Virtual Tenant Account Management for MDU Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multiple dwelling unit (MDU) networks, devices connected to a shared WiFi or wired infrastructure cannot directly communicate or share files with each other due to privacy concerns, as they are isolated from one another, even if they belong to the same entity, while remaining invisible to other unrelated users on the network.
Innovation Solution
A virtual Personal Network (PN) is created for each entity using dynamic VLAN assignment and MAC authentication bypass, allowing devices to intercommunicate within their network while remaining hidden from others, using a single or multiple Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) and managed through a system architecture that includes switching routers and authentication protocols like IEEE 802.1x and RADIUS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If devices are isolated on a shared MDU network for privacy, then privacy is protected, but device communication and file sharing are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple virtual networks (VLANs) where each tenant's devices are grouped into their own isolated broadcast domain. This allows devices within the same tenant group to communicate freely while being isolated from other tenants' devices, resolving the contradiction between privacy protection and device communication capability.
2Device complexity
If a single shared network is used for all tenants, then network infrastructure is simplified, but device visibility and communication between devices is enabled which compromises privacy
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless controller acts as an intermediary that manages multiple access points and enforces VLAN assignments. This intermediary layer allows the network to maintain physical simplicity with shared infrastructure while logically creating isolated virtual networks that protect tenant privacy, resolving the contradiction between infrastructure simplicity and privacy protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate physical networks are created for each tenant to ensure privacy, then privacy is protected, but network infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple virtual networks are merged onto a single physical network infrastructure using VLAN technology. This allows separate tenant networks to coexist on shared physical resources (switches, access points, cables) while maintaining logical isolation, thus protecting privacy without requiring separate physical networks for each tenant.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared physical network infrastructure is made universal to serve multiple tenants simultaneously. By implementing VLANs and MAC authentication bypass, the same physical network can provide isolated connectivity to multiple unrelated tenants, eliminating the need for dedicated physical infrastructure per tenant while maintaining privacy protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for combining personal networks in a Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU).