Cellular Network Load Encryption for Secure Policy Enforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endpoint devices face challenges in determining the most efficient network connection between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, and cellular network operators struggle to manage network load and enforce policies effectively, especially in preventing unauthorized access to proprietary network load information.

Innovation Solution

The method involves obtaining cellular network load information, encrypting it, and providing decryption keys to authorized endpoint devices based on their category, allowing only authorized devices to decipher and respond to the load information, which enables the network operator to enforce different policies and manage network usage efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cellular network load information is broadcast to all endpoint devices, then network management efficiency is improved, but security of proprietary information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management efficiencyVSAvoidunauthorized access to proprietary information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network load information by encrypting it with different keys for different device categories. Authorized devices receive encrypted load information along with decryption keys, while unauthorized devices receive only encrypted information they cannot decrypt. This segmentation allows efficient network management information distribution while preventing unauthorized access to proprietary information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If decryption keys are provided to all endpoint devices, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to interpret network load informationVSAvoidsecurity of network information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing decryption keys selectively to specific device categories based on their authorization status. Instead of uniformly providing keys to all devices, the system tailors key distribution to local device characteristics and authorization levels, enabling authorized devices to interpret network load information while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If network load information is encrypted, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of network load informationVSAvoidencryption and decryption operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having endpoint devices automatically receive and apply decryption keys corresponding to their device category without manual configuration. The system autonomously matches devices with appropriate decryption keys based on their category, reducing the operational complexity burden on users while maintaining strong encryption security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9456342B2Security for network load broadcasts over cellular networks

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method, computer readable medium and apparatus for obtaining cellular network load information in a secure manner are disclosed. For example, the method receives the cellular network load information, where the cellular network load information is encrypted. The method then decrypts the cellular network load information using a decryption key and performs a task responsive to the network load information that is decrypted.