Automated WiFi Access Point Selection and Authentication

Solution Overview

Problem

The automation degree of using WiFi access points is low, making public WiFi access services inconvenient and hindering their promotion, as users often need to manually enter account information or register for access.

Innovation Solution

A wireless network access method and apparatus that automatically obtain identification and status information of available WiFi access points, determine a target access point based on status information, submit identification information to a network access server, and receive access account information to facilitate quick network access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If users manually enter account information or register for WiFi access, then security and control are maintained, but automation degree is low and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation degreeVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically obtaining access account information from a network access server before the user needs to use WiFi. The terminal device proactively retrieves authentication credentials, selects suitable access points, and prepares connection parameters in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually enter account information at the moment of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device performs self-service by automatically obtaining its own access account information from the network access server without requiring user intervention. The device independently completes authentication credential retrieval, access point selection, and connection setup, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual user operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If users manually register and enter account information for WiFi access, then access control is maintained, but access time and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess timeVSAvoidaccess convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically obtaining access account information from a network access server before the user needs to use WiFi. The terminal device proactively retrieves authentication credentials, selects suitable access points, and prepares connection parameters in advance, eliminating the need for users to manually enter account information at the moment of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring access point status information and automatically adjusting access decisions. The terminal device receives feedback from the network access server regarding account information validity and access point availability, using this feedback to optimize connection selection and maintain efficient access without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If public WiFi access points require registration and account entry, then service control is maintained, but promotion and adoption are hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice accessibilityVSAvoidaccess process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device performs self-service by automatically obtaining its own access account information from the network access server without requiring user intervention. The device independently completes authentication credential retrieval, access point selection, and connection setup, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual user operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements universality by creating a standardized automated access mechanism that can work across different WiFi access points and terminal devices. The network access server provides universal account information that can be used by multiple terminals, and the automated selection process adapts to various access point types, making the service broadly accessible without requiring device-specific or location-specific manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10660024B2Wireless network access method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD

AI summary

A wireless network access method and apparatus are provided. The method includes obtaining identification information and status information of one or more network access points, determining a target access point according to the status information, submitting the identification information of the target access point to a network access server via a mobile communications network, receiving access account information for the target access point from the network access server, and transmitting a wireless network access request including the received access account information, to the target access point.