BACKGROUND

[0001] User-oriented processing and communications devices, such as personal computers, laptop computers, cell phones, PDAs, printers, and similar devices are frequently connected to computer networks and/or communications networks. These may include corporate, educational, government, public access and other networks.

[0002] Network connectivity entails not just a physical connection, such as a hardwired coupling or a coupling via a wireless connection, but also software- based authorization to access network resources. Such authorized access typically provides the ability for a user device to communicate over the network, access and use other devices on the network such as printers, and possibly to access various database and other information resources on the network, such as e-mail, in order to ensure the security of a network, only authorized network users and devices should be permitted to obtain access to network resources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Network connectivity entails not just a physical connection, such as a hardwired coupling or a coupling via a wireless connection, but also software- based authorization to access network resources. Such authorized access typically provides the ability for a user device to communicate over the network, access and use other devices on the network such as printers, and possibly to access various database and other information resources on the network, such as e-mail, in order to ensure th security of a network, only authorized network users and devices should foe permitted to obtain access to network resources.

[0004] Features of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of exampie and not limited in the following figure(s), in which like numerals indicate like elements, in which:

[0005] FIG. 1 shows an example functional block diagram of an environment in which a network device for managing access to a network by a user device may be implemented, according to an example of the present disciosure; [0006] FiG. 2 depicts an exampie flow diagram of a method for managing access to a network, according to an exampie of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 3 depicts an exampie flow diagram of a method for enabling a user to seif-register a user device into a database of authorized users to access a network, according to an example of the present disciosure;

[0008J FIG. 4 depicts an example fiow diagram of a method for ongoing management of a user and user device already granted access to a network, according to an exampie of the present disciosure;

[0009] FIG 5 depicts an example fiow diagram of a method for generating a quick response (QR) code, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[00010] FIG. 6 depicts an example flow diagram of a method for extracting a credential from a QR code, according to an example of the present disciosure;

[00011] FIG. 7 depicts an example flow diagram of a method for utilizing a set of credentials extracted from a QR code to enable a user to seif-register a user device, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[00012] FIG. 8 illustrates an exampie schematic representation of a computing device, which may be employed to perform various functions of devices depicted in FiG. 1 , according to an exampie of the present disciosure; and

[00013] FIG. 9 illustrates an exampie schematic representation of a user device, according to an example of the present disciosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00014] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring mainly to an example thereof, in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure, it will be readily apparent however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without limitation to these specific details, in other instances, some methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disciosure. As used herein, the term "includes" means includes but not limited to, the term "including" means including but not !imited to. The term "based on" means based at least in part on.

[00015 Given a network of resources, communication devices such as personal computers, PDAs, ceii phones, laptops, and similar devices may frequently join and leave a network. A network may include switches, routers, servers, desktops, databases, etc., which may provide services like internet access, access to services e.g., e-mail, etc. Network security plays important roie in determining which device is authenticated to join the network and which resources it is authorized to access. Establishing, maintaining, monitoring and controlling network access rights, has become a daunting task for a network administrator. Existing network access solutions may be too complex to adopt, or time consuming, or most of the features of the solution may not be put to optimal use. Once users and user devices are registered and authorized to access a network and network resources, it is difficult to detect when an authorized device has been spoofed by an unauthorized device and/or user, thereby leaving the network and network resources open to non-authorized users.

[00016] Disclosed herein are methods and apparatuses for managing access to a network that requires a substantially minimal amount of administrative overhead. In other words, the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein substantially remove the need for large !T staffs or externa! consultants. The NAC implementation disclosed herein is referred to as Simplified Network Access Control (SNAC), but other names may be employed as well. As disclosed herein, SNAC may simplify NAC for both the client (end user) and the system and/or domain administrators. According to an example, SNAC may simplify NAC for clients by providing a client service portai for self-registration, which allows clients to register for access to the network with the appropriate access rights and quality of service. In addition, SNAC may simplify NAC for the administrator as well, by substantially removing the need for learning and mastering a number of external technologies;

* Does not need to become an expert in RADIUS servers.

• Does not need to become an expert in directory services {e.g.

Active Directory). • Does not need to become an expert in 802.1 X technology.

[00017] Additionally, in at least some MAC implementations, the administrator is typically required to perform the initial and ongoing maintenance of ail the clients that want access to the network. Typically, there is an initial bulk configured process, followed by ongoing updating (adding new clients, deleting old clients, updating clients for changes to access rights). The SNAC implementation disclosed herein removes this burden from the administrator through the self-registration capability and automated updating of the users' access rights. In addition, through use of a separate database of authorized users, the SNAC implementation disclosed herein enables for network access control to be based upon information contained in the directory of active network users, suc as, the Active Directory, without making changes to the Active Directory.

[00018] According to an example, the user self-registration operation disclosed herein enables the user to self-populate the database of authorized users if the user is able to be verified in the directory of active network users. The active network users contained in the directory of active network users are users who exist in the existing Domain. In this regard, the active network users have been granted access rights to the network, whether or not those access rights are actually being exercised by the active users, that is, whether or not those users have user devices connected to the network. A user is typically understood to be a person, though a user may be some other kind of entity. A user device is typically understood to be an electronic computer or computing device, or other electronic information device, and/or a communications device, such as a cell phone. Other types of electronic devices pertaining to data or information processing, such as printers or PDAs, may be user devices as well.

