Centralized Access Validation Server for Network Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key-based authentication methods for remote access in communications networks are cumbersome and costly to deploy, especially in large distributed systems, as they require frequent updates of local key registries and are vulnerable to replay attacks, with public-key authentication not scaling well due to the need for extensive key management across numerous network elements.
Innovation Solution
A key-based access authentication system that generates an access authentication request with an access public key and identification, using a secure hashing function to create a fingerprint for validation, which is stored on an access validation server, allowing for efficient validation and authentication without the need for frequent updates across network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If public-key authentication is implemented by registering all public keys in local key tables on each network element, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for frequent updates of many local key registries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central authentication server as an intermediary between clients and network elements. Instead of each network element maintaining its own local key registry, the authentication server centrally stores and manages all public keys. During authentication, the server validates client credentials and communicates validation results back to the network element, eliminating the need for distributed key management across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication server performs multiple functions: it acts as a central key registry, a validation authority, and a communication intermediary. This single universal component replaces the need for each network element to independently maintain and update local key tables, consolidating key management functionality into one centralized system that serves the entire network.
2Reliability
If public-key authentication is implemented with local key registries on each network element, then authentication capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to the need for each administrator console to register credentials on each piece of network equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication server serves as a mediator that simplifies the registration process. Instead of requiring administrators to manually register credentials on each network element, the server provides a centralized registration interface. The server receives registration requests, stores the credentials centrally, and automatically makes them available to all authorized network elements, dramatically reducing the operational burden on administrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where the authentication server automatically manages key distribution and validation. Once credentials are registered with the server, the server autonomously handles the authentication process for all network elements without requiring manual intervention on each device, allowing administrators to access network equipment seamlessly.
3Ease of operation
If password-based authentication is used, then ease of operation is improved due to easy integration with existing technology, but reliability deteriorates because it is vulnerable to replay attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the authentication parameter from passwords to public keys. Instead of using secret passwords that can be replayed, the system uses asymmetric cryptography where clients present public keys for authentication. This parameter change maintains ease of operation through automated key management while fundamentally improving security by making replay attacks infeasible, as each authentication uses a unique cryptographic proof.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for key-based network equipment remote access authentication. A remote client machine and a piece of network equipment perform client-server authentication while the network equipment employs an access validation server to perform access validation for key-based authentication.