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3) with different access control policies. Each zone has its own set of authorized network resources, allowing the system to maintain broad signal coverage while enforcing precise access control at the zone level. Clients are automatically assigned to zones based on their location, and only resources within their assigned zone are accessible.
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration is required for each client in different areas, then access control precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables clients to automatically determine their own zone based on their wireless signal reception capabilities and location. Each client device autonomously identifies which zone it is in and receives appropriate network resource assignments without requiring manual administrator intervention. This self-configuration approach maintains precise access control while eliminating the complexity and time consumption of manual setup.
3Measurement precision
If manual reconfiguration is required when clients move between areas, then access control precision is maintained, but productivity and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic access control system that automatically detects when clients move between zones and reassigns network resources in real-time. As clients traverse the facility and enter different zones, the system continuously monitors their location and automatically updates their access permissions without requiring any user action. This dynamic approach maintains precise access control based on current location while ensuring seamless user experience and high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may control a network based on the position of a client, and may be configured to determine a position of a client within the network. The device may determine whether the client is located inside a zone from a plurality of established zones based on the determined position of the client, and then identify a zone in which the client is located upon determining that the client is located inside one of the established zones. The device may apply a profile associated with the identified zone to the client, and then determine a logical network identifier for the client based on the identified zone. The network may appear to the client as an isolated network for the identified zone.