Modem Wireless Password Retrieval via Email Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience and loss of configurations when forgetting wireless network passwords, as resetting the modem to default settings is the only way to regain access, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A modem/gateway device with a user interface and hardware processor that allows password retrieval by generating a message for transmission to a server via email, enabling quick access without resetting to default settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the modem is reset to default settings to retrieve a forgotten wireless network password, then the password can be accessed, but all previous configurations are lost and reconfiguration is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless network passwordVSAvoidnetwork configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by storing the wireless network password and associated email address in the modem's non-volatile memory during initial configuration. This preliminary storage enables later retrieval without requiring a factory reset, thus preserving network configurations while providing password access through email transmission to the stored address.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If the LAN GUI is used to retrieve the wireless network password, then the password can be accessed, but the LAN GUI itself is password protected and requires remembering another password

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless network passwordVSAvoidpassword retrieval process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism by implementing an automated email-based password retrieval system. Instead of requiring users to navigate through the password-protected LAN GUI, the system transmits the wireless network password directly to the user's email address via automated email communication, eliminating the need to remember or re-enter the LAN GUI password.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If the modem is reset to default settings, then the wireless network password can be retrieved, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless network passwordVSAvoidpassword retrieval time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling users to retrieve their wireless network password automatically through email without requiring manual intervention in the modem's configuration interface or factory reset procedures. The user simply provides their email address, and the system autonomously transmits the password, saving time and eliminating the need for technical expertise in modem configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12056228B2Modem/gateway device having a wireless network password retrieval function

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 RUCKUS IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A modem/gateway device having a password retrieval function is provided that includes a user interface, a hardware processor, and a non-transitory memory configured to store one or more programs. The hardware processor executes the one or more programs to receive a request for a password retrieval in response to an input from the user interface, generate a message for retrieving a password for a wireless network, and transmit the message to a server. The password corresponds to an email address to which an email is to be sent by the server. The transmitted message instructs a password retrieval operation by the server to transmit the password to the email address.