NFC and Secondary Wireless Access Control Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems face challenges in securely managing physical and information access, particularly in preventing tailgating and ensuring proper authentication methods are used, especially in environments where multiple access technologies are employed.
Innovation Solution
The integration of Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology with secondary wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, or Wi-Fi for authentication, allowing NFC to serve as a primary access control mechanism while the secondary technologies provide additional authentication and monitoring capabilities, including remote activation of wireless components and geo-fencing to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC technology is used as the primary access control mechanism, then authentication reliability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to tailgating attacks where unauthorized users follow authenticated users through entryways
Solution Approach 1:
A secondary wireless communication component (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee) acts as an intermediary verification layer. When the NFC reader authenticates a user, the system automatically checks whether the secondary wireless component is also authenticated. This intermediary check prevents tailgating because the unauthorized follower's device would not have the pre-paired wireless authentication credentials, even if they physically follow through the entryway.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple wireless technologies (NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) are integrated for access control, then security against tailgating is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wireless communication technologies (NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee) into a unified access control system. The mobile device contains multiple wireless components that can be paired with the area access control system, creating a single integrated authentication solution that leverages the strengths of each technology while simplifying the user experience through unified management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pairing and authentication between the mobile device's wireless components and the area access control system before actual access is needed. This pre-establishment of trusted relationships allows for rapid verification during access attempts without requiring complex real-time decisions, thereby reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If secondary wireless technologies are used in combination with NFC, then authentication security is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic authentication checks rather than continuous monitoring. The secondary wireless communication component is activated and verified at specific intervals (e.g., when the NFC reader detects an authenticated device), rather than maintaining constant communication. This periodic action maintains security while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances security by ensuring proper authentication methods are used for access control, preventing tailgating, and allowing for efficient management of access across various environments, including physical areas, computing devices, and vehicles, while maintaining user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Near-field communications ('NFC') is an inductive coupling technology that allows inductive circuits to share power and data over a distance of a few centimeters
Implementation Method 2
receiving, at the access control system, a second identifier via a wireless transceiver associated with the area. The wireless transceiver associated with the area can receive the second identifier from a wireless communication component of the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to secondary short-range wireless assist for wireless-based access control. According to one aspect, a method can include receiving, at an access control system, a first identifier via a near-field communications (“NFC”) reader associated with an entryway to an area. The NFC reader can receive the first identifier from an NFC component of a mobile device. The method can include receiving, at the access control system, a second identifier via a wireless transceiver associated with the area. The wireless transceiver associated with the area can receive the second identifier from a wireless communication component of the mobile device after the mobile device has entered the area through the entryway. The method can also include determining, by the access control system, that the first identifier and the second identifier constitute an authentication pair that identifies the mobile device as being authenticated to access the area.