Power Line Communication for Secure Wi-Fi Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems are prone to cyber-attacks, making them unsuitable for secure communication in sensitive environments like aircraft and military vehicles, while traditional wired communication systems are cumbersome and prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
A power line communication (PLC) system that modulates an electric current along power lines to transmit a Wi-Fi network authentication key, allowing only authorized components to access the Wi-Fi network by demodulating the current and using the key to connect, thereby enhancing security and reducing the need for physical communication wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to reduce the need for communication wires, then ease of installation and space utilization are improved, but security against cyber-attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses power lines as an intermediary medium to securely transmit the Wi-Fi authentication key from the PLC module to the control module. This mediator approach allows the system to benefit from wireless communication while maintaining security through the controlled power line transmission channel for authentication credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-transmitting the Wi-Fi authentication key through the secure power line communication channel before the actual Wi-Fi communication occurs. This ensures that only authorized components with the pre-distributed key can access the wireless network, preventing unauthorized接入.
2Reliability
If traditional wired communication is used to ensure security, then security is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the power line communication system to serve dual purposes: transmitting both power and authentication keys through the same infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated security wiring, reducing device complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the power distribution infrastructure with the authentication key transmission function. By combining these functions into a single power line communication channel, the patent reduces the overall system complexity and installation requirements compared to using separate wired communication channels for power and security.
3Reliability
If power line communication is used to transmit authentication keys, then security is improved and wired connections are reduced, but interference from power lines may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical signal transmission over power lines with a communication protocol designed for power line communication. This substitution allows the system to utilize the existing power line infrastructure for secure key transmission while employing communication techniques that are resilient to electrical interference.
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
The PLC system provides a secure Wi-Fi network by ensuring only components on the power grid can access the network, reducing cyber-attack risks and eliminating the need for extensive wired connections, while allowing for periodic key updates to maintain security.
Implementation Method 1
a power line communication (PLC) module in electrical communication with the power source via the at least one power line with the PLC module being configured to modulate the electric current to include a power line communication that contains a Wi-Fi network authentication key
Implementation Method 2
extracting the power line communication from the electric current includes demodulating the electric current to separate the power line communication containing the Wi-Fi network authentication key from the electric current
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
A system (10) for securing a Wi-Fi network includes a power source (12) that transmits an electric current along at least one power line (24), a power line communication (PLC) module (18) in electrical communication with the power source (12) via the at least one power line (24) with the PLC module (18) being configured to modulate the electric current to include a power line communication that contains a Wi-Fi network authentication key, and a control module (20) in electrical communication with and downstream from the PLC module (18) via the at least one power line (24) with the control module (20) being configured to extract the power line communication from the electric current and utilize the Wi-Fi network authentication key to access the Wi-Fi network.