Unique Pre-Shared Key Onboarding for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless device onboarding processes are complex and vulnerable to security risks, particularly when using shared keys, as they require administrative intervention and can lead to unauthorized access as the number of devices increases.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a unique pre-shared key seamless onboarding system that assigns a unique key to each wireless device, allowing them to access a network without administrative intervention, while ensuring secure authentication and managing network service access rights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a shared key is used for network authentication, then device onboarding is simplified, but security is compromised as the number of devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single shared key into multiple unique keys, assigning one unique key to each device. This segmentation maintains the simplicity of key-based authentication while eliminating the security vulnerabilities of sharing a single key across multiple devices, as each device now has its own dedicated authentication credential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing each device with a unique key tailored to its specific identity rather than using a uniform shared key for all devices. This allows each device to have customized authentication credentials that are specific to its local context and security requirements.
2Reliability
If administrative intervention is required for key distribution, then security control is improved, but onboarding complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating unique keys for devices before they need to connect to the network. The key management system can automatically provision these keys in advance, so when a device needs to onboard, the authentication credential is already ready and waiting, eliminating the need for real-time administrative intervention during the actual connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing devices to automatically obtain and use their unique keys for authentication without requiring manual administrative intervention. The key management system automatically handles key distribution and device authentication, freeing administrators from manual key distribution tasks while maintaining security control.
3Reliability
If unique keys are assigned to each device, then security is enhanced, but key management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional key management system that handles key generation, distribution, storage, rotation, and revocation through a single automated platform. This universal system manages all unique keys across the network consistently, preventing security vulnerabilities while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate key management processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the key management system continuously monitors key usage, device status, and security events. This feedback enables automatic key rotation when security thresholds are reached, detects unauthorized usage patterns, and provides real-time visibility into key distribution status, reducing management complexity through automated responsive actions.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for seamlessly onboarding a wireless device. A system utilizing such techniques can include a key-based authentication system and a unique pre-shared key seamless onboarding system. A method utilizing such techniques can include key-based authentication management and unique pre-shared key seamless onboarding management.