Terminal Device Virtual MAC Address Pool for Privacy Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting MAC addresses from tracking, such as random or temporary MAC addresses, are either ineffective or incompatible with current Wi-Fi protocols, failing to provide adequate privacy protection for users, especially when connecting to new Wi-Fi networks or when the mapping between original and temporary MAC addresses can be exploited by untrusted public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a terminal device obtains a set of virtual MAC addresses from a network device, selects and uses a target virtual MAC address for connection requests, and manages these addresses to prevent tracking, with the network device generating and managing virtual MAC addresses securely, ensuring privacy even when connecting to new networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a temporary or random MAC address is used to protect privacy, then tracking prevention is improved, but compatibility with Wi-Fi protocols and reliability of connection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic MAC address selection where the terminal device switches between original MAC address and virtual MAC addresses based on connection state. When connected to an untrusted network, the device dynamically adopts a virtual MAC address from the pool, while maintaining the original MAC address for trusted networks, thus adapting privacy protection levels to network trust levels while ensuring protocol compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pool of virtual MAC addresses as an intermediary layer between the terminal device and the network. This virtual MAC address pool acts as a mediator that can be selectively deployed when connecting to untrusted networks, preventing direct exposure of the original MAC address while maintaining standard Wi-Fi protocol compliance through proper address formatting and management
2Reliability
If the original MAC address is always used for connection, then protocol compatibility is improved, but user privacy protection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MAC address identification function by creating a pool of multiple virtual MAC addresses that are associated with the original MAC address but can be independently selected. This segmentation allows the system to separate the privacy protection function (using virtual addresses) from the connection stability function (maintaining proper address formatting and consistent identification within a network context)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the MAC address parameter dynamically based on network trust assessment. When a network is identified as untrusted, the system changes the MAC address parameter from the original address to a virtual address from the pool. This parameter change maintains connection stability through proper address management while enhancing privacy protection by preventing tracking through address variation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If virtual MAC addresses are implemented, then privacy protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the terminal device autonomously manages the virtual MAC address pool without requiring external coordination. The device automatically selects appropriate virtual addresses from the pool based on network trust assessment, automatically updates address usage status, and manages address lifecycle independently, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining robust privacy protection
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method, device and computer readable medium for protecting MAC addresses. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device may obtain a set of virtual MAC addressed from a network device and may connect with a further network device (for example, Wi-Fi AP or Bluetooth devices) using the virtual MAC addresses. In this way, tracking the terminal device with MAC address is prevented so that user privacy protection could be enhanced.