Wireless Network Authentication via Connection Pattern Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face frustration when accessing wireless networks due to the cumbersome process of selecting and authenticating with multiple networks, often requiring manual entry of authentication information like passwords, which is difficult to remember.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and authentication computer system that determines a connection pattern to identify the home location and provides network information allowing seamless access to a wireless network associated with a service provider, eliminating the need for manual authentication by storing the network information, such as a Service Set Identifier, and enabling access to remote networks without requiring authentication details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual authentication information entry is required for wireless network access, then network security is maintained, but user convenience and access speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by analyzing connection patterns (location, time, device characteristics) before the user attempts to access a wireless network. This advance verification allows the system to pre-establish trust, eliminating the need for manual authentication during actual network access while maintaining security through prior validation
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device automatically performs authentication by transmitting connection pattern data to the authentication computer, which then verifies and grants access without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by using device-generated data (connection patterns, location information) to automatically complete the authentication process
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless networks are available, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but the complexity of selecting and authenticating with the correct network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication computer receives connection pattern data from the electronic device and provides feedback by determining whether authentication should be granted based on location, time, and device characteristics. This feedback mechanism automatically guides the network selection and authentication process without requiring user complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication computer serves multiple functions: it acts as a network controller, authentication server, and location verifier simultaneously. By consolidating these functions into a single system that processes connection patterns, the patent simplifies the overall network access architecture while supporting multiple wireless networks
3Reliability
If authentication information is required for each network access attempt, then unauthorized access is prevented, but access time and user productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication verification in advance by analyzing connection patterns before actual network access is attempted. This preliminary check establishes whether the device is authorized to connect, eliminating the need for time-consuming authentication during each access attempt while maintaining security through prior validation
Solution Approach 2:
Once authentication is granted based on connection patterns, the electronic device maintains continuous access to wireless networks without repeated authentication requirements. The system sustains the authenticated state across multiple network interactions, eliminating repetitive authentication delays
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device connects to a network associated with a service provider via a router at a home location. During a time interval, the electronic device provides information specifying a network address of the router to an authentication computer when the electronic device is connected to a network. The authentication computer uses the received information to determine a connection pattern of the electronic device. Moreover, the authentication computer identifies that the electronic device is at the home location based on the connection pattern. Then, the authentication computer provides, to an accounting computer associated with the service provider, a request to allow the electronic device to access a wireless network associated with the service provider at a remote location (which is other than the home location). Furthermore, the authentication computer communicates network information to the electronic device, which allows the electronic device to access the wireless network without providing authentication information.