UDID Generation for Wireless Device Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The randomization of media access control (MAC) addresses in wireless networks complicates the tracking and recognition of client devices, making it difficult for networks to provide features like parental controls and quality of service, as devices can change their identifiers upon reconnection, disrupting consistent user experience and tracking.
Innovation Solution
A client device generates a unique device identifier (UDID) based on association parameters, using a hash module to combine SSID and device identity, which is reported to the access point, allowing the network to track and recognize the device within the network, enhancing quality of service and experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If MAC address randomization is implemented for privacy protection, then user privacy is improved, but device tracking and recognition capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into two distinct components: randomized MAC addresses for privacy protection during wireless communication, and a separate persistent UDID for reliable device tracking. This segmentation allows each identifier to serve its specific function without compromising the other - the MAC address changes for privacy while the UDID remains stable for network recognition and service delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The UDID acts as an intermediary identifier that bridges the gap between privacy-protected randomized MAC addresses and the network's need for consistent device recognition. Instead of relying on the fluctuating MAC address, the network uses the UDID as a stable mediator to track devices, maintain parental controls, and deliver quality of service without exposing users to privacy risks associated with MAC address tracking.
2Reliability
If a stable device identifier is maintained for network tracking, then quality of service and parental controls are improved, but user privacy in public areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The identification approach is made local to specific network contexts. The UDID is generated and used locally within the home wireless network where the user has control and expects to be recognized. The randomized MAC address is used when connecting to external or public networks where privacy is the priority. This local quality differentiation allows the system to optimize for service consistency at home while protecting privacy in public areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the identifier parameter being used based on network context. When connected to the home network, the device presents and uses the UDID for consistent recognition and service delivery. When connected to external networks, the device uses randomized MAC addresses for privacy protection. This parameter switching allows the system to adapt its identification behavior to match user expectations and privacy requirements for different environments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If MAC address changes upon reconnection, then privacy is protected, but device tracking and historical data association deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The UDID is generated and stored in advance in the device's persistent storage before the user needs reliable tracking. This preliminary creation of a stable identifier ensures that when the device reconnects to the network, there is already a consistent ID ready to be used for tracking and associating historical data, eliminating the need to rely on the changing MAC address for this purpose.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The UDID system ensures consistent device recognition and tracking, enabling improved network experiences and service delivery by maintaining a unique identifier within the network, even when the device reconnects with a different MAC address, thus addressing the challenges posed by MAC randomization.
Implementation Method 1
The hash module receives a plurality of first inputs, the plurality of first inputs comprising the service set identifier and one or more device parameters, and generates an SSID seed value based on the plurality of first inputs. In an aspect, the hash module comprises a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC)-SHA-256.
Implementation Method 2
The hash module receives a plurality of second inputs, the plurality of second inputs comprising the SSID seed value and a client device identity, and generates the UDID based on the plurality of second inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
To improve the network experience in a network, a unique device identifier (UDID) can be generated by a UDID generation module of a client device. The UDID generation module utilizes one or more device parameters as well as a service set identifier (SSID) as input(s) to the UDID generation module. The UDID can be reported to an access point device of the network so that the access point device can track, monitor, control, etc. the client device within the network, for example, when media access control randomization (rMAC) is utilized by the network to protect the privacy of the client device or a user of the client device. The same UDID is generated each time the client device joins the network so that the client device need not store the UDID.