Automated method and system for monitoring local area computer networks for unauthorized wireless access
US9003527B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/16
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The wireless activity in a geographic area containing LAN connection ports is monitored using one or more sensor devices, called sniffers. By analyzing said wireless activity, one or more APs that are operating in said geographic area are identified. The active APs so identified are classified into three categories, namely “authorized” APs (those that are allowed by network administrator), “unauthorized” APs (those that are not allowed by the network administrator, but are still connected to the LAN of interest) and “external” APs (those that are not allowed by network administrator but are not connected to the LAN of interest, for example APs connected to the neighbor's LAN) by conducting one or more tests. The sniffers detect any wireless station attempting to connect to or communicating with the one or more identified unauthorized APs. Upon identifying unauthorized AP and/or intruding wireless station an indication is transferred to the prevention process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.