Automatic Device Pairing via Security Controller Password Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device pairing methods, such as those in the G.hn specification, require user interaction and password management, which can be inconvenient and insecure, as users must remember passwords for new device additions and are prone to either easy guessing or forgetting.
Innovation Solution
An automatic device pairing system that uses a security controller to generate and provide secure passwords through protocols like X.1035, allowing provisional devices to establish secure communications without user intervention, using trigger events and optional confirmation mechanisms to ensure secure domain membership.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pairing with common password is used, then security is established between devices, but user interaction is required and passwords must be remembered
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically pair with each other using pre-configured credentials stored in their memory. The devices independently authenticate and establish secure connections without requiring user intervention for password entry or device discovery, making the system self-sufficient in the pairing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Credentials are pre-configured in the devices during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for real-time password distribution and user interaction during pairing, as the authentication materials are already in place before the pairing event occurs.
2Reliability
If manual pairing with common password is used, then security is established between devices, but the process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Devices automatically perform the pairing process by initiating device discovery, exchanging credentials from their pre-configured memory, and establishing secure connections without waiting for user input. This autonomous operation dramatically reduces the time required for device pairing while maintaining security through the use of pre-configured authentication materials.
3Extent of automation
If pre-configured credentials are used, then automatic pairing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity of credential configuration is moved to the preliminary stage during manufacturing or initial device setup. Once credentials are pre-configured in the device memory, the pairing process becomes simple and automatic, as devices only need to exchange and use the pre-existing credentials without requiring complex real-time configuration logic.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to a security apparatus. The apparatus includes a security controller. The security controller is within a secure domain. The controller is configured to receive a trigger event from a first device outside the secure domain and a second trigger event. The controller is configured to automatically generate a secure password from a provisional password using a secure password provisioning protocol in response to the first trigger event and the second trigger event. The controller is also configured to pair the first device with the secure domain by establishing secure communications using the secure password.