Secure Key Generation for Wireless Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network access systems for mobile devices lack efficient methods to manage and charge for network access, particularly in scenarios where access needs to be controlled or limited, such as in vehicles or rental cars, leading to difficulties in securing and billing for network usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a mobile device requests network access through an access point, which sends a passcode, and the device responds with an indicia, allowing the access point to generate a secure key for network access, with the option to set temporary or permanent access rules and log chargeable events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network access is provided without secure key generation, then ease of operation is improved, but security and control are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating secure keys in advance based on device indicia before network access is granted. The access point captures device identifiers and pre-generates secure keys, so that when the device attempts to connect, authentication is already prepared, enabling both easy access and secure control
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing mobile devices to automatically authenticate themselves using their own unique indicia. The device presents its identifiers, the access point generates the corresponding secure key, and access is granted without manual intervention, achieving both ease of operation and reliable security
2Reliability
If network access is controlled with rules and logging, then reliability of access management is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a network gateway and a key generation server. It integrates device identification, secure key generation, rule evaluation, and access logging into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable access management
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary access point that mediates between mobile devices and the network. This intermediary handles all complex operations including key generation, rule checking, and logging, shielding the devices from complexity while ensuring reliable access control
3Reliability
If secure keys are generated based on device indicia, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device automatically performs self-service authentication by presenting its own indicia to the access point. The device does not require user input or manual configuration - it automatically generates the authentication request using its identifiers, achieving both high security and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for granting secure network access comprising requesting, by a mobile device, access to a network via an access point; receiving a passcode from the access point; sending a message including the passcode and an indicia back to the access point; and generating, by the access point, a secure key based on the indicia, the secure key providing network access to the mobile device.