Network Setup Device Automating Credential Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems are cumbersome and time-consuming when adding new users, requiring extensive configuration and often involve exposing the entire network or providing limited access, which is inefficient and insecure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base unit and network set-up devices that obtain and distribute network information to communication devices, allowing for efficient establishment of network access while monitoring device proximity to ensure security and limited access, using a controller to manage network information and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional network configuration methods are used to add new users, then network access can be established, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome requiring extensive configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit pre-stores network information (SSID, security credentials, IP configuration) before users need to connect. When a new user arrives, the information is already prepared and can be rapidly distributed through the set-up device without requiring real-time configuration or complex authentication procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
A portable set-up device acts as an intermediary between the base unit and communication devices. It receives network information from the base unit and automatically distributes it to multiple communication devices, eliminating the need for users to manually configure network settings and significantly reducing setup time.
2Ease of operation
If the entire network is exposed to new users for access, then network connectivity is provided, but security risks increase and access control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides differentiated network information to different devices based on their specific needs and authorization level. The base unit stores multiple sets of network information with different security parameters, and the set-up device distributes appropriate information to each communication device, ensuring each device receives only the access level it is authorized for rather than exposing the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
Network access is segmented into different levels and zones. Instead of providing blanket access to the entire network, the system divides network information into separate configurations that grant access only to specific resources or segments appropriate for each user or device, maintaining security while enabling necessary connectivity.
3Reliability
If manual configuration is performed for each communication device, then network access is established, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The set-up device acts as a copying mechanism that receives network information from the base unit and automatically replicates it across multiple communication devices. Instead of manually configuring each device individually, the system copies the pre-configured network settings to all devices simultaneously, maintaining configuration accuracy while eliminating manual effort and reducing complexity.
4Productivity
If network information is distributed to multiple devices simultaneously, then setup efficiency is improved, but control over individual device access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The set-up device provides feedback mechanisms to track which communication devices have successfully received and configured network information. The base unit can monitor the distribution status and maintain records of which devices have been provisioned with network access, enabling centralized control and tracking of individual device access even as information is distributed simultaneously to multiple devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network element having a controller to obtain network information associated with establishing a network among a group of communication devices, and provide the network information to a plurality of network set-up devices removably connected to the network element, where each of the plurality of network set-up devices is connectable with a communication device of the group of communication devices to provide at least a portion of the network information to the communication device, and where the network is established based at least in part on the at least a portion of the network information. Other embodiments are disclosed.