Intelligent Network Access Controller for Selective Overlay Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network access restriction methods, such as jamming and cell shutdown, do not discriminate among users and often require secondary networks for emergency communication, complicating setup and operations, especially in localized areas.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent network access controller (INAC) that selectively limits wireless access on a subscriber-by-subscriber basis, allowing or blocking access based on category, and operates as a localized overlay or underlay to existing networks, enabling controlled access for selected individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If jamming or cell shutdown is used to restrict wireless access, then access control is achieved, but all users are blocked regardless of identity and emergency communication requires secondary networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized overlay network within the existing wireless coverage area that provides differentiated access control. The system identifies individual users through their wireless devices and applies different access policies (allow or block) based on their identity, rather than applying uniform blocking to all users in the area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the wireless network access control into two independent parts: the existing broad-area wireless network and the localized overlay network. The overlay network handles restricted access control for specific users in targeted areas, while the main network continues to serve authorized users, allowing differentiated control without shutting down the entire cell.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cell shutdown is used to restrict access in a localized area, then access restriction is achieved, but network functionality is lost for authorized users in that area
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network access into two parallel paths: the main wireless network for authorized users and the localized overlay network for restricted access control. This segmentation allows authorized users to continue accessing the main network while the overlay network provides selective blocking for unauthorized users in the same geographic area.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay network acts as an intermediary layer between the wireless device and the main network. It intercepts access requests from devices in the targeted area and applies access control policies before allowing or blocking connection to the main network, thus mediating between security requirements and network availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If secondary networks are deployed for emergency communication, then emergency access is enabled, but setup and operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay network is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as an access control mechanism for restricted areas and as an emergency communication channel. By consolidating these functions into a single system rather than requiring separate networks, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining emergency communication capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent network access controller (INAC) includes a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium comprising machine instructions; and a processor that executes the machine instructions to control radiofrequency (RF) equipment coupled to the processor to establish an overlay to a portion of an existing wireless communications network, the overlay having a defined, corresponding boundary, generate a private network in the overlay, provide access to the private network for a first class of wireless devices located in the defined, corresponding boundary, and prevent access to the private network for a second class of wireless devices located in the defined, corresponding boundary.