Network Device Automatic Key Storage on Physical Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network setups are cumbersome and insecure due to the need for manual entry and potential loss of long private keys, which can lead to security breaches and user errors when setting up and connecting devices to a network.
Innovation Solution
A network device that automatically stores and generates a security key representation on a physical data carrier, allowing connected devices to recognize and use the key for secure communication, eliminating the need for manual key entry and enhancing security by preventing key exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the SSID is broadcast to all wireless devices within range, then devices can easily identify and join the network, but security is compromised as the SSID becomes available to rogue devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical data carrier (USB flash drive, SD card, or other portable storage device) as an intermediary medium to transfer the SSID and private key between devices. Instead of broadcasting the SSID wirelessly or requiring manual entry, the configuration information is stored on a physical carrier that can be safely transferred and read by authorized devices, thereby preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of network joining.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the private key is manually entered into each device, then security is improved by preventing unauthorized access, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the SSID and private key on a physical data carrier before distribution. The network administrator can set up the security credentials once on the carrier, and then simply transfer it to multiple devices without requiring manual entry at each device. This eliminates repetitive manual input, reduces setup time, and prevents transcription errors while maintaining strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating identical copies of the SSID and private key configuration on a physical data carrier that can be distributed to multiple devices. Instead of manually entering the same complex private key into each device, the configuration is copied to the carrier and then read by each device, significantly reducing setup time and eliminating manual entry errors while preserving security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the private key is kept as a long complex code, then security is strengthened, but the risk of user error and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the private key and SSID from the devices themselves and stores them on an external physical data carrier. This separation allows the key to remain long and complex for security purposes while the carrier serves as a reliable external storage medium that can be safely kept and transferred. Users don't need to memorize or manually re-enter the key, eliminating the risk of loss through forgetting or accidental deletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical data carrier acts as an intermediary storage medium that reliably holds the complex private key and SSID configuration. Instead of relying on users to remember or manually manage long complex codes, the carrier provides secure, persistent storage that can be easily transferred between devices, maintaining both security strength and reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual entry of security credentials is required, then security control is maintained, but user errors and inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying to transfer the exact SSID and private key configuration from the source device to the physical data carrier and then to target devices. This automated copying process eliminates manual transcription errors, typos, and inaccuracies that occur during manual entry, while still maintaining security control through the use of encrypted or protected reading of the credentials from the carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual key entry with an automated electronic reading process. The device automatically reads the SSID and private key from the physical data carrier through a standardized interface (USB, SD card slot), eliminating the need for manual typing and significantly improving configuration accuracy while maintaining security through controlled access to the carrier.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device adapted to communicate with other devices over a network, the device being arranged to, when the device is connected to a physical data carrier, automatically store a representation of a security key on the data carrier, and to provide at least one service over the network only to other devices making use of the security key.