Wardriving Detection via Sensor-Based Location Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of wirelessly connected devices has made it burdensome to manually determine and configure the physical location of each device within a network, and existing security measures are inadequate against wardriving attacks, where unauthorized access is facilitated by the broadcasting of wireless networks beyond physical boundaries.
Innovation Solution
Equipping devices with location detection sensors that use a combination of light direction sensors, laser rangefinders, and wireless interfaces to automatically determine their location relative to other sensors, and employing a sensor management system to map these locations within a physical space, thereby enabling the detection and mitigation of wardriving attempts by ensuring only authorized devices within the physical space can connect to the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual location determination and configuration is performed for each device, then device location accuracy is improved, but administrative burden and configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service location determination by equipping devices with location detection sensors that automatically perform location detection without requiring manual configuration. The sensor management system automatically processes location data and maps devices to physical spaces, eliminating the need for administrators to manually determine and configure each device's location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical location determination with automated sensor-based detection. Location detection sensors using light direction sensors, laser rangefinders, and wireless interfaces automatically determine device locations, substituting the manual administrative process with an automated technical system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless networks are broadcast beyond physical boundaries to enable device connectivity, then network accessibility is improved, but security vulnerability to wardriving attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor management system continuously monitors device locations using location detection sensors and provides real-time feedback to the wireless access points. When a device is detected outside the physical space boundaries, the system automatically sends control signals to block its network access, creating a closed-loop security system that adapts to device locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary location determination before allowing network access. The sensor management system proactively detects device locations and verifies they are within authorized physical spaces before the devices can establish network connections, preventing unauthorized access attempts before they occur.
3Measurement precision
If location detection sensors are equipped on all devices, then automated location determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing location detection sensors that can operate independently or in combination with existing device components. The sensors leverage available wireless interfaces and processing capabilities, allowing devices to perform location determination without requiring entirely new dedicated hardware, thus reducing the complexity increase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automates the process of determining device locations within a network, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access and mitigating wardriving attempts by ensuring only devices within the designated physical space can connect, thus improving network security and reducing administrative burdens.
Implementation Method 1
a laser rangefinder, and a radio or wireless network interface. Two location detection sensors can perform a location detection process to determine their relative locations to each other, such as the distance between them.
Implementation Method 2
A location detection sensor may include a light source, a light direction sensor, a laser rangefinder
Data Source
AI summary
Determining the physical location of wirelessly connected devices within a network can provide a number of security benefits. However, manually determining and configuring the physical location of each device within a system can be burdensome. To ease this burden, devices within a network are equipped with a location detection sensor that is capable of automatically determining a device's location in relation to other devices within the network. A location detection sensor (“sensor”) may include a light source, a light direction sensor, a rangefinder, and a radio or wireless network interface. Two location detection sensors can perform a location detection process to determine their relative locations to each other, such as the distance between them. As more sensors are added to a network, a sensor management system uses the relative locations determined by the sensors to map the sensors to a physical space layout.