Wireless Credential Sharing via Peer-to-Peer Vault
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing network authentication credentials to electronic devices often require manual input of passwords, which can lead to errors and are inconvenient, especially in situations where temporary access is desired without sharing the password with multiple users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where an authorized device creates a peer-to-peer network connection to share network authentication credentials with guest devices, allowing for secure and temporary access to a wireless network, with options to limit access duration and reshare permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual password input is required for network access, then security control is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates and input errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic password copying from a secure vault to the input field. The system stores the password securely and automatically retrieves and fills it into the network login field, eliminating manual typing. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining security through encrypted storage while improving convenience and accuracy through automated retrieval and input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service password management where the device automatically handles password retrieval, filling, and submission without user intervention. The secure vault autonomously manages the credential lifecycle including storage, retrieval, and automatic input into application fields, resolving the contradiction between security control and operational convenience.
2Ease of operation
If password is shared with multiple users, then access convenience is improved, but security control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the password management by creating individual secure vault entries for different networks and users. Each credential is stored separately with unique identification and access controls. This allows selective sharing of specific network credentials without exposing all credentials, resolving the contradiction by enabling convenient multi-user access to specific networks while maintaining security through isolated storage and controlled sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different security properties to different password entries based on their sensitivity and usage requirements. Each credential in the secure vault can have customized sharing permissions, expiration dates, and access restrictions. This local quality approach allows convenient sharing for some networks while maintaining strict security for others, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.
3Ease of operation
If unlimited access duration is provided, then user convenience is improved, but access control security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access duration control where password credentials can be configured with specific time limits and automatically expire after the designated period. The system dynamically adjusts credential validity based on pre-set parameters, allowing convenient access during the authorized period while automatically revoking access afterward. This resolves the contradiction by providing uninterrupted access during the needed timeframe while ensuring security through automatic expiration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback mechanisms including notifications before credential expiration and automatic revocation upon time limit reached. The secure vault monitors usage and provides status information about credential validity, enabling users to understand their access duration while maintaining security through automated time-based control. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by making access duration transparent and controllable.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments enable devices to share network authentication credentials or other information. For example, a computing device authorized to access a wireless network can be used to manage access to the wireless network, such as by modifying, sharing, or creating a password to access the wireless network. A peer-to-peer connection can be established between the authorized computing device and at least one other computing device (e.g., a guest computing device). Upon establishing the peer-to-peer connection between the devices, a service, application, or system component operating on each device can be used to share network authentication credentials between the devices. For example, the user of the authorized device can cause to be transmitted network authentication credentials to a guest computing device. When the guest computing device receives the network authentication credentials, the guest computing device can connect to the wireless network, authenticate with the wireless network using the network authentication credentials to access, and access at least one network.