Router Password Distribution for Connected Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for updating wireless network passwords across multiple devices are cumbersome and time-consuming, especially for devices without keyboards, and often result in security vulnerabilities due to the need for manual input of new passwords on each device.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies devices connected to a gateway device, such as a router, and automatically updates their passwords by providing the new password to authorized devices, either through a graphical user interface or automatically, without requiring manual input from the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual password update methods are used on each device, then security is improved by ensuring devices use current passwords, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The router automatically performs password distribution to connected devices without requiring manual intervention on each device. The system uses the existing wireless connection infrastructure to self-distribute the new password, eliminating the need for users to manually update each device while maintaining security through automatic password synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The router serves multiple functions: it acts as both the network gateway and the password distribution center. By leveraging its existing role as the central network device that all devices connect to, the router can universally push password updates to all connected devices through a single action, rather than requiring separate update processes for each device type.
2Reliability
If manual password input is required on each device, then password security is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates especially for devices without keyboards
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for manual password input by enabling the router to automatically push the new password to all connected devices. Devices receive the password through their existing wireless communication channels without requiring user interaction, making the process equally easy for all device types regardless of whether they have keyboards or other input mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The router acts as an intermediary that facilitates password distribution without requiring direct user input on each device. Instead of users manually entering passwords on each device, the router mediates the password transfer by sending it automatically to all connected devices through the existing wireless infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If automatic password distribution is implemented, then ease of operation and time efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The router leverages its existing multi-functional role as network gateway and connection manager to also serve as the password distribution center. By using its established communication channels with all connected devices, the router can perform password distribution as an additional function without requiring separate complex infrastructure or protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic password distribution system uses the router's existing knowledge of connected devices and their communication capabilities to self-manage the password update process. The router identifies connected devices and pushes passwords through appropriate channels without requiring external management systems or complex user configuration.
4Reliability
If wireless connection process includes multiple steps, then security is improved through authentication, but productivity deteriorates compared to wired connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs password distribution in advance or simultaneously with the connection process. When devices connect to the router, the password update is pushed automatically during or immediately after the connection establishment, rather than requiring separate manual password input steps afterward. This integrates the security function into the existing connection workflow without adding separate productivity-impacting steps.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, at a device, an indication of a change of a password of the device to a new password; identifying one or more devices wirelessly connected to the device, wherein the one or more device have connected to the device using a device password previous to the new password; and providing the new password to at least a subset of the one or more devices. Other aspects are described and claimed.