Wireless Set-Top Box Pairing for Location-Based Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless set-top boxes pose security and authentication challenges as service providers need to monitor for unauthorized access outside the authorized household or use location, lacking effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for pairing a wireless set-top box with a wired set-top box, using mechanisms like Network on a Chip (NOC) or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) pairing, secured by password, to authorize access only within the subscriber's authorized household or use location, allowing monitoring and prohibition of unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless set-top box is used to provide convenient access to subscribed content throughout different rooms, then ease of operation is improved, but security and authentication are worsened due to unauthorized access risks outside authorized household
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pairing between the wireless set-top box and wired set-top box before actual service access. This pairing process establishes authentication credentials and location parameters in advance, enabling the wireless device to operate conveniently throughout the household while maintaining security through pre-configured authorization boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the wireless set-top box location by analyzing access point signals and compares it against the authorized household location stored during pairing. When the device moves outside the authorized area, the system detects this deviation and terminates service access, providing real-time feedback control to prevent unauthorized use while maintaining ease of movement within authorized areas
2Reliability
If location monitoring mechanisms are implemented to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring components
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing wireless access points as intermediary elements for location monitoring. Instead of adding dedicated tracking hardware to the set-top box, the patent leverages the household's existing Wi-Fi infrastructure to provide location information, thereby achieving security monitoring without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless access points serve multiple functions: they provide internet connectivity to the household and simultaneously act as location beacons for security monitoring. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve location-based security without adding dedicated monitoring infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for pairing a wireless set-top box with a wired set-top box is provided. The system and method provide a user with the ability to move the wireless set-top box to different locations, within the same authorized subscriber's household or use location, while allowing the service provider to monitor and prohibit unauthorized use of the wireless set-top box from outside of the authorized subscriber's household or use location.