Cooling System Entity Controller Access Blocking via Secured Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vapour compression systems, such as refrigeration systems, unauthorized access to entity controllers via nearfield communication interfaces, like Bluetooth, poses a security risk as these controllers are often positioned in publicly accessible areas.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a central control unit that generates blocking and unblocking signals via a secured communication network to manage the nearfield communication interfaces of entity controllers, ensuring only authorized access is allowed, with features like automatic blocking and unblocking based on signal receipt or timer triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If entity controllers are positioned in publicly accessible areas for ease of maintenance and access, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The near-field communication interface dynamically changes its access state between blocked and unblocked based on received signals. The interface is blocked by default to prevent unauthorized access, and temporarily unblocked only when a unblock signal is received from the central control unit, allowing authorized maintenance access while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The central control unit acts as an intermediary between authorized personnel and entity controllers. It receives block signals or unblock signals and transmits them to entity controllers via a secured communication network, which then controls the near-field communication interface state accordingly
2Ease of operation
If nearfield communication interfaces are enabled for direct access to entity controllers, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of secure access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The near-field communication interface is blocked by default before any access attempt occurs. This preliminary blocking action ensures that only authorized personnel who can provide a unblock signal through the secured communication network can access the entity controller, maintaining security while enabling convenient access when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A control system (1) for controlling a cooling system comprising two or more cooling entities (2) is disclosed. The control system comprises a central control unit (3), two or more entity controllers (4), each entity controller (4) being associated with one of the cooling entities (2), and each entity controller (4) being provided with a nearfield communication interface (6) allowing communication between the entity controller (4) and a portable device (7), via a nearfield communication channel, and a secured communication network (5) connecting the central control unit (3) with each of the entity controllers (4). The central control unit (3) is configured to generate blocking signals and/or unblocking signals and communicate the blocking signals and/or unblocking signals to each of the entity controllers (4), via the secured communication network (5). Each of the entity controllers (4) is configured to block and/or unblock the nearfield communication interface (6), in accordance with received blocking signals and/or unblocking signals.