AIoT Access Architecture for Low-Power Secure Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network technologies face challenges in efficiently supporting low-complexity, low-power ambient Internet-of-things (AIoT) devices with limited or no energy storage capabilities, particularly in managing device registration, authentication, and secure data transfer.
Innovation Solution
The system architecture for AIoT communication includes two device configurations: low-end devices without UICC, preconfigured with a device ID for direct data transfer using Ethernet or unstructured data, and high-end devices with UICC for secure communication with temporary credentials, supporting various AIoT protocols and secure data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless network technologies are used for AIoT devices, then device registration and authentication can be performed, but the system complexity and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments AIoT devices into two categories: low-end devices without UICC that use simplified direct data transfer, and high-end devices with UICC that use secure credential-based authentication. This segmentation allows each device type to use appropriately complex protocols, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability for both device classes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an AIoT Access Function (AIoT AF) as an intermediary that handles authentication and authorization for low-end AIoT devices. This mediator enables traditional wireless network technologies to work with simple devices by offloading the complex authentication logic to the network side, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure access
2Reliability
If traditional wireless network authentication protocols are implemented, then secure communication is achieved, but power consumption increases beyond the capabilities of low-power AIoT devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides AIoT devices into power-capable devices with UICC that can handle full authentication protocols, and ultra-low-power devices without UICC that use simplified connection methods. This energy-based segmentation ensures that high-power authentication mechanisms are only used when the device has sufficient power resources
Solution Approach 2:
For low-end AIoT devices, the patent uses temporary, stateless connection identifiers instead of persistent authenticated sessions. These simple connection tokens consume minimal power and can be regenerated, effectively replacing the need for continuous high-power authentication while maintaining basic security
3Use of energy by moving object
If AIoT devices with limited energy storage are used, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to perform registration and authentication is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The AIoT Access Function acts as a mediator that performs authentication and authorization on the network side for low-end devices. This allows ultra-low-power devices to gain authenticated access without having the computational or energy resources to perform traditional device-side authentication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
High-end AIoT devices with UICC perform self-authentication using their embedded secure elements, eliminating the need for network-side authentication assistance. This self-service capability allows these devices to maintain secure access while consuming more power, whereas low-end devices rely on network-mediated authentication
4Device complexity
If simplified data transfer protocols are used for low-end AIoT devices, then network complexity is reduced, but security capabilities are diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different security qualities to different device classes: high-end devices receive full security treatment with UICC-based authentication and encrypted sessions, while low-end devices receive simplified security through network-mediated access control. Each device type gets the appropriate level of security complexity for its capabilities and use case
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods for ambient Internet of things (AIoT) operation in communication networks.