Token-Based Wi-Fi Access Mediation for Retail Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing Wi-Fi access in retail environments either require frequent password changes for staff or make access details visible to non-customers, failing to effectively limit access to only approved customers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identifies users, generates a token with quality of service data, and provides a unique output, such as a QR code, which contains time-limited access terms, ensuring only approved customers can access the Wi-Fi network without additional staff intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access details are kept secret until requested, then security is improved, but staff must manually manage and update credentials frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and manages access tokens for customers without requiring staff intervention. The token generation process is automated, eliminating the need for staff to manually create, distribute, and update access credentials while maintaining security through automated token validation.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated intermediary system (the token generation and validation system) is introduced between the customer and the network access control. This intermediary automatically handles the authentication process, generating unique tokens and validating them without requiring staff to manually manage credentials.
2Ease of operation
If access details are displayed inside premises, then ease of access for customers is improved, but non-customers can still access the network
Solution Approach 1:
The access information is segmented into two parts: a publicly visible element (the display showing access is available) and a private element (the actual token credentials). The token itself can be displayed but is designed to be difficult to access or copy, separating the public announcement function from the private authentication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent mentions that the output can be in a form that is difficult to access, such as a QR code or dynamically generated display that changes or becomes inaccessible to unauthorized viewing. The token display can be designed to appear visible but remain functionally inaccessible to non-customers.
3Device complexity
If uniform access is provided to all users, then system simplicity is improved, but customer experience and commercial offering are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality of service parameters are applied to different users based on their customer status, purchase history, or membership level. The same network infrastructure is used, but the access tokens contain user-specific quality parameters such as bandwidth allocation, access duration, or feature restrictions that differentiate the customer experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mediating access to a computer network comprises the steps of identifying a user who wishes to access the computer network, obtaining quality of service data specific to the user, generating a token comprising the quality of service data and providing an output derived from the token to the user. Optionally, the system can further comprise receiving a request from the user for access to the computer network and providing access to the computer network to the user according to the token.