MAC Address Binding for Reliable Network Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for limiting network access to specific devices are ineffective due to the challenges of managing network passwords and configuring clients to connect to specific networks, especially in large or multiple network environments, as they require significant IT resources and complex setups.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes wireless addresses, such as MAC addresses, to create an access control list on an access point, allowing clients to connect to a network without additional configuration by collecting and populating these addresses and network names through wired connections, simplifying the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network passwords are used to limit access, then access control is achieved, but security is compromised due to password sharing and updating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication mechanism from centralized password management and distributes it to individual client devices through MAC address binding. Each client device stores its bound MAC address and network name locally, eliminating the need for shared passwords and centralized authentication updates.
Solution Approach 2:
Client devices automatically perform authentication by comparing their stored MAC address with the network's allowed list. The system serves itself by using device-specific identifiers that are inherently unique and permanent, eliminating the need for manual password management and reducing security vulnerabilities associated with password sharing.
2Reliability
If clients are configured to connect to specific networks, then network access control is improved, but configuration complexity increases especially in multiple network environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-binding MAC addresses to network names and SSIDs during the setup phase. This preliminary action stores the association data in the client device's memory, so that during actual network connection, the device can automatically select the correct network without requiring complex real-time configuration or manual selection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MAC address as an intermediary identifier that mediates between the client device and the network. Instead of requiring clients to be manually configured with network parameters, the MAC address serves as a unique key that automatically identifies the client's authorized networks, simplifying the configuration process especially in multi-network environments.
3Reliability
If manual configuration is performed for network access, then access control is achieved, but time consumption and IT resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration where client devices automatically authenticate and connect to authorized networks using their pre-bound MAC addresses. This eliminates the need for manual configuration by IT personnel for each device, significantly reducing configuration time and IT resource requirements while maintaining reliable access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the time-consuming MAC address binding and network name association during the initial setup phase. By completing this preliminary configuration action beforehand, the actual network connection process becomes rapid and automatic, minimizing the time required for ongoing device deployment and reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and device for reliable configuration for network access. The method includes connecting an AP to a computer, connecting one or more clients over wired connection to the PC, collecting wireless addresses from all clients and sending the wireless addresses to the AP to populate an access control list, and collecting network name from AP and sending the network name to clients over wired connection.