[00019] The directory of active network users includes data of the types typically used to define and authorize a user who may be allowed network access. Such information may include, for example and without iimitation, a use name, a user company, a user group or department, a user e-mail address, a user password, a user phone number, and similar information pertaining to the user. The list of authorized users is to include data of a type typically used to define and authorize a user, at least some of which may overlap with the data type(s) listed in the directory of active network users. Such overlapping data may include, for example and without limitation, a user name, a user company, a user group or department, and similar information.

[00020] The list of authorized users is also to include user device information for computing devices, data processing devices, communications devices, and similar devices which a user may use. The user device information may include, for example and without limitation, a MAC {media access control address) for a device, or a port connection identification for a device. For each user in the list of authorized users, associated user device information, such as MAC address(es), may be listed as well, indicating the hardware device(s) is/are associated with the user.

[00021] A user device may be physically coupled to the network, for example through a network switch. At substantially the same time that the user device is coupled to the network, the network receives from the user device the user device information, for example, a MAC address, through an automated device handshake process. If this user device information is currently listed in the list of authorized users, the user device is considered authorized and is granted access to the network. However, if the user device information is not fisted in the iist of authorized users, information that is encoded in a QR code by a network device, may be provided to a user device, the encoded information including one or more of a user name, a user password, a user company, a user group, domain, access policies, and similar information. This information may be provided to a user device of a user, for example where the use is a new employee to a company, etc., or by an administrator at an administrative device, where the user is a guest looking for temporary access to the network. By encoding the information in a QR code and providing the QR code to the user device, user error is avoided as the user does not need to manually enter the information into the system, in addition, providing the information in a QR code minimizes the opportunity for an unauthorized device to spoof an authorized device and thereby gain unauthorized access to the network. [00022] According to an example, the information may be extracted from the Q code by the user device and provided to the network device. The network device receives the user self-registration information and determines whether the user setf-registration information is listed in the directory of active network users, or in the directory of guest network users. If the user is listed in the directory of active network users or the directory of guest network users, the hardware self- identification information is listed in the list of authorized users, and the user device is granted network access. As a result, when the user device is physicai!y coupled to the network on future occasions, the user device information need not be requested again because the user device information is automatically recognized as being iisted in the iist of authorized users, and the user device is automatically granted network access.

[00023] Further, a real-time monitor may be maintained on the directory of active network users and any changes made by system and/or domain administrators to the director of active network users may automaticaiiy result in appropriate changes to the list of authorized users, and to network access for the associated devices iisted in the list of authorized users. This further simplifies network access security and controi for system and/or domain administrators,

[00024] With reference to FIG. , there is shown a functional block diagram of an environment 100, in which a network device for managing access to a network 110 by a user device 106 may be implemented, according to an example. It should be readily apparent that the diagram depicted in FIG. 1 represents a generalized illustration and that other components may be added or existing components may be removed, modified or rearranged without departing from a scope of the environment 100.

[00025] FIG. 1 depicts a system 102, which may be referred to as a Simplified Network Access Control (S!MAC) system, but other names may be empioyed as we!l. The system 102 is depicted as including a network switch 108, an Identity Driven Manager (iDM) server 120 for hosting iD modules (not shown), a S AC registration server 122 for hosting SNAC modules (not shown). In addition, the SNAC registration server 122 is depicted as being in communication with an Active Directory (AD) 13Θ and a guest directory 142. In addiiion, the SNAG registration server 122 may include a QR code generator 150 for generating QR codes, as is more ful!y discussed beiow. The network switch 108 is also depicted as being in communication with a network 1 10, which may include network servers and devices.

[00026] FIG. 1 also depicts a user device 108, a!so known as a client or network client 106. User devices 106 are used by users 104, who are people or other entities seeking to log into and access the network 1 10. A user 104 seeking to utilize resources of a network 1 0 will connect their user device 108 to the switch 108 or other connection element, such as a wireless access point (not shown). Associated with the user 104 is user information 104US. Associated with the user device 106 is user device information 106DI.

[00027] The switch 108 is depicted as communicating with a Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) server 112, in which the switch 108 operates as a RADIUS client. More particularl , the RADIUS server 112 may employ RADIUS, which is a networking protocol that provides authentication, authorization, and accounting management for network access, for instance, as described in RFC 2885 and 2886. In addition, the switch 108 may operate as a RADIUS client to the RADIUS server 112. The RADIUS server 1 12 is aiso depicted as being in communication with a database of authorized users 128, which may host a list of authorized users 130. An example list of authorized users 130 is depicted in FIG. 1 to include fields for a user name, a MAC address, a user group, and a duration of network access, etc. According to an example, a user device 108 attempting to gain access to the network 1 10 may be denied access to the network 1 10 unless the user device information 106DI of the user device 108 is listed in the list of authorized users 130.

