Network Access Authentication Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing access control systems for network elements, once one network element is authenticated, all connected elements gain access without further authentication, rendering access control ineffective for previously authenticated elements connected to the same port.
Innovation Solution
A method where the first network element initiates a new authentication process at the access element, forwarding authentication requests and responses to ensure the second network element is also authenticated, with the first element acting as an intermediary to enforce authentication and control access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access control is implemented at the access element for a port, then authentication of connected network elements is enforced, but all network elements connected to the port gain access when one element is authenticated, rendering access control ineffective for other elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process by introducing individual authentication for each network element connected to a port. Instead of a single authentication covering all elements, the system divides authentication into separate instances for each element (first network element and second network element), ensuring that each element's access is independently controlled and verified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring authentication of the first network element before allowing access for any other elements connected to the same port. The access element performs authentication in advance for each element, and only after successful authentication is access granted. This prevents unauthorized elements from gaining access through a single authenticated element.
2Reliability
If individual authentication is enforced for each network element connected to a port, then access control effectiveness is improved, but the authentication process complexity and control logic requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the access element as an intermediary between network elements and the authentication server. The access element receives authentication requests from multiple network elements connected to the same port, forwards them to the authentication server, and manages the authentication process centrally. This intermediary role simplifies the control logic requirements for individual network elements while maintaining strong authentication controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The access element is designed with multi-functionality to handle authentication for multiple different network elements through a single port. It can authenticate both the first network element and the second network element (or any other elements) using the same authentication mechanisms, making the system universally applicable to various elements without requiring element-specific authentication logic.
Data Source
AI summary
An access element and method for controlling access of a network element are provided. A plurality of network elements which are connected to a connection of an access element and at least one second network element is connected to the access element via a first network element. The first network element is authenticated at the access element. Another operation of authenticating the first network element at the access element is initiated by the first network element. An authentication request which is transmitted by the access element and is received at the first network element is forwarded to the second network element. The second network element responds to the authentication request with a response message and the response message is forwarded to the access element via the first network element.