On-Network Device Identification via Mediated Address Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face challenges in determining the address of user devices connected to their network due to masking by network devices, hindering authorization and service provision.
Innovation Solution
User devices make API calls to network devices, allowing network devices to generate and communicate indications of their addresses, enabling service providers to determine device attachment and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network device uses a mask to prevent service provider computing devices from determining the user device address, then the user device address is protected from direct access, but the service provider computing device cannot obtain the user device address for authorization and service provision
Solution Approach 1:
The network device acts as an intermediary between the user device and the service provider computing device. It receives the API call from the user device, extracts the address information, and provides it to the service provider computing device through a controlled interface, thereby mediating the information flow while maintaining address protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the user device make an API call to the network device before service provision. This preliminary call allows the network device to prepare and provide address information to the service provider computing device in advance, enabling subsequent authorization processes
2Loss of information
If the service provider computing device cannot determine the user device address, then address privacy is maintained, but authorization and service provision are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The network device serves as a mediator that facilitates the authorization process without exposing the user device address directly to the service provider computing device, thus maintaining privacy while enabling operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the network device provides address information to the service provider computing device in response to the API call, enabling the computing device to perform authorization checks and service provision decisions
3Loss of information
If the user device makes an API call to the network device, then the address information can be obtained, but additional communication steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The API call mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables the user device to communicate with the network device, triggers the address information retrieval process, and initiates the service provision workflow, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated steps
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for on-network device identification. A user device may make an application programming interface (API) call to an address associated with a network device. The API call may comprise an indication of an address associated with the user device. Based on the API call, the network device may send an indication of the address to a computing device associated with an on-network service. The computing device associated with the on-network service may determine that the user device is authorized to connect to a network or to access an on-network service.