[00028] An IDM agent 116, which provides management for an IDSV1 poiicy database 124, is also depicted as being in communication with the database of authorized users 128. in addition, the SDM agent 1 16 is depicted as being in communication with the IDM server 120, which may host an !DSVI poiicy database 124, The IDM policy database 124 may contain a variety of tables and data defining user access rights and user access policies for various network users 104 and user devices 106. [00029] According io other examples, the RADIUS server 112 and/or the I DM agent 116 may be hosted on the switch 108 or hosted on the (DM server 120, or on a combination of both. In addition, or alternatively, the RADIUS server 112 and/or the !DM agent 118 may be hosted on the SNAC registration server 122. As a further example, the SDM server 120 and the SNAC registration server 122 may comprise a common server and the RADIUS server 1 12 and/or the IDfv! agent 118 may be hosted on the common server.

[00030] The Active Directory 138 is depicted as including a directory table of active network users 138. The Active Directory 138 may be populated by an administrator, and functions to list users who are currently considered as having an active or valid association with a network 110. An example Active Directory table 138 is depicted in FIG. 1 , which may have at least one data field or data type in common with the list of authorized users 130, or may have pointers or similar arrangements, to associate users 140 in the Active Directory table 138 with users 132 in the list of authorized users 130. In FIG. 1 , the list of authorized users 130 and the Active Directory table 138 have in common two user fields 104UI, the User field and the Group field. In this way, it is possible to identify in the Active Directory table 38 a user who may potentially be listed for entry in the list of authorized users 130,

[00031] In FIG. 1, for example, both Jane Doe 132 and Jane Doe 140 are the same user listed in the respective list of authorized users 130 and the Active Directory table 138. The Active Directory table 138 may also include additional identifying information, which may be used to validate a user during a self- registration or login process. For example, the Active Directory table 138 is depicted as containing a password field, which may in part contribute to verifying a user who is attempting to access the network 1 10. The Active Directory table 138 may also contain a field or flag to indicate if a user listing is currently enabled, if enabled, the user is allowed network access, if disabled, the user is denied network access. This may be used to temporarily disable network access without a need to delete all user information 104UI. Other fields and flags (not shown) may also be employed to determine other aspects of network access for a user or user group. [00032] According io an example, the switch 108 may be a conventional switch, which is not configured to host or support the RADIUS server 1 12 or the IDM agent 118. In such a case, the RADIUS server 112, the database of authorized users 128, and the IDM agen 1 6 may ai! be hosted on the SNAC registration server 122 and/or the IDIV1 server 120. In an alternative example, the RADIUS server 112, the IDM: agent 116, the database of authorized users 128, and the IDM policy database 124 may all be hosted on the switch 108. Therefore, the system 102 as depicted in FIG. 1 , including the switch 108, the SNAC registration server 122, the IDM server 120, may instead inciude one of the switch 108, the SNAC registration server 122, or the IDM server 120 without the other components.

[00033] It should be further noted that the boundaries of the system 102, as suggested by the outlined area in FIG. 1 , are example boundaries only. For example, the Activ Directory 136 and/or the Guest Directory 142 may be considered part of the system 102.

[00034] Various manners in which a simp!ified network access control management operation may be implemented are discussed with respect to the methods 200-500 and 700, respectively depicted in FIGS. 2-5 and 7. it should be readily apparent that the methods 200-500 and 700 depicted in FiGS. 2-5 and 7 represent generalized illustrations, and that other processes may be added or existing processes may be removed, modified or rearranged without departing from the scope and spirit of the methods 200-500 and 700.

[00035] Generally speaking, the various operations depicted and discussed with respect to FIGS. 2-5 and 7 may be implemented by at least one of the components of the system 102 depicted in FIG. 1. Thus, for instance, the switch 108, the SNAC registration server 122, or the IDM server 120, or a combination of these components may implement each of the operations depicted in FIGS. 2- 5 and 7. in this regard, the methods 200-500 and 700 may comprise machine- readable instructions stored on any one or more of the switch 108, the SNAC registration server 122, the IDM server 120, and a combination of these components. In addition, or alternatively, the methods 200-500 and 700 may comprise machine-readable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readabie storage medium thai is implemented or executed by any one or more of the switch 108, the SNAC registration server 122, the (DM server 120, and a combination of these components.

[00036] With reference first fo FIG. 2, there is shown a flow diagram of a method 200 for managing access to a network 110, according to an example. At b!ock 202, a user 104 is enabled to self-register a user device 106 into a database of authorized users 128 to access the network 1 10 in response to the user 104 being listed as a valid user in a directory of active network users 138, 142. According to an example, the self-registration is enabled through a MAC based authentication operation. Various manners in which the seif-registration operation may be implemented are described in greater detail herein below with respect to the method 300 in FIG. 3.

