Blockchain Accession Control for IoT Network Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing connectivity and security in IoT networks is cumbersome, especially with a large number of devices, leading to potential security threats due to complex pairing records and lack of centralized authority.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain-based solution for IoT node networks that enables a shared accession control procedure, where network state information is stored on a blockchain ledger, allowing devices to form a private peer-to-peer network, facilitating easy management and enhancing security by requiring malicious actors to hack multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized authority manages device pairings and connectivity permissions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and security risks increase due to single points of failure and cumbersome management of pairing records
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the centralized authority function from the IoT network and replaces it with a distributed consensus mechanism using blockchain technology. The pairing records and connectivity permissions are no longer managed by a single central server but are distributed across multiple network nodes, eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining ease of operation through automated smart contract execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the centralized management function into distributed components across multiple blockchain nodes. Each node maintains a copy of the pairing records and connectivity permissions, dividing the management burden and eliminating the complexity associated with centralized record-keeping while improving security through distribution
2Ease of operation
If a centralized authority manages device pairings, then ease of operation is improved, but security worsens due to potential single points of failure and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the centralized authority from the security management function and replaces it with a distributed consensus mechanism. Security is no longer dependent on a single central server but is distributed across multiple blockchain nodes, eliminating single points of failure while maintaining ease of operation through automated smart contract enforcement of connectivity permissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements prior cushioning by using blockchain's immutable ledger and smart contracts to pre-establish security rules and connectivity permissions before any potential security breaches can occur. The system proactively prevents unauthorized access through cryptographic verification and consensus-based approval mechanisms rather than reacting to security threats after they occur
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are connected to the network, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but management complexity increases making it cumbersome to track and control device access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal blockchain-based management system that handles all device connectivity and permission management through a single distributed ledger and smart contract framework. This multi-functional system can manage any number of devices, any type of connectivity protocols, and any permission structures through the same unified mechanism, eliminating the need for separate management systems for different device types or connection scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating the pairing records and connectivity permissions across multiple blockchain nodes. Each node maintains an identical copy of the network state, allowing the system to scale to accommodate multiple devices without increasing management complexity, as the distributed ledger automatically synchronizes and manages all copies
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method,comprising: receiving a request of a candidate node to join a private peer-to-peer network of nodes sharing network state information, initiating a shared accession control procedure among at least some of the nodes in response to the request, and updating the shared network state information of the network with information on the candidate node in response to allowing the candidate node to join the network as outcome of the accession control procedure.