DIAMETER Agent Obscuring Node Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
In DIAMETER networks, providing node identification and location information poses a security risk and may reveal sensitive network topology, making networks susceptible to attacks and competitive information exposure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a DIAMETER information hiding module within a DIAMETER agent that modifies and obscures node identification information in messages, using virtual host identities to conceal the actual host information, thereby protecting network topology and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DIAMETER node identification and location information is included in messages for proper routing, then message routing and node identification are enabled, but network security is compromised and sensitive topology information is exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DIAMETER agent as an intermediary component that sits between the DIAMETER network nodes and the external network. This agent intercepts DIAMETER messages, strips out sensitive node identification and location information, and forwards the anonymized messages to the destination. The agent acts as a mediator that enables routing functionality while protecting security by decoupling the routing mechanism from the exposure of sensitive node information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DIAMETER node information is provided to requesting nodes for network operation, then network communication functionality is maintained, but network topology information is exposed to competitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing sensitive topology information from DIAMETER messages before they are transmitted across the network. The DIAMETER agent extracts node identification, location, and topology information from the messages, retains only the essential routing information needed for communication, and forwards the sanitized messages. This allows network communication to continue while preventing competitors from gathering intelligence about network topology.
3Reliability
If node identification information is included in DIAMETER messages for proper node identification, then network elements can be identified and contacted, but the providing node becomes susceptible to attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The DIAMETER agent serves as a protective intermediary that maintains node identification reliability while shielding nodes from direct exposure. It preserves the ability to identify and contact network elements through anonymized identifiers, while the agent itself absorbs the security risk by being the visible target instead of the actual network nodes. This mediator approach maintains operational reliability without increasing attack susceptibility of the protected nodes.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a system for a system for obscuring DIAMETER node information in a communication network. The system includes a DIAMETER agent platform. The DIAMETER agent platform includes a network interface for receiving a message from a first DIAMETER node. The DIAMETER agent platform further includes a DIAMETER information hiding module for modifying, in the first message, DIAMETER information for the first DIAMETER node so as to obscure the identity of the first diameter node. The diameter agent includes a routing module for routing the modified message to a second DIAMETER node.