WLAN Credential Distribution via Location Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public safety users face challenges in accessing Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) at incident scenes due to cumbersome procedures for obtaining and updating security credentials, which are impractical due to memory constraints and frequent updates.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a location services server to determine the current coverage area of a wireless communication device and transmit relevant WLAN access information, including SSID and security credentials, to a directory services server, which then securely communicates this information to the device, either through a push or pull method, ensuring timely access to authorized WLANs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If security credentials for all WLANs are manually configured in the WCD, then access rights to multiple WLANs are obtained, but memory constraints of the WCD make this approach impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security credential storage function from the WCD and places it in a external server. The WCD only stores minimal identification information, while the server stores the complete security credential database. This extraction resolves the memory constraint problem while maintaining access rights to multiple WLANs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the WCD and WLANs. The server acts as a mediator that stores security credentials and provides them to the WCD when needed, eliminating the need for the WCD to store all credentials locally and resolving the memory capacity limitation.
2Reliability
If security credentials are updated periodically, then security is maintained, but re-configuration of the WCD is required each time which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the WCD automatically receives security credential updates from the server without requiring manual re-configuration. The system autonomously handles credential updates by communicating with the server, maintaining security while eliminating time-consuming manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the WCD continuously communicates with the server to receive real-time security credential updates. The server pushes updated credentials to the WCD automatically, ensuring security is maintained without requiring manual re-configuration and minimizing time loss.
3Ease of operation
If manual configuration of security credentials is performed, then access control is established, but the process is cumbersome and leads to loss of critical time during incidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the server with all necessary security credentials before they are needed. When the WCD needs access, the credentials are already prepared and can be rapidly distributed, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration during critical incidents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical configuration process with an automated electronic system. The server automatically distributes security credentials to the WCD through electronic communication, substituting the cumbersome manual process and significantly reducing the time required for credential distribution during incidents.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for distributing wireless local area network (WLAN) access information to a wireless communication device based on a current coverage area that the wireless communication device is located in. A location services server can determine, based on a current location of the wireless communication device, a current coverage area of the wireless communication device, and transmit information identifying the current coverage area to a directory services server. Based on the current coverage area, the public safety directory services server can determine relevant WLAN access information for the current coverage area, and transmit a message to the wireless communication device that includes the relevant WLAN access information.