VoWiFi Emergency Access Using EKI to Bypass WPA Credentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices are unable to make emergency calls via VoWiFi when they lack WiFi credentials and are outside cellular range, preventing the initiation of E911 calls in situations where only a WiFi network is available but credentials are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
The system generates and transmits an emergency key identifier (EKI) embedded in a WiFi frame to establish a temporary emergency session, allowing devices to connect to WiFi networks without standard credentials, using unique identifiers, timestamps, and cryptographic signatures for authentication and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If WiFi Protected Access (WPA) security is implemented to protect the WiFi network, then network security is improved, but emergency calling capability deteriorates when devices lack credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Emergency Key Identifier (EKI) as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the security requirement (WPA protection) and the emergency access requirement. The EKI acts as a special credential that allows emergency devices to bypass normal authentication while maintaining security for regular traffic. The network device recognizes the EKI and establishes an emergency session without requiring standard WiFi credentials, thus resolving the contradiction between security and emergency accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from standard WiFi credentials to an Emergency Key Identifier (EKI) for emergency sessions. By modifying the authentication mechanism specifically for emergency traffic, the system maintains WPA security for normal operations while enabling credential-less access for emergency calls. This parameter change allows the network to differentiate between regular and emergency traffic, applying different authentication requirements accordingly.
2Ease of operation
If standard WiFi credential authentication is required to join the network, then network access control is improved, but emergency communication reliability deteriorates when credentials are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The EKI serves as an intermediary authentication mechanism that replaces standard credential requirements for emergency sessions. Instead of requiring users to have pre-configured WiFi credentials, the system uses the EKI as a mediator that grants temporary access rights. The network device validates the EKI and establishes an emergency session, enabling communication without traditional credentials while maintaining controlled access through the EKI validation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by embedding the EKI in the initial emergency session request before actual communication occurs. The EKI is prepared in advance as a special authentication element that the mobile device includes in its association request to the network. This preliminary inclusion of the EKI allows the network to recognize and prioritize emergency traffic before the actual emergency communication begins, ensuring reliable access when standard credentials are unavailable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If WPA security protection is enforced on the WiFi network, then unauthorized access is prevented, but emergency session establishment fails for devices without credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The EKI acts as a special intermediary credential that allows emergency devices to bypass WPA security requirements without compromising the security enforcement for regular devices. The network device is configured to recognize the EKI as a valid authentication element specifically for emergency sessions. When the EKI is detected in an association request, the network establishes an emergency session without requiring standard WPA credentials, thus preventing unauthorized access for normal traffic while enabling emergency access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from standard WPA credentials to an Emergency Key Identifier (EKI) specifically for emergency sessions. This parameter change allows the network to maintain WPA security enforcement for regular traffic while creating an exception pathway for emergency communications. The network device modifies its authentication behavior based on the presence of the EKI, applying different security parameters for emergency versus normal sessions, thereby resolving the contradiction between security enforcement and emergency access.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, devices and non-transitory computer-readable mediums are provided for bypassing WiFi protected access in emergency situations. A wireless device generates and transmits an emergency key identifier (EKI) to an apparatus providing an available WiFi network upon finding a lack of credentials stored in the memory for utilizing the available WiFi network. The apparatus establishes an emergency session and the wireless device joins the emergency session established by the apparatus providing the available WiFi network.