Wi-Fi Credential Sharing via Social Network Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for distributing Wi-Fi credentials are often cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring manual sharing and management, which can be distracting and inefficient for both network owners and users.
Innovation Solution
A social network-based system that allows users to share Wi-Fi credentials with contacts based on social network relationships, using a server computing device to manage and distribute credentials to mobile devices within geographic proximity, enabling secure and controlled access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sharing of Wi-Fi credentials is used, then the network owner can provide credentials to users, but it is time-consuming and distracting for both the owner and the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between Wi-Fi network owners and users. The server receives credentials from owners, stores them securely, and automatically distributes them to authorized users based on social network relationships and location data, eliminating the need for manual credential sharing
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing Wi-Fi credentials on the server and pre-establishing social network relationships. When a user needs Wi-Fi access, the system automatically retrieves and provides the appropriate credentials without requiring real-time manual intervention from the network owner
2Extent of automation
If Wi-Fi credentials are shared with contacts from social network, then credential distribution is automated and convenient, but system complexity increases due to social network integration
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs multiple functions: it acts as a credential storage repository, a social network interface, a location-based filtering system, and an automatic credential distributor. By consolidating these functions in a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving high automation
3Adaptability or versatility
If geographic location filtering is applied to credential distribution, then users receive relevant credentials for their location, but the system requires additional location tracking and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by filtering Wi-Fi credentials based on the user's geographic location. The server compares the user's location data with location tags associated with different Wi-Fi networks in the social network, and provides only the credentials relevant to the user's current location, making the system adaptive to local conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Various technologies described herein pertain to sharing Wi-Fi credentials based upon relationships in a computer-implemented social network. At least one server computing device of a Wi-Fi credential sharing service receives an identifier from a mobile device and credentials for a Wi-Fi network from the mobile device. The identifier identifies a user of the mobile device. Moreover, the credentials for the Wi-Fi network are desirably shared by the user. Further, contacts of the user are retrieved from the social network. The credentials for the Wi-Fi network are retained in respective accounts of the contacts of the user from the social network. Further, an account of a contact includes credentials for Wi-Fi networks shared with the contact.