Parental Control Policy Enforcement via Hardware Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Parental controls on user devices are difficult to manage when a child user is associated with multiple devices, as they can be circumvented when accessing content through different routers or cellular networks, lacking consistency across various networks.
Innovation Solution
A system that outputs hardware identifiers of user devices connected to a router, allowing the router to apply consistent parental controls based on these identifiers, and extends this enforcement to cellular networks by using a policy server to push policies to both local and wireless policy enforcement components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If parental controls are implemented on individual user devices, then content blocking can be enforced on each device, but management becomes difficult when a child is associated with multiple devices and controls can be circumvented when accessing content through different routers or cellular networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal parental control system that operates across multiple networks (local Wi-Fi and cellular) and multiple devices (routers, smartphones, tablets, computers). The policy server centrally manages controls that are automatically applied regardless of network or device type, making the system multi-functional and universally applicable while simplifying management through a single centralized interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a policy server as an intermediary between parents and the complex network infrastructure. This intermediary receives parental control policies from parents, translates them into network-enforceable rules, and distributes them to appropriate network elements (routers, policy enforcement points). This mediator simplifies the management interface while maintaining effective control across multiple devices and networks
2Reliability
If parental controls are applied at the network level through routers, then content blocking can be enforced for all devices on that network, but controls are lost when devices connect to different routers or use cellular networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal parental control functionality across different network types (local Wi-Fi, cellular) and device types. The policy server ensures consistent control application whether devices connect through their home router, mobile hotspot, or cellular network, eliminating the need for separate control configurations for each network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the policy server receives information about device connections and network status, automatically updates control policies accordingly, and ensures consistent enforcement. The system monitors device locations and connection states to dynamically adjust policy application while maintaining consistency across networks
3Reliability
If hardware identifiers are used to track user devices across networks, then consistent parental controls can be applied regardless of network connection, but the system must manage and associate identifiers across multiple network elements
Solution Approach 1:
The policy server acts as an intermediary that receives hardware identifiers from network elements (routers, policy enforcement points), maintains a centralized database of device information, and uses these identifiers to retrieve and apply appropriate parental control policies. This intermediary manages the complexity of identifier tracking while ensuring accurate device identification across networks
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing associations between hardware identifiers and user profiles in the policy server database before actual control enforcement is needed. Device registration and identifier binding occur in advance, allowing rapid policy retrieval and application when devices connect to networks, reducing real-time processing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive a first indication that a user device connected to a first network device associated with a first network, the first indication including a hardware identifier associated with the user device; identify a policy set associated with the hardware identifier; and output the policy set to the first network device. The outputting may cause the first network device to filter traffic, transmitted via the first network device and destined for the user device, in accordance with the policy set. The device may receive a second indication that the user device has connected to a second network device associated with a second network; and output the policy set to the second network device. The outputting may cause the second network device to filter traffic, transmitted via the second network device and destined for the user device, in accordance with the policy set.