[00037] At block 204, the directory of active network users 136, 142 is monitored for modification of information pertaining to the users listed in the directory of active network users 136, 142. As discussed above, the directory of active network users may comprise one or both of the active directory 136 and the guest directory 142. In addition, various manners in which the directory of active network users 136, 142 may be monitored are described in greater detail herein below with respect to the method 400 in F!G. 4 ,

[00038] At block 206, the database of authorized users 128 is modified in response to a determination that the user information pertaining to at least one user fisted in the directory of active network users 136, 142 that affects the database of authorized users 128 has been modified. Various manners in which the database of authorized users 128 maybe modified based upon modifications to the directory of active network users 136, 142 that affect the user information contained in the database of authorized users 128 are also described in greater detail herein below with respect to the method 400 in FIG. 4,

[00039] Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a flow diagram of a method 300 for enabling a user to seif-register a user device into a database of authorized users 128 to access the network 1 10, according to an example. The method 300 generally comprises a more detailed description of the operations that may be performed at block 202 in FIG. 2. [00040] At biock 302, user device information 106DI of the user 104 requesting access to the network 1 10 is received. The user device information 106DI may be, for instance, the MAC address of the user device 106. In addition, the user device 106 may automatically communicate the user device information 106DI to the switch 108 when the user device 106 is coup!ed to the switch 108, for instance, during a handshake operation between the switch 108 and the user device 106.

[00041] More generally, the user device information 108DS may comprise a set of data associated with the user device 106 and may serve to uniqueiy identify the user device 106 to the network 1 10. in some cases, redundant or additionai information may be employed, or added, in order to further identify the user device 106 or to limit, control, or constrain the association of the user device 106 with the network 110. For example, a port identifier on the switch 108 may be combined with the MAC address of the user device 06 to form a combined or multi-signature user devic information 106D1. Similarly, a specific frequency or channel may be associated with a wireiess device in order to form a combined or multi-signature user device information 106DI. In some cases, however, some leeway may be granted in assigning a user device information 106DI. For example, a wireless user device 106 may still be granted access to the network 110 if it is associated with two or more wireiess access points (that is, wireiess switches 108), provided those multiple access points are substantially in proximity to each other.

[00042] At block 304, a determination as to whether the database of authorized users 128 includes the user device information 106DI is made. As shown in FIG. 1 , and according to an example, the switch 108 is to implement the RADIUS server 112 ("MAC-AUTH" line) in making the determination as to whether the database of authorized users 128 includes the user device information 106DI. Alternatively, however, the SNAC registration server 122 and/or the !DM server 20 may make this determination.

[00043] In response to a determination that the database of authorized users 128 does include the user device information 106DI, access to the network 110 is granted to the user 104 through the use device 106, as indicated at block 308. Specific access and control rights may be determined by I DM agent 1 16 in conjunction with IDM policy database 124. However, if a determination that the database of authorized users 128 does not include the user device information 1G6DI, at block 308, user information 104UI is received. More particularly, for instance, the user 104 may be prompted to Input the user information 1G4UI, such as, a user name, user identification, password, and/or other credentials, and the user 104 may input the requested user information 104UI. Alternatively, this information may be provided based on information encoded in a QR code, as more fully discussed below. In addition, the switch 108 may redirect the user information 104US to the SNAC registration server 122 as indicated by the iine labeled "MAC-AUTH-FA!LURE-RED! ECT".

[00044] At block 310, a determination as to whether the user information 104UI is valid in the directory of active network users 136, 142 is made, for instance, by the SNAC registration server 122 following receipt of the user information 104UI. Thus, for instance, a determination as to whether the user information 104UI is contained in the directory of active network users 38, 142 is mad and if so, whether the user 104 has inputted the correct credentials, for instance, the correct password, and is enabled to access the network 1 10 is made. By way of example, and as shown in FIG. 1 , the active directory table 138 contained in the active directory 136 shows that the user "Jane Doe" is enabled to access the network 110 and that here password is "123RF34". It will be noted that the Active Directory 136, Guest Directory 142, or similar directories of active network users are typically populated, maintained, and updated by an authorized administrator or other person(s) responsible for ensuring legitimate network access. For example, an authorized organizational staff member may be designated to populate Guest Directory 142 with names and other identifying information 104Ui for network users 104 who wii! be guests, and who wiil therefore be permitted guest or temporary access to the network 1 10.

[00045] In response to a determination that the user information 104UI supplied by the user at block 308 is invalid, access to the network 110 is dented as indicated at biock 312. Thus, if the user information 104UI is not contained in the directory of active network users 136, 142, if the user information 104UI, for instance, the password, does not match the user information 1 G4U contained in the directory of active network users 136, 142, and/or if the user's 104 network access has been disabled, access to the network is automatically denied at block 312. In addition, suitable additional steps may be taken. For example, a user 104 may prompted to re-enter user information 104UI (on the possibility that the information was entered incorrectly a first time), or an alert may be sent to an administrator or designated organizational administrator. Policies for responding to an incorrect or erroneous user information 104UI may be defined in IDM policy database 124, and implemented by processes such as RADIUS server 1 12 and/or IDM agent 116.

[00046] In response to a determination that the user information 104UI supplied by the user at biock 308 is vaiid, the user information 104U! is registered into the database of authorized users 128, as indicated at block 314. In other words, the user information 104UI is automatically populated into the list of authorized users 130 in the database of authorized users 128. In this regard, the user 104 may be granted access to the network 110 through the user device 06 without requiring the direct support or intervention of an administrator. From the perspective of the user 104, the self-registration operation of the method 300 may be implemented via a log-in process and log-in displays.

