Portable Device Mediates Wireless Network Key Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless network security keys are difficult to manage and transmit securely, especially in multi-device environments, as they are often lengthy and hard to remember, leading to issues with unauthorized access and inefficient reset procedures.
Innovation Solution
A portable computing device with input and configuration applications that receive wireless network information from a network device, using QR code interpretation or near-field communication, to securely transmit and configure wireless network settings to client devices, including displaying and deleting security keys for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the security key is displayed on a configuration page, then the key can be viewed and copied, but the key can be easily captured by unauthorized users or lost if the device is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable computing device as an intermediary between the network device and client devices. This intermediary securely stores the security key and controls its distribution, allowing authorized access while preventing unauthorized capture. The portable device acts as a trusted mediator that manages key distribution without exposing the key in vulnerable locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a secure copy of the security key stored on the portable computing device, separate from the original location on the network device. This copy can be selectively shared with authorized client devices through controlled transmission, eliminating the need to leave the original key in accessible locations and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
2Ease of operation
If the security key is written on a note or saved as a screenshot, then the key can be easily retrieved, but the security risk increases and the document can be easily destroyed or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating physical or visual copies like notes or screenshots, the patent creates a digital copy stored securely on a portable computing device. This digital copy can be easily retrieved through the device's interface while maintaining security through controlled access mechanisms, eliminating the vulnerabilities of physical documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical methods of storing and retrieving the security key (notes, screenshots, physical documents) with an electronic/digital system. This substitution provides both ease of retrieval through digital access and enhanced security through encrypted storage and controlled transmission capabilities.
3Reliability
If the security key is re-entered in each client device during reset, then the network security is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming especially with large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security key management function into a single portable computing device that can service multiple client devices. Instead of manually entering the key into each device individually, the portable device serves as a centralized key distribution point, allowing rapid propagation of the security key across multiple client devices through automated or semi-automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables efficient copying and distribution of the security key from the portable computing device to multiple client devices. The key can be rapidly replicated and transmitted to numerous devices without requiring manual re-entry, significantly reducing the time required for network reset while maintaining security through controlled distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable computing device for configuring wireless network settings based on received network configuration information includes an input device configured to receive wireless network information from a network device independent of whether the portable computing device is connected to a wireless network that is implemented by the network device and a network configuration application for configuring one or more wireless network settings to initiate wireless network communication through the network device based on the received network information. The network configuration application is configured to facilitate communication of the received wireless network information to a client device. The network information may include a security key and may be entered into a client device either manually after being displayed on the portable computing device or by being transmitted to client device.