Asymmetric Network Architecture for IoT Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current IT communication networks based on TCP/IP standards exhibit functional symmetry, leading to high complexity and security weaknesses, especially for end users, making them vulnerable to cyber threats and costly incidents, particularly in environments like Industry 4.0 and IoT where devices have limited processing capabilities and lack human control.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric system and network architecture that relocates functions from end user devices to protected central nodes, limiting endpoint functionality and hardcoding secure applications, using read-only memories to prevent remote alterations, and employing redundant communication paths and encryption for enhanced security and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If symmetric protocol stacks are used between participating systems, then communication compatibility is achieved, but system complexity and security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements functional asymmetry by designating specific systems as security hosts with enhanced security functions while other systems operate as clients with basic functionality. This asymmetric architecture resolves the contradiction by concentrating complexity in controlled host systems while keeping client systems simple, thereby maintaining communication compatibility through standardized interfaces while reducing overall system vulnerability and complexity distribution.
2Reliability
If security functions are distributed across all end user devices, then security coverage is improved, but device complexity and vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments security functions by distinguishing between security hosts that implement comprehensive security measures and client systems that perform basic operations. This segmentation allows security coverage to be concentrated in host systems where it is most needed, while client systems remain simple and less vulnerable. The segmented architecture maintains broad security coverage through coordinated host-client interactions without distributing complex security functions across all devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software-based security measures are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but vulnerability to malware and manipulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based security mechanisms with hardware-based security functions embedded in security hosts. By implementing security-critical operations in hardware rather than software, the system achieves inherent resistance to malware and manipulation while maintaining adaptability through configurable hardware security features. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability of software to malicious code while preserving the ability to adapt security parameters through controlled hardware interfaces.
4Ease of operation
If end user devices have full functionality, then operational flexibility is improved, but security risks and attack surface increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces security hosts as intermediary systems that handle security-critical functions between client devices and external threats. Clients maintain operational flexibility for user-facing tasks while delegating security-sensitive operations to host intermediaries. This intermediary architecture allows end user devices to retain full operational flexibility for legitimate tasks while significantly reducing their attack surface by removing or minimizing security-critical software components.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel system and network architecture unburdens the end users as a result of reduced complexity of the infrastructure used by said users. As a result of the omission of processors, operating systems and conventional software on the user side, the use of the IT is simplified and the infiltration of malware into the devices belonging to the end users is prevented. In addition, the new architecture makes it possible to set up secure and more efficient networks even with respect to IoT and Industry 4.0 as well as new business models and supports both the coexistence and the migration of the conventional technology to the new architecture.