[00047] In addition, along with the user information 104UI, and associated with it, is added the user device information 1Q6DS for the device 106. If the user 104 is already present in the list of authorized users 130 (indicating another user device 106 is already associated with the user 104), then newly added device 106 and its user device information 106DI may also be associated with the same user 104. in an example, when the user information 104U1 is added fo the list of authorized users 130, all of the provided user information 104U1 is added. In another example, when the user information 104UI is added to the list of authorized users 130, only a subset of the user information 104UI is added.

[00048] In addition, the user 104 is granted access to the network 100 as indicated at block 308, which has been described herein above.

[00049] By way of particular example, once the user's credentials are verified and the user 104 is determined to be a valid user at block 310, the SNAG registration server 122 adds the user information 104UI to the IDM server 120. In addition, the iDM server 120 pushes the user information 1041! I to ail of the IDM agents 18. An ID agent 116 registers the user information 1 Q4UI into the database of authorized users 128 as discussed above. Subsequent access to the network 1 10 through the user device 108 wi!l now occur automatically as the user 104 is immediately allowed access with the appropriate access rights based on the their IDM group, profile, etc. In addition, from this point forward, the user 104 is unaware that SNAC is being implemented since the user's 104 access to the network 110 through the user device 108 is transparent to the user 104 ₌ As discussed in greater detail below with respect to the method 400 in FIG. 4, when the user's access rights changes, such as, when the user ieaves a company, that change is automatically reflected in the database of authorized users 128 since the IDM server 120 is monitoring the directory of active network users 136, 142 for changes.

[00050] With reference now to FiG. 4, there is shown a flow diagram of a method 400 for ongoing management of a user 104 and user device 108 already granted access to a network 110 as per the method 200 discussed above. The method 400 generally comprises a more detailed description of the operations that may be performed at blocks 204 and 206 in FIG. 2. In this regard, the method 400 may be implemented following implementation of block 202. In addition, the method 400 may involve a single process, or may involve multiple processes occurring substantially in parallel or in alternating sequence. FIG. 4 depicts two processes. According to an example, the SNAC registration server 122 and/or the IDM server 120 implements various operations in the method 400.

[00051] in a first process starting at block 402, the directory of active network users 136, 142 is monitored in substantially real time, on a substantially continuous or frequent basis. At decision block 404, a determination is made as to whether a user 104 has been deleted from the directory of active network users 136, 142. Such a deletion may be made by an administrator or other person or entity authorized to control access to the network 10.

[00052] If a user 104 has been deleted, at block 406, any record or similar fisting of the user 104 in the database of authorized users 128 is deleted, as is the listing of any associated user device information 106D1 from the listing of authorized users 130. This effectively prevents these user devices 106 from logging into the network 110 in the future, as at least per methods 200/300 discussed above. In addition, if any of the deleted user devices 108 are currently connected to the network 110, their network connection may be terminated,

[00053] If, however, at decision biock 404, a determination is made that the user 04 is still listed in the directory of active network users 136, 142, at b!ock 408, a determination is made if the user 104 has been disabled in the directory of active network users 136, 142. Such a status may be set by an administrator or other person or entity authorized to control access to the network 1 10.

[00054] If a user 104 has had their activity status set to disabled, at biock 410, a determination is made if any user devices 108 for the user 104 are currently contained in the database of authorized users 128. If yes, at block 412, and according to an example, if any such user devices 106 currently have active network connections, thei network connection is terminated. In addition, the user information 104U! and user device information 106DI are deleted from the list of authorized users 130 contained in the database of authorized users 128. In another example, instead of the user information 104UI and user device information 106D! being deleted from the database of authorized users 128, a flag may be set in the list of authorized users 130 indicating that the user device(s) 106 are not currently authorized to access the network 1 10. This may prevent the user devices 106 from being logged into the network 110 during the method 200 and may trigger the self-registration process of the method 300. If, however, at block 410, the user 104 is not listed in the database of authorized users 128, then no specific action is required with respect to the database of authorized users 128, and monitoring continues as per biock 402.

[00055] If at decision biock 408, a determination is made that a user 104 remains active in the director of active network users 136, 142, at block 414, a determination is made as to whether any other aspects of parameters for the user 104 have been changed in the directory of active network users 136, 142. If yes, at block 416, appropriate changes are made to the database of authorized users 128, and user device 106 network access or network privileges may be modified as appropriate. For example, network access privileges may be increased or decreased, access domains changed, network control authority changed, and other changes made as appropriate. Some changes may be determined based on changes in the directory of active network users 136, 142 in conjunction with policies set in IDfvl policy database 24, as appropriate.

[00056] In an example second process starting at block 418, a user time limit and/or date limit set in the directory of activ network users 136, 142 is noted, and the appropriate time and or date is monitored. For example, a date limit may indicate that a user 104 is only entitled to access to the network for a specific date, such as May 1 . The current date is determined, as well as whether or not the corresponding user device 106 is in use.

