Endpoint Configuration via Encrypted Network Context Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endpoints in Information Handling Systems (IHSs) lack context awareness to adapt behaviors and configurations based on location without relying on user context or resource access, and existing solutions like DHCP are insecure and data-limited.
Innovation Solution
IHSs use a discovery network service to locate an encrypted options document, decrypt it with a public key, and modify behavior based on the decrypted options, determining environment through protocols like WPA2-Enterprise, domain controllers, and network security, enhancing security with PKI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DHCP options methodology is used for endpoint configuration, then configuration capability is provided, but security is compromised and data capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DHCPv6 Info element as an intermediary carrier to transport encrypted configuration data. This element acts as a secure container that embeds encrypted DHCPv4 options within DHCPv6 packets, enabling secure configuration transmission while maintaining compatibility with existing DHCP infrastructure. The encryption layer serves as an additional intermediary that protects the confidentiality of configuration data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple protocols and encryption mechanisms into a composite configuration system. It integrates DHCPv6 information elements with encrypted DHCPv4 options and TLS/SSL protection, creating a multi-layered composite structure that leverages the strengths of each component while mitigating their individual weaknesses regarding security and data capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DHCP options methodology is used for endpoint configuration, then configuration capability is provided, but data capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where encrypted DHCPv4 options are embedded within DHCPv6 information elements. The DHCPv6 packet contains an Info element that encapsulates multiple encrypted configuration options, allowing hierarchical nesting of configuration data. This nested approach enables transmission of extensive configuration sets by organizing them in nested containers rather than relying on flat, limited option fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional two-dimensional DHCP option structure (option code and option data) to a multi-dimensional structure by introducing Info elements as an additional organizational layer. This dimensional expansion allows configuration data to be structured in nested hierarchies, effectively increasing the capacity and organizational flexibility of configuration data transmission.
3Device complexity
If endpoints lack context awareness, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptive behavior based on location is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring endpoints with cryptographic keys and certificates during manufacturing or initial setup. These security credentials are embedded in advance, enabling the endpoint to automatically perform encrypted configuration downloads and validation without requiring complex runtime security management. This preliminary preparation allows adaptive behavior to emerge from simple automated processes rather than complex real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing endpoints to autonomously download encrypted configuration data, validate it using pre-loaded keys, and apply settings without human intervention. The endpoint independently determines its location context through network scanning, retrieves appropriate configuration automatically, and configures itself based on detected environment, maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
For endpoint Information Handling System (IHS) configuration based on network context, the IHS may use a discovery network service to find a location of an encrypted (and signed using public key infrastructure) options document, decrypted and validate the options document using the public encryption key, and use (a) option(s) from the resultingly decrypted options document to modify behavior of the IHS. The IHS may use the discovery network service to determine the IHS's environment, prior to using the discovery network service to find the location of the options document. The IHS may remove the public encryption key, in repose to completion of modification of the IHS's behavior in accordance with the option(s) from the decrypted options document.