Validation Server for Centralized Wi-Fi Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for accessing Wi-Fi hotspots require users to search for specific locations, often necessitate multiple subscriptions for adequate coverage, and are inefficient for managing shared access among employees, as they lack centralized account management and transparency in credential sharing.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device and validation server system that uses a cellular network to obtain validation credentials for Wi-Fi access points, allowing seamless and centralized management of multiple accounts, enabling transparent access to Wi-Fi networks while maintaining security and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users subscribe to multiple hotspot providers to ensure sufficient coverage, then network coverage is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The validation server is designed to serve multiple hotspot networks through a single subscription. The server can validate credentials for different access points and networks, allowing one device to access multiple networks without requiring separate subscriptions for each provider.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation server acts as an intermediary between the user device and multiple hotspot networks. It receives validation requests from the device, determines network access rights, and facilitates connection to the appropriate network, eliminating the need for direct multiple subscriptions.
2Reliability
If customers search for specific hotspots to access networks, then network access is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service network access where the validation server automatically handles credential validation and network selection. The device can autonomously connect to appropriate networks without requiring user intervention to search for or manually configure hotspot connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Validation credentials are obtained and validated in advance through the validation server before actual network connection is needed. This preliminary validation ensures that when the device needs network access, the credentials are already ready and verified, eliminating the need for on-the-spot searching or manual configuration.
3Reliability
If validation credentials are managed individually for each hotspot account, then access control is maintained, but ease of operation worsens for shared environments
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual hotspot accounts and their validation credentials are merged into a single unified validation server. The server manages all credentials centrally, allowing multiple networks to be accessed through one subscription account, which simplifies management especially for shared environments like businesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation server serves as a central intermediary that manages access control for multiple networks. It receives validation requests, checks credentials against stored authorization data, and facilitates appropriate network access, eliminating the need for individual credential management for each hotspot.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device is configured to be able to communicate via both a first access point and a second access point for using the first access point to obtain validation credentials in order to permit use of the second access point to access a network. The wireless communication device comprises a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions. The instructions are operable to: initiate communication with the second access point in order to access a network; obtain an access point identifier from the second access point, the access point identifier for identifying the second access point; transmit the access point identifier to a validation server via the first access point; receive validation credentials from the validation server via the first access point; and use the validation credentials to validate the wireless communication device with the second access point to obtain access to the network.