[00057] At decision block 420, a determination is made if the user time limit or user date boundaries have been exceeded. If yes, then at block 422 network access through the user device 108 is terminated by removing the user information 104US and the associated user device information 106DI are deleted from the iist of authorized users 130 in the database of authorized users 128, preventing future logins through the user device 106.

[00058] It may be appreciated that, in some embodiments, alternative to removing the user and associated devices from the database of authorized users and terminate/deny network access, the user and associated devices may be put into a less privileged access profile or group.

[00059] In general, the methods 200-500 and 700 may be implemented to determine if more than one user device 106 with a same user device information, or a single device with an erroneous user device information, attempts to connect to the network 1 10. In such cases, an alert may be sent to an administrator indicating that an attempt at device spoofing may be in progress, and one or more user devices 106 may be denied access or have existing access challenged. Specific policies to detect spoofing and other erroneous self- identifications may be defined on IDM policy database 124, and implemented by I DM agent 116.

[00060] Some or all of the operations set forth in the methods 200-700 may be contained as a utility, program, or subprogram, in any desired computer accessibSe medium, in addition, the methods 200-700 may be embodied by computer programs, which may exist in a variety of forms both active and inactive. For example, they may exist as machine-readable instructions, including source code, object code, executable code or other formats. Any of the above may be embodied on a computer readable storage medium.

[00061] Examples of non-transitory computer readable storage media include conventional computer system RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and magnetic or optical disks or tapes, Concrete examples of the foregoing include distribution of the programs on a CD ROM or via Internet download. It is therefore to be understood that any electronic device capable of executing the above-described functions may perform those functions enumerated above.

[00062] Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a method 500 for generating a QR code to facilitate a user to self-register a user device into a database of authorized users to access the network. As block 502, a QR code may be generated by encoding information to facilitate seif-registration. The QR code may include, for example, a set of user credentials. The set of user credentiais may include one or more of the following: a user name, password, company, access policy group, etc. In addition, other information may be encoded in the QR code, for example, an address, for example, a uniform resource locator (URL) address, to facilitate self-registration. The QR code may be generated based on information that is accessed from the directory table of active network users 138. The QR code may be generated by, for example, QR code generator 150, which may be located at, for example, SNAC registration server 122.

[00063] It may be appreciated that, according to one or more examples discussed herein, in the case where the user is a guest, an administrator may add the guest user information, including a set of credentials, to the directory of guest network users 138, 142, such that when the QR code is generated, one or more credentials of the set of credentials may be encoded in the QR code.

[00084] At block 504, the generated QR code may be provided for reading by the user device. For example, the generated QR code may be displayed on a screen, printed on an object, for example, a piece of paper, etc., downloaded to an external storage for use in the user device, provided through other known transmission channels to the user device, etc.

[00065 It may be appreciated that a set of instructions, for example, an agent, an application, etc., may be transmitted to a user device for installation. The set of instructions may be used to facilitate the user device's self-registration process. The set of instructions to be transmitted may be selected based on the type of user device. The type of user device may be determined, for example, by a fingerprinting operation or through other known means, if the user device is, for example, an iPhone TM, then an application suitable for execution on the iPhone TM may be transmitted to the user device; if the device is a laptop computing device, an agent suitable for execution on the laptop may be transmitted to the user device, etc. The set of instructions transmitted to the user device may be used to extract encoded information in the QR code. In addition, the set of instructions may facilitate communication with the network devices, for example, the SNAG registration server 122, and may transmit information extracted from the QR code, for example, the set of credentials, to the SNAG registration server 122, o other servers as discussed herein.

[00066] Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown a method 600 for extracting information from a QR code and providing the information to facilitate network access. This method may be performed, for example, at a user device via a set of instructions, for example, an agent, an appiication, etc, installed on a user device.

[00067] The user device may access a QR code that was generated at a network device, for example, the SNAC registration server 122. The QR code may be accessed, for example, via a camera reading the QR code that was displayed on a display device or printed on an object, for example, a piece of paper, downloaded from an external storage device, received through other known transmission channels, etc.

[00088] At block 602, the information encoded in the QR code may be extracted from a QR code reader. The information may include a set of credentials and an address, for example, a URL. [00069] At biock 604, one or more credentials from the extracted set of credentials may be transmitted. The one or more credentials may be transmitted to the URL extracted from the QR code, thus avoiding manual interaction by the user to facilitate network access.

[00070] At block 808, a determination may be received as to whether access to the network is granted. This determination may be received in the form of the user device being provided network access, the user device receiving an alert indicating that network access has been denied, etc,

[00071] Turning now io FIG. 7. there is shown a flow diagram of a method 700 for enabiing a user to self-register a user device into a database of authorized users 128 io access the network 110, according to an example. The method 700 generally comprises a more detailed description of the operations that may be performed at biock 202 in FIG. 2.

[00072] At block 702, one or mor credentials extracted from the QR code may be received from the user device. The one or more credentials may include a user name, password, access po!lcy group, etc.

[00073] At biock 704, a determination is made as io whether the database of authorized users 28 includes the one or more credentials received from the user device. As shown in FIG. 1 and according to an example, the switch 108 is to implement the RADIUS server 1 12 {" AC-AUTH* line) in making the determination as to whether the database of authorized users 128 includes the user device information 106DI. Alternatively, however, the SNAC registration server 122 and/or the !D server 120 may make this determination.

