Blockchain Access Control for Resilient Lock Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access control systems are vulnerable to denial of service attacks and networking/software errors, leading to substantial downtime and loss of control over access control devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a blockchain network among multiple node devices to validate access requests and maintain a decentralized ledger of access control decisions, ensuring system resilience against single-point failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized server-client architecture is used for access control, then communication and control are simplified, but the system becomes vulnerable to denial of service attacks and networking errors causing substantial downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized access control system into a distributed blockchain network where multiple node devices store copies of the blockchain ledger. Each node independently validates access requests, eliminating the single point of failure inherent in centralized architectures. The segmentation of data storage and validation across multiple nodes ensures system availability even when some nodes are compromised or experience network issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain ledger acts as an intermediary between access control requests and the central server. Instead of direct server-client communication, nodes validate requests against the blockchain, which contains cryptographic proof of access authority. This intermediary layer protects the system from denial of service attacks by distributing validation logic across multiple nodes rather than relying on a single server.
2Ease of operation
If access control decisions are centralized on a server, then control and management are simplified, but the system loses control of devices during network downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing access control decisions and device credentials in the blockchain ledger before network connectivity is needed. Nodes have the authority to validate access requests locally against the blockchain without requiring real-time server communication. This preliminary distribution of validation capability ensures devices remain controllable during network downtime while maintaining centralized policy enforcement through the immutable ledger.
3Reliability
If a decentralized blockchain network is implemented, then system reliability and resistance to single-point failures are improved, but device complexity and network requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing node devices that perform multiple functions: storing blockchain data, validating access requests, and communicating with other nodes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity. The same hardware infrastructure supports both the blockchain network operations and traditional access control functions, making the transition to decentralized architecture more manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a blockchain in an access control environment according to one embodiment includes transmitting, by a mobile device, a request to access a passageway secured by a lock device to a first node device, wherein a plurality of node devices including the first node device store the blockchain, receiving, by the mobile device, a lock-specific access token from one of the plurality of node devices in response to validation of a blockchain transaction associated with the request received from the mobile device by the plurality of node devices, transmitting, by the mobile device, the lock-specific access token to the lock device, receiving, by the mobile device, a verification message from the lock device in response to successful authentication of the lock-specific access token, and transmitting, by the mobile device, a notification of verification to the first node device to amend the blockchain.