WLAN Session Management via MAC Address Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless local area network (WLAN) systems fail to effectively prevent or limit simultaneous sessions, leading to potential fraud scenarios and difficulties in managing pre-authentication and Pairwise Master Key caching, which complicates the disconnection of old sessions when new ones are established.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines whether subscriber terminal information has changed between old and new sessions by comparing MAC addresses and WLAN radio network identifications, allowing the maintenance or disconnection of sessions accordingly to prevent or limit simultaneous sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the AAA server disconnects old sessions when new sessions are established, then simultaneous sessions are prevented, but pre-authentication and PMK caching operations are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments session management by introducing a session identifier that distinguishes between pre-authentication sessions and actual data sessions. Pre-authentication sessions are assigned unique identifiers that prevent them from being confused with data sessions, allowing the system to maintain multiple pre-auth sessions without disrupting actual user data sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (session identifier assignment and tracking) between the AAA server and WLAN sessions. This intermediary layer allows the AAA server to manage sessions accurately by identifying which sessions are pre-authentication sessions and which are actual data sessions, preventing inappropriate disconnections.
2Reliability
If new session attempts are blocked when an ongoing session exists, then simultaneous sessions are prevented, but valid users cannot create new sessions after leaving radio coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic session management where the AAA server actively tracks session states and distinguishes between active data sessions and terminated sessions. When a user leaves radio coverage, the session is marked as inactive but not permanently blocked, allowing automatic re-establishment when the user returns or attempts to connect again.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the AAA server receives status information about session states and user connectivity. This feedback allows the server to make intelligent decisions about whether to allow new sessions, distinguish between temporary disconnections and permanent session terminations, and manage session lifecycles appropriately.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, program product and system of preventing or limiting the number of simultaneous sessions in a wireless local area network (WLAN). The method includes: determining whether subscriber terminal information has been changed between an old session and a new session, maintaining a connection with the old session if the subscriber terminal information has not changed, and establishing and authenticating the new session and disconnecting the old session if the subscriber terminal information has changed. A medium access control (MAC) address and a WLAN radio network identification can be compared between the old session and the new session to determine whether subscriber terminal information has been changed.