Virtual Private Wireless Network Segmentation for Wi-Fi Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Wi-Fi networks provide a false sense of security as all users share the same security key, compromising the privacy and security of individual users. Additionally, manual connection processes for devices to new Wi-Fi networks are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A virtual private wireless communication network (VPWN) is created, allowing individual users to establish a user-defined Service Set Identifier (SSID) and security key. This enables all associated devices to automatically connect to a new Wi-Fi network without manual intervention, while maintaining unique security for each user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If all users are given access to the same Wi-Fi network with a shared security key, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but security and privacy of individual users deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single physical Wi-Fi network into multiple virtual private networks (VPNs), where each user or group receives a unique VPN with its own security key. This allows the network to maintain broad coverage while ensuring that each segment provides isolated security, preventing one user's compromised key from affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different security characteristics to different portions of the network. Each virtual private network within the physical network has customized security parameters, including unique pre-shared keys and configurable access policies, allowing security to be tailored to specific user groups or purposes while maintaining overall network coverage.
2Reliability
If manual connection process is used for each device to Wi-Fi network, then security control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring virtual private networks and their security parameters before users need to connect. The system can automatically provision VPNs, distribute security keys, and establish connections without requiring manual user intervention at the point of connection, thus maintaining security control while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing devices to automatically discover and connect to appropriate virtual private networks using pre-distributed credentials. The system can autonomously authenticate devices, assign them to appropriate VPNs, and manage connections without manual intervention, balancing security automation with user convenience.
3Ease of operation
If conventional Wi-Fi security systems are used, then network access is simplified, but security becomes false sense as all users share the same key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional single-key security model into multiple segmented virtual private networks, each with its own unique security key. This segmentation maintains simple network access for users within their assigned VPN while eliminating the false security of shared keys, as compromise of one VPN's key does not affect others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual private networks as intermediary layers between users and the physical Wi-Fi infrastructure. These VPNs act as mediators that provide simplified access for users while simultaneously enforcing granular security controls, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of access and reliable security.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication network includes a plurality of first electronic devices configured for wireless communication, at least one second electronic device configured for wireless communication, and at least one access point configured to wirelessly receive client data from, and transmit network data to, the plurality of first electronic devices and the at least one second electronic device. The wireless communication network further includes a virtual private wireless communication sub-network that includes the plurality of first electronic devices and excludes the at least one second electronic device. The virtual private wireless communication sub-network is configured to enable each of the plurality of first electronic devices to automatically connect with the wireless communication network.