Wireless Token Transmission via Wi-Fi Beacons
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for wireless security token transmission are vulnerable to hacking due to incorrect device pairing, and employees hesitate to report misplaced devices due to fear of retribution, compromising endpoint security.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for publicly transmitting wireless security tokens using radio frequency signals, such as Wi-Fi according to IEEE 802.11 protocols, allowing devices to operate in different modes based on token receipt, ensuring secure access to resources and reducing security risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices are paired using Bluetooth or Near Field Communications for secure token transmission, then device security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to syncing requirements and pairing vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security token transmission function from the paired connection framework. Instead of requiring devices to be paired through Bluetooth or NFC, the system allows a token generator to publicly broadcast security tokens via Wi-Fi without establishing a paired connection. The receiving device can independently capture these tokens without any pairing process, thereby eliminating the complexity and security vulnerabilities associated with device pairing while maintaining security through the token-based authentication mechanism.
2Reliability
If devices are paired for secure token transmission, then token confidentiality is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to syncing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the synchronization and pairing requirements from the token transmission process. The token generator independently broadcasts security tokens via Wi-Fi beacon frames or probe responses without needing to sync with the receiving device. The receiving device independently captures and processes these tokens without any coordination or pairing steps, thereby maintaining token confidentiality through the security of the token itself rather than through paired connection security, significantly simplifying the operational process.
3Ease of operation
If public transmission of wireless security tokens is implemented, then ease of operation is improved by avoiding pairing, but security deteriorates due to potential hacking risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional security model by making the token transmission public and the receiving process selective. Instead of requiring the transmitting device to verify the receiving device through pairing (trust the receiver), the system allows any device to receive tokens publicly but only authorized devices can successfully authenticate and use them (verify the sender through token validation). This inversion eliminates pairing complexity while maintaining security through the token's cryptographic properties and server-side validation.
4Reliability
If device pairing is required for token transmission, then security is improved, but loss of time increases due to pairing and syncing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating and broadcasting security tokens before any connection or authentication is needed. The token generator continuously or periodically broadcasts tokens via Wi-Fi in advance, so when a receiving device needs authentication, the tokens are already available for immediate capture and use. This eliminates the time-consuming pairing and synchronization processes that would otherwise be required to establish a secure connection before token transmission can occur.
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
This approach enhances device security by allowing secure operation even when devices are misplaced, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and enabling secure access to corporate resources without immediate IT intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless communication device operably connected to the processor device and configured to wirelessly transmit a token using radio frequency signals according to a radio frequency data communication protocol
Data Source
AI summary
Tokens can be sent from a token generator using wireless radio frequency signals, such as in the form of a network name. A computing device operates in a first mode when receiving the tokens and in a second mode when not receiving the tokens. Also, the network name can include a URL, a part of a URL, or data usable to obtain a URL. A computing device can utilize the URL to obtain content from a data communication network. The computing device can display a link to the content, which may include a graphical icon associated with the content.