Wireless Configuration Parameter Passing for Closed Networks

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in accessing closed wireless networks that do not broadcast their identifiers, requiring prior knowledge of configuration parameters or manual connection operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that uses authentication protocols like EAP and RADIUS to automatically pass configuration parameters to client devices, enabling them to connect to wireless networks without manual configuration, using in-band and out-of-band firmware and software components to interact with access points and decision points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wireless network does not broadcast its identifier (closed network), then network security is improved, but user access difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoiduser access difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically scanning for wireless networks, retrieving their identifiers and configuration parameters, and storing them in a database before the user needs to connect. This pre-processing eliminates the need for users to manually scan or know network identifiers in advance, resolving the contradiction between maintaining closed network security and ease of user access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (access agent with database) that mediates between the user and closed wireless networks. This intermediary automatically retrieves and manages network configuration parameters, allowing users to access secure networks without manually handling sensitive information or performing complex connection steps, thus maintaining both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual connection operations are required, then prior knowledge of configuration parameters is not needed, but connection time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically scanning for wireless networks, retrieving their identifiers and configuration parameters, and storing them in a database before the user needs to connect. This pre-processing eliminates the need for users to manually scan or know network identifiers in advance, resolving the contradiction between maintaining closed network security and ease of user access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The access agent performs self-service by automatically scanning for networks, retrieving configuration parameters, and managing connection information without requiring user intervention. This automation eliminates manual connection operations while maintaining the flexibility to connect to various networks, significantly reducing connection time while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If automatic scanning is enabled, then connection process is simplified, but security risks increase due to automatic parameter transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection process simplicityVSAvoidsecurity risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (access agent with database) that mediates between the user and closed wireless networks. This intermediary automatically retrieves and manages network configuration parameters, allowing users to access secure networks without manually handling sensitive information or performing complex connection steps, thus maintaining both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the access agent monitors and manages the automatic scanning and parameter retrieval processes. By controlling and tracking automatic parameter transmission through this intermediary layer, the system maintains simplified connection processes while mitigating security risks through regulated and monitored information exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7580701B2Dynamic passing of wireless configuration parameters

Publication Date: 2009.08.25 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses allow for wireless configuration parameters to be passed to a client to enable the client to configure a wireless network interface to connect to a wireless network.