Wireless Access Point Data Distribution via Master Mobile Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless networking technologies face challenges in securing data transmission and managing access control, leading to potential unauthorized access and privacy issues due to the interception of wireless signals by unknown devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for securely distributing data among multiple mobile units within a wireless network using a storage device connected to a wireless access point, which authenticates devices and encrypts data transmission, employing protocols like WEP, WPA, and CHAP to ensure only authorized devices access the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless networking is deployed to provide network connectivity to multiple mobile units, then network access and connectivity are improved, but network security and access control deteriorate due to signal interception by unauthorized devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication actions before allowing network access. The authentication server verifies device identities and establishes security credentials prior to network connection, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining open wireless connectivity for legitimate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an authentication server as an intermediary between mobile units and the wireless network. This mediator verifies device identities, manages authentication credentials, and controls network access, thereby securing the network while maintaining connectivity for authorized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If data is transmitted wirelessly among mobile units, then communication efficiency is improved, but data privacy and security worsen due to potential interception by unknown devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddata privacy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing encryption and authentication mechanisms before data transmission occurs. Security credentials are established in advance, and data is encrypted prior to wireless transmission, preventing interception and ensuring privacy while maintaining communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical security mechanisms with electronic authentication and encryption systems. Instead of relying on physical network boundaries, the system uses digital credentials, cryptographic protocols, and software-based security to protect data transmission while maintaining wireless communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If wireless access points transmit signals to provide network access, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork accessVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the authentication server continuously monitors and verifies device identities. Authentication credentials are validated in real-time, and access rights are dynamically adjusted based on verified identities, ensuring ease of operation for authorized devices while blocking unauthorized access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication server serves as an intermediary that mediates between wireless access points and mobile units. It verifies device identities and controls access permissions, allowing legitimate devices to connect easily while preventing unauthorized devices from accessing the network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8150372B2Method and system for distributing data within a group of mobile units

Publication Date: 2012.04.03 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Described is a method for writing data onto a storage device from a wireless access point (“AP”), providing the data to a master mobile unit (“MMU”), authenticating an identity of the MMU at the AP and transmitting the data from the MMU to at least one other mobile unit (“MU”). Also described is a device having a connector coupling a storage device to the device, the storage device including data received from a network device and a transceiver communicating with the network device to authenticate the device, wherein when the device is authenticated, the transceiver further transmits the data to at least a first mobile unit (“MU”).