Dynamic Service Identifier for Neighbor Awareness Network Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Neighbor Awareness Network (NAN) standard has security risks due to the potential tracking of devices through fixed service identifiers and unchanged interface addresses, which can lead to privacy leakage and increased security risks during service discovery.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for performing service discovery in a NAN, where a dynamic service identifier is generated using change information such as anchor master rank, random factors, and interface addresses, which is used to protect device privacy by changing frequently, preventing tracking and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed service identifier is used for service discovery in NAN, then service discovery efficiency is improved, but device privacy is compromised and tracking becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the service identifier changeable rather than fixed. The service identifier is updated periodically or when specific conditions are met, allowing the system to maintain discovery efficiency while preventing tracking. This transforms the static identifier into a dynamic one that adapts over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the service identifier from fixed to variable. By introducing a service identifier update mechanism that modifies the identifier value based on time or conditions, the system resolves the contradiction between maintaining consistent service discovery and preventing device tracking.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a changing interface address is used to protect privacy, then device tracking is prevented, but service discovery reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system into two parts: a stable service identifier for reliable service discovery and a changing interface address for privacy protection. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between reliability and privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The service identifier acts as an intermediary between the interface address and the service discovery process. Even when the interface address changes, the service identifier remains stable or changes in a controlled manner, mediating the connection and maintaining discovery reliability while allowing address changes for privacy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If service identifier remains unchanged for a long period, then service information consistency is maintained, but security risk increases due to tracking vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic updates of the service identifier at predetermined time intervals or after a certain number of discovery windows. This periodic action maintains service information consistency during each period while periodically refreshing the identifier to prevent long-term tracking, thus resolving the security contradiction.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for performing service discovery in a neighbor awareness network NAN. The method includes: obtaining, by a first device, change information in the NAN, and generating a first service identifier according to the change information and first service information, where the change information includes: global change information in the NAN, or change information of the first device; and sending a service message to a second device, where the service message includes the first service identifier. In the embodiments of the present invention, security can be improved.