[00074] In response to a determination that the database of authorized users 128 does include the one or more credentials, access to the network 110 is granted to the user 104 through the user device 108, as indicated at block 706. Specific access and control rights may be determined by IDM agent 1 6 in conjunction with IDM policy database 24.

[00075] However, if a determination that the database of authorized users 128 does not include the one or more credentials, at biock 708, a determination is made as to whether the one or more credentials is valid in the directory of active network users 136, 142, for instance, by the SNAC registration server 122. Thus, for instance, a determination is made as to whether the one or more credentiais is contained in the directory of active network users 136, 142 and if so, whether the one or more credentiais matches the information stored in the directory of active users 136, 142, for instance, the correct password, and is enabled to access the network 1 10 is made. By way of example, and as shown in FIG. 1 the active directory fable 138 contained in the active directory 136 shows that the user "Jane Doe" is enabled to access the network 1 10 and that here password is "123RF34". It will be noted that the Active Directory 136, Guest Directory 142, or similar directories of active network users are typically populated, maintained, and updated by an authorized administrator or other person(s) responsible for ensuring legitimate network access. For example, an authorized organizational staff member may be designated to populate Guest Directory 142 with names and other identifying information 104US for network users 104 who will be guests, and who will therefore b permitted guest or temporary access to the network 110,

[00076] In response to a determination that the one or more credentials is invalid, access to the network 110 is denied as indicated at block 710. Thus, if the one or more credentiais is not contained in the directory of active network users 136, 142, if, for instance, the password, does not match the password contained in the directory of active network users 136, 142, and/or if the user's 104 network access has been disabled, access to the network is automatically denied at block 710. In addition, suitable additional steps may be taken. For example, an alert may be sent to an administrator or designated organizational administrator. Policies for responding to an incorrect or erroneous user information 104UI may be defined in I DM policy database 124, and implemented by processes such as RADIUS server 112 and/or IDM agent 1 16.

[00077] in response to a determination that the one or more credentials is valid, the user information 104UI is registered into the database of authorized users 128, based at least on the received one or more credentiais from the user device, as indicated at block 712. in other words, the user information 104US is automatically populated into the list of authorized users 130 in the database of authorized users 128. In this regard, the user 104 may be granted access to the network 110 through the user device 108 without requiring the direct support or intervention of an administrator. From the perspective of the user 104, the self- registration operation of the method 300 may be implemented via a iog-in process and log -in displays.

[00078] in addition, along with the user information 104UI, and associated with it, is added the user device information 106DI for the device 106, If the user 104 is already present in the list of authorized users 130 (indicating another user device 106 is aiready associated with the user 104), then newly added device 106 and its user device information 1G6DI may also be associated with the same user 104. in an example, when the user information 104UI is added to the list of authorized users 130, all of the provided user information 104UI is added, in another example, when the user information 1 Q4US is added to the !isf of authorized users 130, only a subset of the user information 104UI is added.

[00079] In addition, the user 104 is granted access to the network 100 as indicated at block 706, which has been described herein above,

[00080] By way of particular example, once the user's credentials are verified and the user 104 is determined to be a valid user at biock 310, the SNAC registration server 122 adds the user information 104UI to the iD server 120. in addition, the iD server 120 pushes the user information 104UI to all of the IDM agents 16. An ID agent 1 16 registers the user information 104UI into the database of authorized users 128 as discussed above. Subsequent access to the network 1 0 through the user device 106 wiil now occur automatically as the user 104 is immediately allowed access with the appropriate access rights based on the their IDM group, profile, etc. In addition, from this point forward, the user 104 is unaware that SNAC is being implemented since the users 104 access to the network 110 through the user device 106 is transparent to the user 104. As discussed in greater detail below with respect to the method 400 in FIG, 4, when the user's access rights changes, such as, when the user leaves a company, that change is automatically reflected in the database of authorized users 128 since the iDM server 120 is monitoring the directory of active network users 136, 142 for changes. [00081] Turning now to FIG. 8, there is shown a schematic representation of a computing device 800, which may be employed to perform various functions of the servers 120, 122 depicted in FIG. 1, according to an example. Similar elements, possibly with some elements omitted or added, may also be employed within an intelligent switch, such as switch 108 in FIG. 1. Computing device 800 includes a processor 802; a display device 804, such as a monitor; a network interface 808, such as a Local Area Network LAN, a wireless 802.1 1x LAN, a 3G mobile WAN or a Wi ax WAN; and a computer-readable medium 810. Each of these components is operatively coupled to a bus 812. For example, the bus 812 may be an EISA, a PCI, a USB, a FireWire, a NuBus, or a PDS.

[00082] The computer readable medium 810 may be any suitable non- transitory medium that participates in providing instructions to the processor 802 for execution. For example, the computer readable medium 810 may be nonvolatile media, such as an opticas or a magnetic disk; volatile media, such as memory; and transmission media, such as coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, light, or radio frequency waves. The computer readable medium 810 may also store other machine-readable instructions, including word processors, browsers, email, Instant Messaging, media players, and telephony machine-readable instructions.

