Multi-device Authentication via Environmental Proximity Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing client-server architectures face challenges in maintaining high performance, availability, and security as the complexity of applications and interconnected devices increases, particularly in managing network traffic and authenticating clients effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network traffic management system that employs multi-device authentication using environmental information from paired devices, such as a desktop and mobile device, to verify proximity and authenticity without requiring users to enter codes, enhancing security and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional authentication methods (passwords, codes) are used, then security can be maintained, but user friction increases and authentication complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the client device itself to perform authentication by capturing environmental information and verifying device proximity, eliminating the need for users to manually enter codes or passwords. The device serves its own authentication purpose through automated environmental sensing and verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual authentication mechanisms (typing passwords, entering codes) with automated environmental sensing and device proximity verification. The mechanical interaction of manual code entry is substituted with automated sensor-based environmental information capture and analysis.
2Reliability
If single-device authentication is used, then authentication simplicity is maintained, but security against malware infection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple devices (client device and authenticating device) into a unified authentication process. By requiring both devices to be present and verifying their proximity through environmental information, the system combines the security benefits of multiple devices while presenting a simple user experience.
3Reliability
If multi-device authentication with environmental information verification is implemented, then security increases, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses environmental information (such as ambient noise, light levels, temperature) as an intermediary to verify device proximity without requiring direct device-to-device communication or complex cryptographic protocols. This intermediary approach simplifies the verification process while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology related to multi-device authentication is disclosed. In one example, a method can include receiving a request from a requesting client device to access a secured server. A command can be sent to an authenticating device to capture environmental information in proximity to the authenticating device. The captured environmental information can be used to verify the requesting client device and the authenticating device are near each other. The received request can be forwarded to the secured server in response to verifying the requesting client device and the authenticating device are near each other.