Group Encryption Key Management for Secure Node Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in securely transmitting sensitive information between nodes over public links, as they lack efficient and easy-to-implement encryption methods that prevent unauthorized access and eavesdropping, especially when using remote management systems.
Innovation Solution
A method where communication nodes request and receive group encryption keys from a remote management system, which generates and encrypts these keys, allowing secure communication between nodes using control channels separate from data transport channels, employing techniques like symmetric or asymmetric key encryption to prevent eavesdropping by the remote management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote management system is used to facilitate group communications, then communication efficiency and ease of operation are improved, but security and confidentiality of transmitted information deteriorate due to potential eavesdropping and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication channels into separate control channels and data transport channels. Control channels are used for key management and coordination with the remote management system, while data transport channels carry encrypted information. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from centralized management while protecting actual data transmissions through dedicated encrypted pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic keys as intermediaries between the remote management system and communication nodes. These keys act as mediators that enable secure data transmission without requiring the remote management system to have direct access to the actual communication content. The keys are distributed through control channels and then used to encrypt data on the transport channels, creating a layered security architecture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If encryption is implemented to prevent eavesdropping, then security is improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by distributing cryptographic keys through control channels before actual data transmission begins. The remote management system pre-establishes key relationships and security parameters, so that when data needs to be transmitted, the encryption infrastructure is already in place. This eliminates the need for complex real-time key generation and distribution during data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables communication nodes to autonomously use the distributed keys for encryption and decryption operations. Each node independently applies the cryptographic keys it receives to protect its transmissions without requiring continuous intervention from the remote management system. This self-service approach to encryption reduces the operational complexity of the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
Secure data transfers between communication nodes is performed using a group encryption key supplied by a remote management system. A first node transmits a request for secure communications with a second node to the remote management system using a control channel. The remote management system generates and encrypts a group encryption key usable by the first and second nodes and forwards the encrypted group encryption key to the first and second nodes using one or more control channels. The first and second communication nodes decrypt the group encryption key and use it to encrypt data transmitted between the nodes using a data transport network. In some implementations the securely communicating nodes may use encryption keys and/or techniques that prevent the remote management system from eavesdropping on the nodes' communications.