Blockchain PSTN Signaling Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocol in public switched telephone networks (PSTN) lacks authentication and encryption, making it vulnerable to unauthorized access and malicious activities, such as call forwarding and location tracking, due to its secret nature and lack of record-keeping.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a blockchain system with a distributed ledger and asymmetric encryption to securely manage control information for PSTN operations, ensuring only authenticated telecommunications operators can access and modify records of call-related operations, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining a secure record of transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the SS7 protocol is used for control information exchange in PSTN, then call-related operations can be performed, but the system is vulnerable to unauthorized access and malicious activities due to lack of authentication and encryption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain system as an intermediary layer between telecommunications operators. This blockchain network mediates control information exchange by providing distributed ledger technology with built-in authentication and encryption mechanisms, thereby enhancing security without requiring direct modification of the existing SS7 protocol infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional trust-based mechanical system of SS7 with a cryptographic system based on asymmetric encryption and digital signatures. This substitution eliminates the need for manual authentication and record-keeping while providing automated security verification through mathematical algorithms
2Reliability
If the SS7 network operates as a secret network without record-keeping, then operations can be performed quickly, but unauthorized users can gain access and perform malicious actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication by requiring telecommunications operators to register their public keys and establish digital identities before participating in the blockchain network. This preliminary setup enables automated verification of control information without requiring time-consuming authentication processes during actual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain system provides continuous feedback through the distributed ledger, recording all control information exchanges and authentication events. This transparent record-keeping allows participants to verify the authenticity and integrity of messages in real-time, enhancing access control while maintaining operational efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Signaling system for public switched telephone network (PSTN) using a blockchain system. In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes determining that a phone call related operation between a first telecommunications operator and a second telecommunications operator was requested. A public switched telephone network (PSTN) comprises the first telecommunications operator and the second telecommunications operator. The method also includes updating, by a node of a blockchain system, a distributed ledger to indicate that the phone call related operation between the first telecommunications operator and the second telecommunications operator was requested. The method further includes analyzing the distributed ledger to determine if the phone call related operation was approved. The method further includes executing the phone call related operation in response to determining that the phone call related operation was approved.