MFP SSL Certificate Common Name Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In SSL communication between a client PC and an MFP, improper setting of the common name in the SSL server certificate can lead to warnings and failed communication due to mismatched identification information, especially when the IP address is initially set as the common name and later changes occur.
Innovation Solution
The MFP generates a certificate setting Web page with the host header information as the initial value for the common name, allowing users to easily set the correct identifying information, and provides a warning notification when the common name and network setting information do not match, ensuring proper SSL communication by automatically resetting or correcting the common name.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IP address is set as the common name at initial startup, then SSL communication can be established, but the common name may not match the identification information when IP address changes or when FQDN/mDNS name is used
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the MFP's identification information (IP address, FQDN, or mDNS name) before generating the SSL server certificate. This preliminary action ensures that the common name in the certificate matches the actual identification information used by the MFP, preventing future mismatches and SSL communication failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameter used for the common name based on the detected identification information type. Instead of fixedly using IP address, the system adapts to use FQDN or mDNS name when appropriate, making the SSL certificate compatible with different identification methods and resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the common name is manually reset by user, then customization is possible, but improper setting leads to mismatch with identification information
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user by detecting and displaying the current identification information of the MFP during the common name setting process. This feedback mechanism guides users to enter the correct identification information, preventing mismatch errors while maintaining user customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and provides the correct identification information to the user, reducing reliance on user manual input. The MFP itself supplies the accurate identification information (IP address, FQDN, or mDNS name) that should be used as the common name, enabling users to correctly configure the certificate without specialized knowledge.
3Reliability
If the common name does not match the identification information, then SSL communication cannot be performed, but reissuing the certificate is required which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the critical action of matching the common name with the identification information during the initial certificate generation process. This preliminary matching prevents future SSL communication failures and eliminates the need for complex certificate reissuance operations, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing apparatus information processing apparatus capable of setting proper identifying information for identifying the information processing apparatus, and performing SSL communication. The information processing apparatus is capable of performing SSL communication and issuing a certificate. A CPU of the apparatus receives a request for acquiring a Web page for use in issuing the Web page. The CPU acquires identification information of the apparatus from the request received from the client. The CPU generates the Web page which is for use in issuing the certificate and in which the identification information of the apparatus is set. The CPU transmits the generated Web page to the client as a response to the request.