Gateway Authentication Using Intrinsic Identification for Secure Home Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for enhanced communication security between terminals and gateway apparatuses in home network and smart grid technologies to ensure reliable and secure service provision, particularly in individual homes where separate devices are not used.

Innovation Solution

An authentication method is implemented where the terminal transmits authentication information and intrinsic identification information to the gateway apparatus, which authenticates the connection using these details and generates authentication keys for secure data transmission, ensuring exclusive and secure communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If authentication information and intrinsic identification information are transmitted from terminal to gateway apparatus, then communication security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidauthentication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is divided into distinct segments: the terminal transmits authentication information and intrinsic identification information separately, the gateway apparatus authenticates using both pieces of information, and then generates authentication keys. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring the entire complex authentication process to be implemented in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway apparatus acts as an intermediary between the terminal and the authentication system. It receives authentication information from the terminal, performs authentication using intrinsic identification information, and generates authentication keys. This intermediary role distributes the complexity across multiple components rather than requiring a single complex device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication keys are generated using intrinsic identification information, then communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidauthentication key generation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway apparatus uses its own intrinsic identification information (such as MAC address) to generate authentication keys. This self-service approach allows the gateway to autonomously create secure keys without requiring external intervention or complex manufacturing processes, thereby improving reliability while keeping manufacturing straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication key generation process transforms intrinsic identification information (static parameters like MAC addresses) into dynamic authentication keys through cryptographic operations. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain high reliability through unique, secure keys while keeping the manufacturing process simple, as the keys are generated automatically from standard device identifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If connection information is transmitted to terminal, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal connection easeVSAvoidauthentication information transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway apparatus performs preliminary authentication actions before transmitting connection information to the terminal. By authenticating the terminal first using authentication information and intrinsic identification information, the system ensures that only authorized devices receive connection information, thereby preventing information loss while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication process provides feedback to the terminal about its authentication status. Once the terminal is successfully authenticated, the gateway transmits connection information back to the terminal. This feedback mechanism ensures that information is transmitted only when authentication is successful, preventing information loss while maintaining user-friendly operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9374350B2Authenticating method of communicating connection, gateway apparatus using authenticating method, and communication system using authenticating method

Publication Date: 2016.06.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An authenticating method of communicating connection between a terminal and a gateway apparatus, the method including transmitting authentication information and first intrinsic identification information that is intrinsic identification information of the terminal from the terminal to the gateway apparatus and requesting the authentication; authenticating the communicating connection by using at least one of the first intrinsic identification information and the authentication information; and when the authenticating is successful, generating at least one authentication key by using at least one of the first intrinsic identification information and second intrinsic identification information that is intrinsic identification information of the gateway apparatus, thereby increasing communication security between the terminal and the gateway apparatus.