Ethernet Port Control in Digital Broadcasting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing hacking in digital broadcasting systems, such as blocking the route between a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and a set-top box, are inefficient and do not effectively prevent unauthorized access through Ethernet ports.
Innovation Solution
A digital broadcasting system that includes a head-end sending a control message with port closing information to a set-top box, which physically blocks the Ethernet port using a port closer component, thereby preventing malicious access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a software-based method is used to block the route between CMTS and set-top box, then hacking is prevented, but service resource efficiency deteriorates and hacking cannot be perfectly prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based blocking method with a hardware-based physical closing mechanism. The head-end sends a control message that triggers the set-top box to activate a port closer circuit, which physically disconnects the Ethernet port from the internal circuit board using a relay or switch component. This mechanical/electrical physical disconnection provides more reliable security while being more resource-efficient than software-based routing blocking.
2Reliability
If the head-end closes the cable network route to prevent hacking, then security is improved, but service resource usage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing security blocking at the specific Ethernet port level rather than at the entire cable network route level. The port closer circuit physically disconnects only the compromised Ethernet port while leaving the cable network route through CMTS open and functional. This localized approach maintains security at the vulnerable interface while preserving overall network service efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In an Ethernet port control method and apparatus of a digital broadcasting system, a head-end is caused to physically block functions of an Ethernet port disposed in a set-top box in order to prevent an unauthenticated device from accessing a cable modem termination system (CMTS) from the head-end through the Ethernet port in the set-top box for a malicious purpose, such as hacking. The Ethernet port control apparatus includes a head-end for providing a control message, including port closing information, for preventing abuse of an Ethernet port, and a set-top box for resetting the Ethernet port according to the port closing information, thereby closing the Ethernet port when the control message is received from the head-end.