Wireless Access Point Password Management on the Blockchain

Key Glossary

Term Definitions Wireless Access Point (WAP) A network hardware device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network. Blockchain A continuously growing list of records (called blocks) that are linked and secured using cryptography. Smart Contract A piece of code stored on the blockchain that automatically executes when predefined conditions are met. Ethereum An open source, public, blockchain-based distributed computing platform and operating system with smart contract capabilities. MAC Address Media Access Control Address, a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for communication within a network segment. SSID Service Set Identifier, a name that identifies a wireless network. CTN Cellular Telephone Network, refers to a cellular network used for mobile phones.

Test Questions

Please briefly answer the following questions

What are the main security issues with wireless access points (WAPs)?

What are the advantages of using blockchain technology to manage WAP passwords over traditional password sharing methods?

What information does a WAP owner/administrator need to provide before publishing a WAP to a blockchain network?

What role do “smart contracts” play in a blockchain-based WAP password management system?

What information does the requestor device need to provide to obtain the WAP password from the blockchain network?

Explain the role of "transactions" in a blockchain network.

In addition to the user ID, what other conditions can be used to grant access to the WAP?

In a blockchain-based system, how are WAP passwords securely stored and transmitted?

Describe the function of the WAP management entity in the system.

How does the requestor device use the password obtained from the blockchain network?

Answer

The main security issue with WAPs is that anyone within its range may connect to the network, not just authorized users. This makes it critical to use encryption and passwords to protect the network.

Using blockchain technology provides greater security because it eliminates the need for centralized servers and creates an immutable record of all transactions. It also simplifies password sharing through automated processes and allows access control without revealing passwords.

The WAP owner/administrator needs to provide the WAP's unique identifier (such as SSID or MAC address), the password, and a set of conditions for access.

"Smart contracts" define the rules and conditions that must be met before access is granted. They are automatically executed on the blockchain, ensuring that only authorized users can obtain the password.

The requester device needs to provide the unique identifier of the WAP and information that satisfies the conditions defined in the smart contract, such as a user ID or location.

A "transaction" represents an exchange of data on a blockchain network. In the context of WAP password management, a transaction may include a request for a password, granting access, or updating access conditions.

A variety of conditions can be used, such as membership, location, device type, payment, or a specific time period.

The WAP password is encrypted before being stored on the blockchain and is only decrypted and transmitted to the requester device after the conditions defined in the smart contract are met.

The WAP management entity acts as an interface between the WAP owner/administrator and the blockchain network. It is responsible for generating transactions, encrypting passwords, and storing data on the blockchain.

The requester device decrypts the encrypted password received from the blockchain network using its private key. It then uses the decrypted password to connect to the WAP.