Mobile Relay Access Control via Unique Identifier Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack flexible access control and assurance for mobile devices acting as relays, as they often require sharing passwords or relying on unreliable identification information, making it difficult for users to selectively allow temporary or specific-purpose relay access.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a processor to determine a unique identifier of a mobile device and decide whether it should act as a relay based on this identifier, using verified information from the mobile communication network, such as IMSI, GUTI, or social media connections, to make informed relay decisions without user reliance on information from the requesting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the owner of the first device shares a password to allow relay access, then the friend can use the device as a relay, but the owner must change the password afterwards to deny access, which is inconvenient and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple access points with different password protection settings before relay access is needed. The owner can set up temporary access points with unique passwords that are automatically created and managed by the system, eliminating the need for manual password changes later.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control mechanism is segmented into multiple independent access points, each with its own password protection settings. Instead of using a single shared password, the system creates separate access points for different relay scenarios, allowing granular control over who can access relay functionality and when.
2Ease of operation
If the first device is configured to act as a relay without access control, then any device can use it as a relay, but the owner cannot distinguish between different requesting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the first device receives and processes identification information from requesting devices, then provides feedback to the owner about who is requesting relay access. This allows the owner to make informed decisions about whether to allow relay access based on the requesting device's identity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary access control layer between the requesting device and the relay functionality. Instead of directly connecting requesting devices to relay services, the system uses access points as intermediaries that verify passwords and manage connections, ensuring reliable identification and control.
3Reliability
If the owner sets up a new access point for each friend and removes it afterwards, then access control is possible, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically creating access points with unique passwords before relay access is needed. When a relay request is received, the system can pre-establish the necessary access control mechanisms, eliminating the time-consuming manual setup and teardown of access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service functionality where access points are automatically created, configured, and managed without requiring manual intervention from the owner. The system handles password generation, access point configuration, and connection management automatically, reducing the time and effort required for access point management.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sending a relay notification comprises a transceiver and a processor. The processor is configured to use the transceiver to receive a request for allowing a mobile device to be used by a further mobile device as a relay to a mobile communication network. The processor is further configured to determine whether the mobile device is to act as a relay for the further mobile device based on the unique identifier of the further mobile device, and to use the transceiver to notify the mobile device that it is to act as a relay for the further mobile device in dependence on the determination. The mobile device is configured to receive the notification from the system. The processor is further configured to start relaying data received from the further mobile device to the mobile communication network upon receiving the notification.