Configurable Coaxial Tap for CPE Device Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Theft of Service (ToS) attacks, where unauthorized or illegitimate devices access network resources without compensation, cause network congestion and are used for malicious activities, posing challenges for internet service providers to identify and respond to these devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a configurable coaxial tap with a radio frequency modulator-demodulator combination that evaluates CPE devices by intercepting and decoding packets, altering pre-equalization coefficients to alert the CMTS of impaired operation, allowing for the determination of the physical location of compromised devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet inspection and evaluation operations are performed at the CMTS, then network security and monitoring capabilities are improved, but network latency and processing delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the packet inspection and evaluation functions from the CMTS and relocates them to a separate network tap device. This extraction allows the CMTS to focus on its primary function of data transmission while the dedicated tap device handles security monitoring, thereby reducing network latency while maintaining security capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The network tap device serves as an intermediary between the CPE and the CMTS. It intercepts packets for evaluation without disrupting the main data flow through the CMTS, enabling security monitoring without adding significant latency to the primary network communication path.
2Measurement precision
If the configurable coaxial tap directly examines packets to identify compromised devices, then device identification precision is improved, but the complexity of the monitoring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configurable coaxial tap is designed as a multi-functional device that combines packet interception, demodulation, evaluation, and identification capabilities in a single unit. This consolidation achieves precise device identification while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coaxial tap performs self-service by autonomously intercepting packets, demodulating signals, evaluating CPE devices, and identifying compromised equipment without requiring complex external monitoring infrastructure. This self-contained approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise identification and location of compromised devices within 100-150 feet, aiding in troubleshooting network issues and supporting law-enforcement efforts, while improving network performance and security by distinguishing between legitimate and rogue devices.
Implementation Method 1
a configurable coaxial tap with a radio frequency modulator-demodulator combination that evaluates CPE devices by intercepting and decoding packets
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for evaluating a customer premise equipment (CPE) device. A network element management system may send an alteration request to a configurable coaxial tap that includes a radio frequency modulator-demodulator combination. The alteration request include information that causes the configurable coaxial tap to directly examine packets that are sent to or received from the CPE device.