Wireless Network Interface as Remote Probe for Unauthorized Access Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless security systems rely on proprietary hardware and limited coverage, failing to detect unauthorized or unsecured access points in all areas of a corporate environment, leaving potential 'holes' in coverage.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing existing wireless network interfaces on computer nodes to act as remote probes, creating a virtual antenna for comprehensive detection of all active access points within the enterprise, eliminating the need for expensive proprietary hardware and enabling broader geographic coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proprietary hardware is used for wireless security detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing wireless network interfaces serve dual purposes: their original network communication function and the additional function of wireless security detection. By configuring these interfaces to scan and detect access points, the system achieves comprehensive detection capability without adding specialized hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the enterprise's own existing wireless-enabled computers and network interfaces to perform security detection, rather than relying on external proprietary hardware. The existing infrastructure serves itself for security monitoring, eliminating the need for additional specialized detection devices while maintaining effective detection coverage
2Area of stationary object
If proprietary hardware is deployed for comprehensive coverage, then detection coverage is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Existing wireless network interfaces are repurposed to perform both network communication and security detection functions. This multi-functional approach allows comprehensive detection coverage across the enterprise using already-deployed hardware, eliminating the need for expensive proprietary detection devices while maintaining broad geographic coverage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deploying expensive proprietary hardware, the system creates a virtual copy of detection functionality using standard wireless network interfaces that are already present on enterprise computers. This software-based approach replicates the detection capability without the high cost of specialized hardware
3Ease of manufacture
If existing wireless interfaces are used for detection, then implementation cost is reduced, but detection precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a centralized management approach where detection results from multiple wireless interfaces are collected, aggregated, and analyzed by a central server. This feedback mechanism ensures that even though individual interfaces are standard components, the collective detection accuracy is maintained through systematic data processing and correlation, resolving the concern about detection precision
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting unauthorized or unsecured access points is disclosed. At least one node of a computer network having a wireless network interface is identified. At least one of the identified nodes is requested to scan for detectable wireless access points. A listing of identified wireless access points is utilizing information gathered through at least one of the scans. An inventory of authorized wireless access points is formulated. The listing is compared to the inventory to identify unauthorized wireless access points. Also, security information may be gathered and analyzed for identified wireless access points.