Network Visitability Detection via Access Point Probing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies, such as HOTSPOT 2.0 and IEEE 802.11u protocols, are not widely implemented, leading to difficulties in determining the visitability of Wi-Fi access points, resulting in manual configuration requirements and intermittent connectivity issues, which hinder seamless roaming and efficient network selection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the state of visitability of a network access point by transmitting a security request and analyzing the response, allowing devices to authenticate using credentials provided by an issuing entity, thereby selecting the most suitable network for connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HOTSPOT 2.0 and IEEE 802.11u protocols are used for network visitability detection, then network authentication and roaming capabilities are improved, but device compatibility and widespread implementation are worsened due to limited adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network access point as an intermediary that performs visitability detection on behalf of terminals. The access point actively probes credential-evaluation entities and returns visitability status information to terminals, eliminating the need for terminals to implement complex detection protocols while maintaining reliable authentication through standardized credential verification mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The network access point autonomously performs visitability detection by transmitting security requests and analyzing responses from credential-evaluation entities without requiring terminal initiation. This self-service approach allows the infrastructure to provide visitability information proactively, improving both reliability and compatibility simultaneously
2Reliability
If manual configuration is required for network visitability, then implementation control is improved, but ease of operation and user convenience are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic visitability detection where terminals receive visitability status information from network access points without user intervention. The access points autonomously probe credential-evaluation entities and make configuration decisions, eliminating manual setup while maintaining accurate visitability detection through standardized protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Network access points perform visitability detection in advance and cache the results, making visitability information available to terminals before actual network connection attempts. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time user configuration while ensuring accurate network selection based on pre-verified credential compatibility
3Reliability
If network visitability detection is not implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but connectivity reliability and roaming capability are worsened due to intermittent connectivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the detection complexity from terminals to network access points, which act as intermediaries between terminals and credential-evaluation entities. The access points handle the complex probing and analysis of security requests, while terminals receive simplified visitability status information, maintaining high connectivity reliability without increasing terminal device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simplified visitability status indicators that copy the essential information from complex security authentication processes. Terminals receive ready-to-use visitability status data from access points without needing to understand or implement the complex security request transmission and response analysis mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A state of visitability of a network interface can be determined by transmitting, via a network interface, a security request including data of a trigger. The security request can be transmitted to a network access point (NAP). A result associated with the security request can be determined. A state of visitability of the NAP can be determined based at least in part on the result. The state of visitability can indicate whether a predetermined credential-evaluation entity is reachable via the NAP. In some examples, a network registry can receive an indication of a first NAP. The network registry can determine, based at least in part on stored registry information, an instruction associated with the first network access point, and transmit the instruction. In some examples, a terminal can present a user interface including an indication of a NAP and a content item referenced by the instruction.