Edge Blockchain Authentication for Low-Latency Network Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunications networks require regional and national data centers for network function authentication, leading to increased latency, overhead, and multiple points of cyberattack vulnerability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing edge blockchain authentication using a decentralized blockchain network with smart contracts to authenticate network function requests at an authenticating data center, eliminating the need for regional and national data centers and reducing latency and cyberattack risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional regional and national data centers are used for NF authentication, then authentication can be performed with established infrastructure, but latency increases and overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized authentication infrastructure into distributed edge data centers that perform authentication locally. Instead of routing all authentication requests through remote national data centers, the system divides authentication functions across multiple geographically distributed edge locations, reducing transmission latency while maintaining security through decentralized validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by implementing authentication at the edge of the network rather than only at centralized core locations. This spatial dimensionality change allows authentication to occur closer to users, reducing the physical distance data must travel and thereby decreasing latency without compromising the centralized security model.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data centers are involved in NF authentication, then authentication functionality is distributed, but the number of cyberattack points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces blockchain technology as a trusted intermediary that mediates authentication between edge data centers and network functions. The blockchain ledger serves as a neutral, tamper-proof intermediary that validates authentication requests without requiring direct trust between multiple distributed data centers, thereby reducing the attack surface while maintaining distributed authentication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical trust relationships between multiple data centers with a cryptographic blockchain-based trust system. Instead of relying on complex inter-data-center communication and trust verification mechanisms that create multiple attack vectors, the system uses immutable blockchain ledgers and smart contracts to establish trust, eliminating many of the vulnerable communication channels.
3Reliability
If centralized national data centers are used for authentication, then security control is centralized, but overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables edge data centers to perform self-service authentication using locally stored blockchain validators and smart contracts. Instead of requiring constant communication with centralized national data centers for every authentication decision, edge locations can independently validate requests against the blockchain ledger, reducing overhead traffic to centralized systems while maintaining security control through distributed validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Edge blockchain authentication for communications networks is disclosed. By using a blockchain approach instead of a conventional network function (NF) authentication approach, authentication for applications and services can be performed at an authenticating data center (ADC) without the need to involve the regional data center (RDC) and/or the national data center (NDC). Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for individual NFs may not be needed. Once authenticated via the blockchain, legitimate transactions can interact with NFs.