Proximity-Based Guest Access for Network Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for providing guest access to network resource devices, such as printers, often require dedicated hardware and software, IT support, and administrative assistance, making it complex and insecure for temporary access by guests.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically provides guest access credentials based on proximity using a hardware processor and computer-readable medium, which determines a guest user's proximity to network resource devices through short-range communications links or user interface interactions, and provides unique identifiers for access configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated hardware and software solutions are used for guest access, then network security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service guest access by allowing guests to automatically receive access credentials through proximity-based detection (such as mobile device geofencing or RFID proximity). The system autonomously provisions access rights without requiring dedicated hardware or manual IT administrator intervention, thereby eliminating the need for complex dedicated solutions while maintaining security through automated proximity verification and temporary credential issuance.
2Reliability
If manual guest access provisioning is used, then network security is maintained, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring access policies, resource device lists, and credential templates before guest arrival. When a guest enters the premises, the system automatically detects their presence through proximity methods (geofencing, RFID, or mobile device location), retrieves pre-prepared access credentials, and provisions them instantly. This eliminates the need for real-time manual provisioning by IT administrators, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining security through automated policy enforcement.
3Ease of operation
If proximity-based automatic access is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by leveraging existing standard technologies (mobile device location services, RFID readers, Wi-Fi geofencing) that guests already possess or interact with daily, rather than requiring dedicated specialized hardware. The same automated provisioning infrastructure serves multiple functions: access control, security verification, resource allocation, and credential delivery. This multi-functional approach simplifies the guest experience while distributing system complexity across existing infrastructure components rather than requiring a single complex dedicated system.
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
Enables secure and efficient temporary access to network resource devices without the need for dedicated solutions or IT support, ensuring only proximate users receive access credentials, enhancing network security and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
determine if the guest user is within a certain distance of at least one of the network resource devices by establishing a short range communications link between an electronic device of the guest user and the at least one network resource device, and determining if a signal strength of the short range communications link is above a threshold level
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing guest access to a guest user for a network resource device based on proximity includes provisioning a plurality of network resource devices with a set of guest-on boarding information, receiving a request for guest access from a guest user for the network resource devices, determining if the guest user is within a certain distance of at least one of the network resource devices, and if the guest user is within the certain distance of at least one of the network resource devices identify each such network resource device as a proximate device. The method also includes providing a first set of guest on-boarding information to the guest user, via one of the proximate devices. The first set of guest on-boarding information includes a first unique identifier, and guest access credentials are provided to the guest user upon receipt of the first unique identifier.