Encryption Unit Embedding Service Channel Information in Unused Packet Bits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current encryption technologies increase latency in data transmission when service channel information is exchanged, leading to potential network malfunctions, especially in precision time protocol-based networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves an encryption unit that analyzes packets for unused bits and inserts service channel information into these packets, maintaining the existing packet structure and latency by using protocols like Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and BFD, ensuring transparent transmission without additional latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service channel information is inserted into the data stream by the encryption unit, then the encryption units can exchange necessary operational information, but the latency between packets changes, causing network malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the service channel information with the existing data stream by inserting it into unused bits of packets that are already being transmitted. This combines two separate communication needs (data transmission and service information exchange) into a single packet stream, eliminating the need for separate service channel packets that would increase latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The service channel information is nested within the unused portions of existing data packets. Rather than creating outer packets that contain inner data packets (which would increase latency), the service information is embedded like a nested doll within the available space of regular packets, maintaining the original packet timing.
2Loss of information
If additional packets containing service channel information are transmitted, then complete information exchange is achieved, but the latency between subsequent data packets increases
Solution Approach 1:
Regular data packets are given a dual function: they continue to carry their original data payload while simultaneously carrying service channel information in their unused bits. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated service channel packets, as regular packets serve both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the utilization parameter of existing packets from using only dedicated payload space to also utilizing unused bit fields within the same packet structure. This parameter change allows service information to be carried without adding packets, thereby maintaining original latency characteristics.
3Reliability
If the encryption unit modifies the data stream to include service channel information, then information exchange is enabled, but the transmitter-receiver transparency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption unit performs self-service by autonomously inserting and managing service channel information within the data stream without requiring coordination with or awareness from the transmitter or receiver. This self-contained approach enables service communication while maintaining the transparency and independence of the end systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an encryption unit (3200) for encrypting at least one packet (P1, P2) according to a predetermined cryptographic protocol, wherein the predetermined cryptographic protocol requires exchanging of service channel information, wherein the service channel information has a first bit length, the encryption unit comprising: a packet analyzer (3210) configured to recognize whether the packet (P1, P2) has unused bits, a packet builder (3220) configured to insert the service channel information in the packet (P1, P2) if the number of unused bits is equal to or larger than the first bit length, and an encryption engine (3230) configured to encrypt the packet (P1, P2) according to the predetermined cryptographic protocol.