Wireless Switch RFID Network Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID systems lack effective methods for controlling network access based on the location of RFID tags, particularly in large-scale environments, which is crucial for securing sensitive information.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a wireless switch configured for RF communication with RFID tags to determine their location and enable or disable network access according to predefined schemes based on the tag's area, allowing secure access to network services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If network access is allowed freely to mobile units with RFID tags, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access convenienceVSAvoidsecurity risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing location-specific network access policies. Different geographic areas (defined by RFID reader zones) have different access rights and security levels. Mobile units are granted network access privileges based on their current physical location, allowing convenient access in authorized areas while automatically restricting access in sensitive or unauthorized zones, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If RFID-based location control is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces wireless switches as intermediary devices that automatically mediate between RFID tag location data and network access control. These switches receive location information from RFID readers and autonomously enforce access policies by enabling or disabling network ports, eliminating the need for complex centralized authentication systems while maintaining high security standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional manual or software-based access control mechanisms with RFID-based automatic detection and control systems. By using wireless RFID communication and automated wireless switches, the system eliminates complex authentication procedures, manual access granting, and software-based permission management, achieving enhanced security through simpler hardware-based automatic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple access schemes are implemented for different areas, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol scheme complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic access control where network access privileges are not fixed but automatically adjust based on the mobile unit's real-time location. The wireless switches dynamically enable or disable network ports according to the current area, allowing the system to adapt to different security requirements in different zones without requiring complex configuration or manual intervention, thus achieving high adaptability with simple control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system efficiently regulates network access by ensuring that mobile units associated with RFID tags can only access network services when within designated areas, enhancing security and controlling access levels based on location.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless switch configured for radio frequency communication with a mobile unit associated with a radio frequency identification tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2198652B1RFID based network admission control
Publication Date: 2012.02.15 SYMBOL TECH INC
  • EP2198652B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2198652B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2198652B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for controlling access to a network (135) includes a wireless switch (130) configured for radio frequency communication with a mobile unit (110, 112) associated with a radio frequency identification tag (104). The wireless switch is adapted for determining if a radio frequency identification tag is located within a first area (105), and enabling the mobile unit to access the network according to a first scheme if the mobile unit is located within the first area.