Distributed Ledger Network Access Control via Smart Contracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network systems lack an efficient and secure method for managing access policies across multiple networks, particularly in scenarios where networks share resources or have different ownership entities.
Innovation Solution
The use of distributed ledgers, such as blockchains, to record and enforce network access policies across multiple networks, allowing for secure, decentralized, and immutable storage of access control information using smart contracts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional centralized systems are used to manage network access policies, then policy enforcement can be centralized, but system reliability and security are reduced due to single point of failure and lack of transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized policy management system into multiple distributed nodes (network nodes, authentication servers, and ledger participants). Each node maintains a copy of the distributed ledger and independently validates policies, eliminating the single point of failure while distributing system complexity across multiple reliable entities.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed ledger acts as an intermediary between network nodes and authentication servers, providing a transparent and immutable record of access policies. This intermediary ensures that policy decisions are made based on verified data from multiple sources, enhancing system reliability without requiring complex centralized control.
2Reliability
If access policies are stored in centralized databases, then data storage is simple, but data security and immutability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring smart contracts and access control logic directly in the distributed ledger before actual access events occur. This preliminary setup ensures that security rules are embedded in the system structure itself, making data security inherent rather than additive, while simplifying future policy enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical centralized database storage with a distributed ledger system that uses cryptographic hashing and consensus mechanisms. This substitution enhances data security and immutability by making the storage system itself resistant to tampering, while the distributed nature reduces reliance on any single complex storage infrastructure.
3Productivity
If network access policies are enforced manually, then flexibility in policy updates is maintained, but processing speed and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by implementing smart contracts that automatically execute access control decisions based on predefined conditions. The system autonomously evaluates policy requests, validates credentials, and enforces access rights without manual intervention, dramatically increasing processing speed while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable policy logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by enabling real-time policy updates and adaptive access control through the distributed ledger. Policies can be dynamically modified by authorized participants, and changes are immediately propagated across the network, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining high processing speeds through automated enforcement mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple networks operate independently, then network autonomy is maintained, but interoperability and roaming efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional distributed ledger that serves multiple networks simultaneously. The same ledger infrastructure supports policy management across different network operators and types, enabling interoperability through shared data structures and consensus mechanisms while reducing overall system complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously independent network management systems into a unified distributed ledger framework. By combining policy storage, authentication, and access control functions into a single shared infrastructure, the system achieves network interoperability and improved roaming efficiency without requiring each network to maintain separate complex management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system described herein may maintain one or more smart contracts on a distributed ledger. The system may receive a request, associated with a User Equipment (“UE”), for access to a particular network (e.g., a private network), identify one or more attributes of the UE, and select a particular smart contract based on the attributes of the UE. The system may execute the selected particular smart contract, which may include performing operations, indicated by the particular smart contract, using the one or more attributes of the UE as inputs. Executing the particular smart contract may further include identifying outputs that result from performing the particular set of operations using the attributes of the UE as inputs, such as a network access policy for the UE. The system may output a response to the request, indicating the network access policy determined based on executing the particular smart contract.