Shared Wi-Fi Credential Management via Mobile Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for sharing Wi-Fi networks are cumbersome, requiring manual credential sharing and lack efficient control over access rights, making it difficult to manage and track usage.
Innovation Solution
A system where a mobile device can authorize and provide shared Wi-Fi credentials, specifying access rights to network resources, and track usage data, allowing for controlled access and utilization tracking through a server or network computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual credential sharing is used, then network access can be provided to users, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming for both the owner and the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service credential sharing through automatic authentication. When a user connects to the Wi-Fi network, the mobile device automatically provides credentials to the network computing device without requiring manual intervention from the owner. The system autonomously handles the credential transmission and authentication process, eliminating the need for the owner to manually provide credentials while reducing the time required for network access setup.
2Ease of operation
If manual credential provision is used, then network access is granted, but it becomes complex and time-consuming to restrict access to specific network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network access into different levels: general network access and specific resource access. The mobile device receives general network credentials and can optionally receive access rights data that specifies which network resources the user can access. This segmentation allows the system to provide broad access while maintaining the ability to restrict specific resources without complicating the overall access control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the network computing device and the user. It receives credentials from the owner and can forward them to the network computing device, while also receiving access rights data that specifies which resources the user can access. This intermediary role simplifies access control by centralizing the credential management function in the mobile device rather than requiring complex configurations at the network level.
3Adaptability or versatility
If credentials are shared manually, then users can access the network, but the owner must remember and manage credentials, which is distracting and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for the owner to manually manage credentials by enabling self-service authentication. The mobile device automatically provides credentials to the network computing device when a user connects, and the system automatically tracks usage without requiring the owner to remember or manage individual user credentials. This maintains flexibility in sharing while dramatically improving ease of management.
Solution Approach 2:
The network computing device provides feedback by tracking and recording usage data of the Wi-Fi network. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically monitor and manage network usage without requiring the owner to manually track who is accessing the network and what resources they are using, thereby maintaining versatility while improving operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
Various technologies described herein pertain to utilization of shared Wi-Fi. For instance, network access rights of a Wi-Fi network can be controlled by a mobile device of a point of contact for the Wi-Fi network. Moreover, utilization of a Wi-Fi network can be tracked and usage data indicative of historic utilization of the Wi-Fi network can be retained. Further, groups of users between whom Wi-Fi credentials are shared can be created.