[00083] The computer-readable medium 810 may also store an operating system 814, such as Mac OS, MS Windows, Unix, or Linux; network applications 816; and a network access management application/QR code generator 818. The operating system 814 may be multi-user, multiprocessing, multitasking, multithreading, real-time and the like. The operating system 814 may also perform basic tasks such as recognizing input from input devices, such as a keyboard or a keypad; sending output to the display 804; keeping track of files and directories on the computer readable medium 810; controlling peripheral devices, such as disk drives, printers, image capture device; and managing traffic on the bus 812. The network applications 818 include various components for establishing and maintaining network connections, such as machine-readable instructions for implementing communication protocois including TCP/IP, HTTP, Ethernet, USB, and FireWire. [00084] The network access management appiication 818 provides various components for managing access to a network and implementing a QR code generation process, as described above with respect to the methods FIGS. 2-4 and 8. The network access management appiication/QR code generator 818, when implemented, receives on a network device 108/120/122 a user device identification 108DI from a user device 106 requesting access to the network 1 10. The network access management application 818, when implemented, further enables a user 104 to self-register the user device 106 into a database of authorized users 128 in response to the user being listed as a va!id user in a directory of active network users 136, 142. in addition, the network access management appiication 818, when implemented, monitors the directory of active network users 136, 142 for modification of information pertaining to the users fisted in the directory of active network users 136, 142. Moreover, the database of authorized users 128 is modified in response to a determination that user information pertaining to at !easi one user iisted in the directory of active network users 136, 142 that affects the database of authorized users 128 has been modified, in addition, a QR ode generation process may be performed wherein at least one or more user credentials, as accessed from a directory table of active users 136, 142, may be generated and provided to a user device, in certain examples, some or ail of the processes performed by the network access management appiication 818 may foe integrated into the operating system 714. in certain examples, the processes may be at least partially impiemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, machine-readable instructions {including firmware and/or software), or in any combination thereof.

[00085] Although described specifically throughout the entirety of the instant disclosure, representative embodiments of the present disclosure have utility over a wide range of applications, and the above discussion is not intended and should not be construed to be limiting, but is offered as an illustrative discussion of aspects of the disclosure.

[00086] Turning now to FIG. 9, there is shown a schematic representation of a user device 900, which may be employed to perform various functions of the user device 106 depicted in FiG. 1 , according to an example. User device 900 includes a processor 902; a display device 904, such as a monitor; a network interface 90S, such as a Local Area Network LAN, a wireless 802.1 1 x LAN, a 3G mobile WAN or a Witvtax WAN; and a computer-readable medium 910. Each of these components is operativeSy coupled to a bus 912. For example, the bus 912 may be an EISA, a PCI, a USB, a FireWire, a NuBus, or a PDS.

[00087] The computer readable medium 910 may be any suitable non- transitory medium that participates in providing instructions to the processor 902 for execution. For example, the computer readable medium 910 may be nonvolatile media, such as an optical or a magnetic disk; volatile media, such as memory; and transmission media, such as coaxial cables, copper wire, and fibe optics. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, light, or radio frequency waves. The computer readable medium 910 may also store other machine-readable instructions, including word processors, browsers, email, Instant Messaging, media players, and telephony machine-readable instructions.

[00088] The computer-readable medium 910 may also store an operating system 914, such as Mac OS, MS Windows, Unix, or Linux; network applications 916; and a set of instructions to facilitate self-registration 918, in the form of, for example, an agent, an application, etc. The set of instructions to facilitate self- registration 918 may implement the functionality as discussed at least with regard to Fig. 6. The operating system 814 may be multi-user, multiprocessing, multitasking, multithreading, real-time and the like. The operating system 914 may also perform basic tasks such as recognizing input from input devices, such as a camera, a keyboard or a keypad; sending output to the display 904; keeping track of files and directories on the computer readable medium 910; controlling peripheral devices, such as disk drives, printers, image capture device; and managing traffic on the bus 912. The network applications 916 include various components for establishing and maintaining network connections, such as machine-readable instructions for implementing communication protocols including TCP/IP, HTTP, Ethernet, USB, and FireWire.

[00089] The set of instructions for facilitating self-registration 918 provides various components for facilitating network access by the user device to the network. The set of instructions 918 may access a QR code, generated by a network device, for example, the SNAC registration server 122. The GR code may be accessed, for example, via a camera at the user device, via internal or external storage at the user device, etc. The set of instructions for facilitating self- registration 918 may read the QR code and extract the information, including a set of credentials of the user of the user device. An address, for examp!e a URL, may further be extracted from the QR code. The information may then be transmitted to a network device, for example, the SNAC registration server 122, for example at the extracted address, in orde to facilitate self-registration of the user device in the network.

[00090] Although described specifically throughout the entirety of the instant disclosure, representative embodiments of the present disclosure have utility over a wide range of applications, and the above discussion is not intended and should not be construed to be limiting, but is offered as an illustrative discussion of aspects of t e disclosure.