Network Repeater Pairing via Identification Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of network repeaters is complex for users without technical knowledge, particularly in extending wireless networks at home, due to the need for manual configuration of wireless network details and security settings, and existing solutions like WPS have security flaws.
Innovation Solution
A method for connecting a network repeater to access equipment using authentication with identification information, including a public key and private key pair, automated device detection, and voice-based user interaction to simplify the installation process while ensuring security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of wireless network details and security settings is required, then security is ensured, but installation complexity increases for non-technical users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the repeater with identification information (including cryptographic keys) before deployment. During installation, the repeater automatically transmits this identification information to the access point, which retrieves stored configuration parameters using this information. This eliminates the need for users to manually configure security settings during installation, while maintaining security through pre-established cryptographic authentication.
2Ease of operation
If WPS technology is used for simple pairing, then ease of operation is improved, but security flaws are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the access point serves as a secure mediator between the repeater and the network configuration. The repeater transmits only identification information (not full credentials), and the access point uses this to retrieve pre-stored configuration parameters from its memory. This intermediary approach simplifies user interaction while maintaining security through the access point's role as a trusted mediator that controls parameter distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the security-critical configuration parameters from the repeater and stores them securely in the access point's memory during manufacturing or initial setup. The repeater only carries identification information, which is insufficient for unauthorized network access. This extraction separates the authentication function (held by repeater) from the configuration distribution function (held by access point), improving both simplicity and security.
3Extent of automation
If identification information is transmitted beforehand to access equipment, then automated authentication is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the access point to perform multiple functions: it acts as a wireless access point, stores configuration parameters in its memory, receives and processes identification information from repeaters, retrieves corresponding parameters using this information, and transmits them automatically. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automated authentication.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of connecting a network repeater (14) to a targeted access device (12) implementing a wireless network, the method being implemented by the network repeater (14) when it is in the vicinity of the targeted access device (12) and comprising an authentication phase of the network repeater (14) with the targeted access device (12) by means of an identification information relating to the network repeater (13) and transmitted prior to the implementation of the connection method by a remote server (22) to the targeted access device.