Solicited Activation for Secure Wireless Network Enrollment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face complexity in adding new devices, requiring users to navigate encryption protocols and security configurations, leading to potential unsecure networks and user intimidation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves active and passive scanning of wireless channels to discover and filter secure access points, using Solicited Activation of Wi-Fi Protected Setup (SAW) to simplify the addition of new devices to a network, allowing for automatic or user-assisted enrollment without extensive user interface interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional WPA/WPA2 encryption setup is used, then network security is maintained, but user operation complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) as an intermediary mechanism between traditional WPA/WPA2 encryption and user device addition. WPS provides a simplified enrollment process that mediates the complex security configuration, allowing non-technical users to add devices without directly configuring encryption protocols, passwords, or security settings, thereby maintaining network security while dramatically improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through automated enrollment procedures where the WPS system automatically handles security configuration, authentication, and device registration without requiring user intervention in technical setup steps. The system performs self-configuration of security parameters and automatic enrollment of devices, eliminating the need for users to manually configure encryption protocols or provide user identifications
2Ease of operation
If WPS protocol is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network setup process into distinct functional components: device discovery, WPS capability detection, automated enrollment, and traditional connection methods. This segmentation allows the complex WPS security configuration to be isolated as a separate module that can be optionally enabled, while the core network infrastructure remains unchanged. Users can choose to use WPS for simplified setup or traditional methods, and the system handles complexity internally without exposing it to users
3Speed
If active scanning is used to discover wireless networks, then discovery speed improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning behavior that adapts to device state and network conditions. The system dynamically switches between active and passive scanning modes, adjusts scanning frequency and duration based on whether the device is mobile or stationary, and modifies scanning intensity based on network density. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between discovery speed and energy consumption by using aggressive active scanning when speed is critical and energy-efficient passive scanning when devices are stationary or battery power is limited
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus that enable solicited access to a secure wireless network having complex security protocols. In one embodiment, such solicited access is performed using a streamlined or reduced number of steps and includes an exemplary active/passive scanning protocol and use of an optimized service discovery protocol (SDP). Furthermore, multiple aspects of the invention are directed to improving and enhancing user experience, including a reduction of “human” interaction requirements for secure network operation (such as changing settings, entering addresses, etc.), and furthermore, integrated utilization of human readable text.