Encryption Protocol Negotiation Between Controller and Self-Encrypting Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in negotiating encryption responsibilities between encryption-capable controllers and self-encrypting drives, requiring a method to determine the most suitable encryption protocol based on various criteria such as encryption strength, device capabilities, and security standards.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a storage device with a first encryption protocol and a controller with a second encryption protocol, where a processor implements the appropriate protocol based on factors like encryption strength, topology, federal standards, virtualization support, multi-key support, and enterprise key management server support, enabling secure data transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system uses multiple encryption protocols with different strengths and capabilities, then security and compliance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by evaluating multiple encryption protocols based on different criteria (encryption strength, FIPS certification, virtualization support, multi-key support, multi-band support, EKMS support) and selecting the optimal protocol dynamically. This allows the system to adapt security parameters to match specific requirements without hardcoding a single protocol, thereby improving security while managing complexity through structured parameter comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption protocol negotiation is performed autonomously by the processor without requiring manual configuration or external intervention. The system self-evaluates available protocols, compares them against required criteria, and automatically selects the most suitable protocol. This self-service approach improves security outcomes while reducing operational complexity by eliminating manual protocol configuration.
2Measurement precision
If the processor evaluates multiple encryption criteria and negotiation factors, then encryption protocol selection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation by pre-identifying available encryption protocols and their capabilities before actual data encryption operations begin. The processor assesses protocol strengths, FIPS certification status, virtualization support, and other criteria in advance, establishing a ranked list of suitable protocols. This preliminary action ensures accurate protocol selection while reducing negotiation time during operational phases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple encryption protocols with different capabilities, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs protocol evaluation and selection without requiring user intervention or manual configuration. The processor autonomously assesses available protocols against required criteria (FIPS certification, virtualization support, multi-key support, etc.) and selects the most appropriate protocol. This self-service mechanism improves adaptability to different security requirements while maintaining ease of operation by eliminating complex manual protocol configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a storage device having a first encryption protocol, and a controller having a second encryption protocol. A processor implements the first encryption protocol or the second encryption protocol based on a strength of each encryption protocol, a topology of the system, a federal information processing standard certification status, a virtualization support, a multi-key support, a multi-band support, and an enterprise key management server support. Storage transactions may be encrypted using the implemented encryption protocol.


