Alternative Management Device Network Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In home energy management systems, if the primary management device fails, authentication and session key updates are hindered, disrupting continuous system operation.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where a management device determines and authorizes an alternative device to take over network management by sharing authentication information, ensuring seamless operation even if the primary management device cannot communicate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single management device is used to manage the network, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the system reliability deteriorates when the management device cannot communicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the management device determine in advance which authenticated target device should become the alternative management device. The management device shares authentication information with the designated alternative device before any failure occurs, so that when the primary management device becomes unavailable, the alternative device can immediately take over without delay or complex selection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating a backup management capability in an alternative device through sharing authentication information. The alternative device receives and stores authentication information about authenticated target devices, effectively copying the management functionality needed to take over when the primary management device fails, thus improving reliability without requiring complete redundancy of the entire system.
2Reliability
If authentication information is shared with an alternative device, then the system can continue operation during failures, but the security risk increases due to additional devices having access to authentication information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively sharing authentication information only with the specific alternative management device that has been designated and approved by the primary management device. Not all authenticated target devices receive authentication information - only the one determined to be suitable as alternative. This localized approach minimizes the number of devices with access to sensitive information, reducing security risks while maintaining continuous operation capability.
3Reliability
If the management device determines alternative device suitability, then the system stability improves during failures, but the complexity of device management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the management device to autonomously determine which authenticated target device should serve as the alternative management device. The system automatically evaluates and selects the appropriate alternative device based on predetermined criteria, and automatically shares authentication information with it. This automated process eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex administrative intervention, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring network stability during failures.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system, including: a NW management device which (i) forms a network together with an authenticated target device, and (ii) manages the network by delivering a session key for use in communication in the network to the authenticated target device; and a device authenticated by the NW management device, wherein the NW management device: determines whether or not to permit the device to be an alternative management device which manages the network in replace of the NW management device when communication is impossible in the network; shares, with the device, authentication information about the authenticated target device, when permitting the device to be the alternative management device; and the device shares the authentication information with the NW management device, and starts managing the network using the authentication information as the alternative management device when determining that the NW management device cannot communicate in the network.