Wireless Network Selection via Centralized Credential Server
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in accessing wireless networks due to the need to manage multiple passwords, limited device capabilities for password entry, security concerns, and complexity in selecting suitable networks with adequate quality of service.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for wireless network selection based on attributes stored in a network database, where a server receives a network identifier and attribute from a digital device, determines if a network profile exists, and provides credentials for access, updating profiles with received attributes and selecting networks based on user requirements and minimum requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users store passwords locally on their devices, then password management becomes centralized and secure, but users with limited device capabilities (no keyboard or small keyboard) cannot easily enter or store passwords
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the user and the wireless network. The server stores and manages all passwords centrally, eliminating the need for users to manually enter or store passwords on their devices. Users simply provide their username, and the server automatically retrieves and transmits the appropriate password, solving the problem of limited device input capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the password storage and management function from the user's device and relocates it to a remote server. This separation allows users with limited input capabilities to access wireless networks without needing to physically enter or store passwords on their devices.
2Reliability
If users manually enter passwords and navigate websites for network access, then network security is maintained, but the access process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary actions by pre-storing all network credentials and automatically retrieving them when a user requests access. This eliminates the need for users to manually navigate websites or enter passwords during the access process, significantly reducing access time while maintaining security through server-side validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the server automatically handles credential retrieval, password generation, and transmission without requiring user navigation or manual input. The user simply provides their username, and the system autonomously completes the authentication process.
3Ease of operation
If users store passwords on a laptop computer, then password management is simplified, but security is compromised if the device is lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing a server as an intermediary for password storage, the patent eliminates the security vulnerability of storing passwords locally on portable devices. Passwords remain secured on the server, and users only need to remember their username, which is not sensitive information even if device loss occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts password storage from the user's device and places it on a remote server, removing the security risk associated with device loss or theft. Users can access their passwords from any device without compromising security, as the sensitive information never resides on their portable devices.
4Ease of operation
If users select Wi-Fi networks based on arbitrary decisions from scan results, then network selection is simple, but users cannot determine if the network will provide adequate quality of service or IP address via DHCP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server evaluates network attributes (such as QoS capabilities and DHCP functionality) before recommending networks to users. This feedback loop ensures that users are directed to networks that meet minimum service quality requirements, combining simple user interaction with reliable network selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that evaluates network quality attributes and filters suitable networks before presenting options to users. This eliminates the need for users to make arbitrary selections while maintaining operational simplicity, as the server handles the complex evaluation of network service quality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods for wireless network selection based on attributes stored in a network database are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving a network identifier associated with a wireless network, determining if a network profile associated with the network identifier is stored within a network profile database comprising a plurality of network profiles, and if the network profile associated with the network identifier is stored within the network profile database, retrieving the network profile, or if the network profile associated with the network identifier is not stored within the network profile database, initiating the network profile, obtaining an attribute associated with the network device identifier, and storing the attribute within the network profile.