Communication Control Unit for Secure Distributed Device Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication systems for OLT devices assume close proximity and direct connectivity, lacking mechanisms for reliable and secure communication between distributed devices, which restricts flexible arrangement and increases risks of erroneous connections and security breaches.

Innovation Solution

A communication system where functions are configured as software components executed by multiple devices connected via a network, utilizing a communication control function unit to encapsulate and securely transmit signals using protocols like IP, Ethernet, or ATM, and employing tunneling technologies like VPN or IPSec to ensure reliable and secure communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices are installed at different locations in a distributed manner, then flexibility and versatility are improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of erroneous connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of device arrangementVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a communication control function unit as an intermediary component that handles all communication between distributed devices. This mediator ensures reliable communication by managing connection establishment, signal routing, and data transmission protocols, thereby preventing erroneous connections while maintaining the flexibility of distributed device placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If devices are installed at different locations via network, then adaptability is improved, but security risks increase due to potential wiretapping and tampering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of device arrangementVSAvoidsecurity risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication control function unit serves as a secure intermediary that manages all communications between distributed devices. It implements security measures such as authentication, encryption, and secure signal routing to prevent wiretapping and tampering, thereby enabling flexible device placement without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If control signals are transmitted over public network, then device flexibility is improved, but communication security deteriorates due to exposure to malicious users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice placement flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication control function unit acts as a secure intermediary that manages all communications over the network. It implements authentication mechanisms and secure transmission protocols to ensure that only authorized devices can communicate, thereby maintaining communication security while enabling flexible device placement over public networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11985457B2Communication apparatus and communication method

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

A communication device in a communication system in which functions that are converted to software are configured as a plurality of components, and the functions are realized as a result of the components being respectively executed by a plurality of communication devices that are connected to a network, the communication device including a capsulation function unit configured to encapsulate information that is to be transmitted to another communication device.