No matter where I go, I always seem to run into a problem connecting to family and friends wireless networks without the rigorous process of either supplying MAC address information which entails further configuration on the wireless access point or obtaining complex WEP/WAP keys before being able to connect.
It’s a similar story at work – in order to connect to the wireless network, visitors to the “guest” network must supply their MAC address information and further configuration to grant access ensues. Now, I understand that wireless security is extremely important and in order for it to work, it requires a complex solution. What strikes me most is that no one is working on an easier way to authenticate guests that doesn’t require vast amounts of administration.
My idea to solve this problem is to use the cloud. If it were possible within a wireless access point to specify the email address of your family member or friend, along with a password, which is then stored within a secure web service. When the ‘allowed’ person authenticates to your wireless access point, it then grants access onto the wireless network (perhaps in a limited capacity – i.e. access only to the internet rather than network devices). The owner of the device could then perhaps either extend access onto the wireless network or deny further future access.
Due to this model being reliant upon a secure web service, it could then easily integrate into other online services, such as your Microsoft Live Messenger buddy list or based upon your webmail’s contacts list. It may not be the very best way, but it may help alleviate the problem.
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