Ad Hoc Network Authentication Using Pre-Configured Security Credentials

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Solution Overview

Problem

In emergency or disaster scenarios, there is a need to rapidly establish secure communication networks among wireless mobile devices, such as sensors, without relying on centralized connectivity, while preventing unauthorized access from attackers.

Innovation Solution

A method for authenticating nodes in a Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) using pre-emergency and emergency security configurations, where each node receives a digital certificate or network key, with mutual authentication performed using a master device to ensure only legitimate devices join the network based on location proximity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rapid deployment of wireless devices is implemented to establish MANET, then network establishment speed is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork establishment speedVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring security credentials (digital certificates or network keys) in devices before deployment. During emergency response, devices can immediately authenticate with each other without requiring real-time connection to a central authority, enabling rapid network establishment while maintaining security through pre-validated credentials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If decentralized autonomous network structure is implemented, then network independence and mobility are improved, but authentication complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork independenceVSAvoidauthentication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to perform mutual authentication autonomously using their pre-configured security credentials. Each device can independently verify the authenticity of other devices without requiring connection to external authentication servers, simplifying the decentralized authentication process while maintaining network independence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If large number of sensors are deployed quickly, then network coverage and response capability are improved, but risk of attacker infiltration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidattacker infiltration risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements the intermediary principle by using pre-configured security credentials as mediators between devices. These credentials act as trusted intermediaries that verify device authenticity, allowing rapid deployment of large numbers of sensors while preventing attacker infiltration through cryptographic validation of each device's identity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7571313B2Authentication for Ad Hoc network setup

Publication Date: 2009.08.04 BISON PATENT LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A device (110) performs a method 200 for authentication and Ad Hoc network setup. The device (110) receives (210) a first security configuration; receives (220) a second security configuration based on location; authenticates (230) at least a second node (110) having the first security configuration and the second security configuration; and forms (240) a network with the at least a second node (110).