RSSI Proximity Authentication for Wireless Pairing Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication procedures for coupling mobile computing devices fail to effectively prevent malicious connections from unknown peripheral devices, particularly due to the lack of consideration for proximity-based authentication methods that do not require additional hardware or processing overhead.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) based authentication method, which determines the proximity of devices by measuring RSSI values to authorize or deny connections, utilizing existing wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth, and executes a security management protocol to establish encrypted connections while logging unauthorized devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing authentication procedures are used for coupling computing devices, then device connection is enabled, but the system is susceptible to erroneous or malicious connections from unknown devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from simple device identification to RSSI-based proximity verification. By measuring and comparing RSSI values against threshold criteria, the system determines whether a connecting device is within expected physical proximity, thereby preventing malicious connections without adding hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring RSSI values during the connection process and comparing them against pre-established thresholds. This feedback mechanism enables real-time authentication decisions, allowing the system to accept or reject connections based on proximity verification
2Reliability
If proximity-based authentication using RSSI values is implemented, then malicious connections are prevented, but additional processing overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the self-service principle by utilizing RSSI values that are already generated and available as part of the standard wireless communication protocol. The system repurposes this existing data for authentication purposes without requiring additional sensors, hardware components, or complex external verification systems
Solution Approach 2:
The RSSI measurement serves multiple functions: it provides signal quality information for connection management and simultaneously acts as an authentication parameter for proximity verification. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining security and communication functions into a single measurement process
3Reliability
If geographic location-based authentication methods are used, then connection security is improved, but additional hardware and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex geographic location systems (which would require GPS receivers, satellite communication hardware, and complex coordinate processing) with a simpler electromagnetic signal strength measurement approach. RSSI-based proximity detection replaces the need for sophisticated geographic positioning hardware while achieving comparable security objectives
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
This approach enhances the security of device pairing by ensuring only proximate, authorized devices can connect, reducing malicious connections and eliminating the need for additional hardware or complex geographic location-based authentication methods, thus improving the reliability and security of mobile device coupling processes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more antennas to receive a signal from a proximate second computing device
Implementation Method 2
signal strength decreasing according to the inverse square law as distance increases
Implementation Method 3
a wireless connection controller to determine a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value for the received signal
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing proximity-based authentication operations using received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values. An expected proximity of devices to be paired is used to determine whether to execute a wireless personal area network (WPAN) connection process. This expected proximity is correlated with the RSSI value of received signals. By utilizing the RSSI value of received signals, embodiments do not utilize any additional hardware for performing the described proximity-based authentication process, and in some implementations, do not utilize any additional processes or routines to determine an RSSI value (e.g., some devices utilize RSSI values in order to adjust output power levels of transmitted signals, and thus, already execute processes or routines to determine RSSI values).