Dynamic Wireless Transmit Power for Eavesdropping Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication links, particularly those using Bluetooth technology, are insecure and vulnerable to eavesdropping due to their inherent signal strength, which can be accessed by unauthorized parties both within and outside a building.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to dynamically determine a target transmit power for wireless transmissions based on security requirements, where stricter security demands result in lower transmit powers, effectively 'whispering' sensitive communications to reduce vulnerability to eavesdropping, and adjusting powers according to device proximity and confidentiality levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmit power of the wireless antenna is increased to ensure strong signal strength inside the building, then the signal coverage and reliability inside the building is improved, but the signal strength outside the building increases making it more vulnerable to eavesdropping by unauthorized parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment based on the security requirements of the data being transmitted. The system continuously adapts the transmit power level rather than using a fixed setting, allowing it to respond to changing security conditions and data sensitivity levels. This resolves the contradiction by making the signal strength flexible - strong when needed for reliability, weak when needed for security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of transmit power based on the security classification of the data. Different data types (e.g., confidential vs. non-confidential) trigger different power levels. This directly addresses the contradiction by linking the physical parameter (power) to the security requirement, allowing the system to optimize both reliability and security simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the transmit power is reduced to lower signal strength outside the building for security reasons, then the vulnerability to eavesdropping is reduced, but the signal strength inside the building may become insufficient for reliable communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmit power levels to different communication scenarios and data types. Instead of using a uniform power level, the system tailors the power setting to the specific security requirements and communication conditions. This local differentiation allows strong signals for non-sensitive data while using weak signals for sensitive data, resolving the contradiction between security and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmit power based on real-time conditions including data security classification, device proximity, and communication quality requirements. This dynamic adaptation ensures that power is optimized for each specific transmission, preventing both over-powering (security risk) and under-powering (reliability risk).
3Object-affected harmful factors
If strict security requirements are applied to all wireless transmissions, then the security level is improved, but the connectivity and usability for authorized devices may be compromised due to excessively low transmit power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmit power parameter based on the security classification of the specific data being transmitted. Not all data requires the same security level, so the system applies different power levels accordingly. This selective approach maintains high security for sensitive data while ensuring good connectivity for less sensitive communications, resolving the contradiction between security and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wireless communication system into different security levels or classes. Data and communication sessions are categorized by security requirement, and each segment operates with appropriate power settings. This segmentation allows the system to maintain strict security where needed while preserving ease of operation where less security is required.
Data Source
AI summary
Different target transmit powers are determined for different wireless transmissions from a wireless device. The target transmit power of a wireless transmission may depend upon whether any transmitters other than the device to which the wireless transmission is to be sent are within range of the sending wireless device. The target transmit power of a wireless transmission may be based, at least in part, on a current location of a device to which one or more frames carried by the wireless transmission are addressed. The target transmit power of a wireless transmission may be based, at least in part, on confidentiality of data carried by the wireless transmission.