SSL Tunneling Access Point for Secure Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.11, offer either insecure connections or complex security configurations, making it difficult for users to establish secure wireless communications without significant complexity or expense, especially in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
Deploying an access point with embedded Secure Socket Layer (SSL) tunneling capabilities and a machine learning & reasoning component to automatically select secure transmission methods based on context, enabling secure connections through standard web browsers without additional complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional security protocols (WEP, WPA) are configured, then security protection is provided, but device complexity and configuration complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the SSL tunnel - that mediates between the wireless communication and the network. This tunnel handles the security complexity internally, allowing users to benefit from encrypted communication without directly configuring complex security protocols. The SSL tunnel acts as a middle layer that transparently encrypts data between the mobile device and the access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service security by allowing the mobile device to automatically establish SSL tunnels without requiring users to manually configure security settings. The access point and device work together to automatically negotiate and establish secure connections, eliminating the need for users to understand or configure complex security parameters.
2Reliability
If complex security protocols are enabled, then data transmission is protected, but processing cost and monetary expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing SSL infrastructure and protocols that are already implemented in standard web browsers. Instead of creating new security protocols from scratch, the system copies and adapts the widely-used SSL/TLS framework, benefiting from its optimized implementations and widespread hardware acceleration support. This approach reduces processing overhead by utilizing proven, efficiently-implemented security protocols.
3Ease of operation
If no security protocol is used, then device complexity is reduced, but security protection is completely lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security function into a separate, modular SSL tunnel layer that operates independently from the core wireless communication functionality. This segmentation allows the security feature to be added as an optional layer without complicating the base system. Users can choose to enable or disable the SSL tunnel based on their needs, maintaining simplicity when security is not required while providing protection when needed.
4Reliability
If SSL tunneling is implemented, then secure connections are provided, but additional configuration complexity is added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SSL tunneling functionality with the existing wireless access point and mobile device browser components. By integrating SSL capabilities into the access point and leveraging the browser's built-in SSL support, the system combines multiple functions into a unified setup. This merging eliminates the need for separate security configuration tools or procedures, reducing overall setup complexity while maintaining secure connection capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems (and corresponding methodologies) of deploying an enhanced access point (or an integrated router/access point) with embedded secure socket layer (SSL) tunneling capabilities are provided. The innovation enables users to initiate or prompt secure SSL tunnels between a wireless computer or device (and browser session) and the wireless gateway device (WGD). In particular, off-the-shelf web browser applications can be used to effect secure communication between a wireless mobile device and a SWAT-(Secure Wireless Application Tunnel-) equipped access point.