Correlating Dissimilar MAC Addresses via Operational Parameter Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MAC address randomization and anonymization techniques in networking environments can suppress legitimate functions and hinder tracking continuity, making it difficult to maintain device identity and functionality over time.
Innovation Solution
A method to correlate dissimilar device identifiers by analyzing operational parameters and network metadata, determining if they represent the same physical device, and linking them in a database to ensure continuity of identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If MAC address randomization is implemented to protect user privacy and prevent tracking, then device anonymity is improved, but device identification continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping table as an intermediary data structure that stores the relationship between randomized MAC addresses and original MAC addresses. This mapping table acts as a mediator that allows the system to maintain device identification continuity without exposing the original MAC address, thus preserving both privacy and tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the MAC address mapping relationship in the form of a mapping table that stores original MAC addresses alongside their randomized counterparts. This copying mechanism enables the system to track devices using the mapping table without actually using or exposing the original MAC addresses in network communications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MAC address spoofing is allowed to enable device identification flexibility, then device identifier adaptability is improved, but security vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping table serves as an intermediary that manages MAC address changes securely. When a device changes its MAC address, the system records the mapping relationship in the mapping table, allowing legitimate tracking while preventing unauthorized spoofing. The mapping table verifies and manages identifier changes without exposing the original identifiers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If one-way functions are applied to MAC addresses for anonymization, then device privacy is improved, but legitimate function suppression worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a reversible mapping relationship by storing both the original MAC address and its randomized version in the mapping table. This copying approach allows the system to use randomized MAC addresses for privacy protection while maintaining the ability to retrieve and use original MAC addresses when legitimate functions such as parental control or device tracking are required.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for determining whether dissimilar device identifiers in a network actually represent the same physical device. A method, according to one implementation, includes obtaining first and second sets of operational parameters related to first and second set of devices operating in a section of a network. The first and second sets of operational parameters include first and second sets of device identifiers representing the first and second sets of devices, respectively. The method also includes comparing the first set of device identifiers with the second set of device identifiers to find non-matching device identifiers. With respect to the non-matching device identifiers, the first and second sets of operational parameters are analyzed to determine if a device identifier of the first set of device identifiers and a device identifier of the second set of device identifiers likely represent the same device.