Wireless LAN Key Distribution via Restricted Communication Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless LAN security techniques require manual registration of MAC addresses and WEP key settings, which is inconvenient, especially in public spaces with many users, and pose a risk of key leakage during wireless transmission.

Innovation Solution

An encryption key setting system that restricts the wireless communication range between an access point and a terminal, allowing secure wireless communication of encryption key data within a narrower range, preventing interception and facilitating easy addition of new terminals with enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual registration of MAC address and WEP key setting is required, then security protection is provided, but convenience of terminal enrollment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidconvenience of terminal enrollment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic WEP key distribution where the access point automatically generates and transmits WEP keys to terminals without manual intervention. The terminal automatically receives and configures the key, eliminating the need for users to manually register MAC addresses or set WEP keys while maintaining security protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If WEP key is transmitted wirelessly for setting, then convenience of key configuration is improved, but risk of key leakage to third persons increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of key configurationVSAvoidrisk of key leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transmits WEP keys using directed radio waves with specific spatial characteristics. The key transmission is localized to the immediate vicinity of the access point, creating a secure local communication zone where only the intended terminal can receive the key, thereby preventing broader leakage to third persons while maintaining wireless convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7522729B2Encryption key setting system, access point, encryption key setting method, and authentication code setting system
Publication Date: 2009.04.21 BUFFALO CORP LTD
  • US7522729B2 patent drawing
  • US7522729B2 patent drawing
  • US7522729B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Access point 20 starts the WEP key setting process by working registration button 127A of remote controller 30. The range reached by the electric waves transmitted from access point 20 is changed from wireless communication area AR1 which is the normal range to security communication area MR1 which is a narrower range. After that, access point 20 delivers the used WEP key to terminal 50, and after confirming delivery, registers the MAC address of terminal 50. Terminal 50 sets the delivered WEP key itself.As a result, it is possible to realize with a simple method the new addition of terminals used for a wireless LAN while preventing leaking of data that represents the encryption key.