Gateway Device Unauthorized Access Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks, such as those utilizing MoCA technology, face challenges in preventing unauthorized access due to signal leakage and faulty installation of Point of Entry (POE) filters, which can be easily bypassed, leading to unauthorized access and unintentional linking of networks.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a cloud controller and a gateway device that executes a device discovery algorithm using various protocols to detect unauthorized devices and implement countermeasures, such as blocking access, through a frequency filter or POE filter, to prevent unauthorized access to the communication network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If POE filters are installed to prevent signal leakage and unauthorized access, then network security is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to faulty installation, insufficient attenuation, and easy bypasses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidfilter installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical POE filters with a cloud-based detection and prevention system that uses device discovery protocols and algorithmic analysis to identify unauthorized devices, eliminating the need for complex physical filter installation and maintenance while maintaining security effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cloud controller as an intermediary between the gateway device and unauthorized access attempts, where the cloud-based system performs device discovery, authentication, and prevention actions, thereby simplifying the local device complexity while enhancing security through centralized intelligence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If device discovery protocols are executed to detect unauthorized devices, then detection capability is improved, but processing time and computational resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized device detectionVSAvoiddevice discovery processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic execution of device discovery protocols at scheduled intervals rather than continuous monitoring, allowing the system to detect unauthorized devices while managing processing time and computational resource consumption through time-based segmentation of detection operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the cloud controller receives device discovery results, analyzes them against authentication criteria, and provides guidance for prevention actions, enabling efficient detection and response while optimizing processing through intelligent feedback loops

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple device discovery protocols are applied to enhance detection accuracy, then detection reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice detection reliabilityVSAvoidprotocol implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal device discovery mechanism that can execute multiple protocols (MoCA, DHCP, ARP, etc.) through a standardized framework managed by the cloud controller, allowing the system to detect various types of unauthorized devices while maintaining consistent processing logic and reducing overall system complexity through abstraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11677759B1System to detect and/or prevent unauthorized access to a communication network
Publication Date: 2023.06.13 COX COMMUNICATIONS INC
  • US11677759B1 patent drawing
  • US11677759B1 patent drawing
  • US11677759B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure provide for the detection and/or use of countermeasures to prevent and/or limit unauthorized devices from accessing and/or using another's communication network. An exemplary system includes a cloud controller and a gateway device that communicate via the infrastructure provided by a service provider communication network, wherein the gateway device operates in part to execute a device discovery algorithm to detect devices that are connected to a network facilitated by the gateway device and/or employ countermeasures to thwart further access by any unauthorized device. An exemplary method executes a device discovery algorithm to apply one or more of a plurality of device discovery protocols to detect devices that are connected to a network facilitated by a gateway device and/or implement countermeasures to block further access. Other aspects are described in detail herein.