Hard-wired Encryption Circuit for Network Node Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network security techniques rely on software-based encryption methods that can be compromised and are resource-intensive, lacking the high security and efficiency needed for secure data transfer over the internet.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a hard-wired encryption circuit within a network node that operates independently of the operating system and software, performing encryption and decryption tasks, thereby enhancing security and reducing computational load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If software-based encryption methods are used, then flexibility and ease of implementation are improved, but security and processing efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implementationVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the software-based encryption system with a hardware-based encryption circuit. This substitution moves the encryption function from the software domain to the hardware domain, creating a dedicated cryptographic processing unit that operates independently from the operating system and application software, thereby enhancing security while maintaining implementation flexibility through standardized hardware interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the encryption function from the general-purpose processing system by creating a separate, dedicated encryption circuit. This segmentation isolates the cryptographic operations into an independent hardware module, preventing software-based attacks from compromising the encryption key and algorithms, while the module can be integrated into various systems through standard interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If software-based encryption methods are used, then adaptability is improved, but processing speed and network throughput deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based encryption processing with a dedicated hardware encryption circuit. This substitution eliminates the computational overhead and processing delays associated with software encryption, significantly improving encryption speed and network throughput. The hardware circuit performs cryptographic operations in parallel and at fixed clock speeds,不受限于软件解释和执行的时间开销.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The encryption circuit is designed as a self-contained hardware module that performs all encryption and decryption operations autonomously without requiring CPU intervention. The circuit includes its own control logic, key management, and processing units, allowing it to service encryption demands independently and thereby freeing the main processor for other tasks while maintaining high encryption throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If software-based encryption is implemented, then system flexibility is improved, but computational load and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidcomputational load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes software-based cryptographic processing with a dedicated hardware encryption circuit. This replacement transfers the computational burden from the general-purpose CPU to a specialized hardware unit designed specifically for cryptographic operations. The hardware circuit consumes energy efficiently by performing only encryption/decryption operations at optimized circuit levels, reducing the overall computational load on the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If software-based encryption is used, then ease of updates and modifications is improved, but vulnerability to attacks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of updatesVSAvoidvulnerability to attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the encryption functionality into a separate hardware module that operates independently from the software environment. This segmentation protects the encryption key and algorithms from software-based attacks such as malware, buffer overflows, and operating system vulnerabilities. The hardware module can be updated through secure key reloading or circuit reconfiguration while maintaining physical isolation from attack vectors present in software systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3025472B1Apparatus for communicating a signal according to a communication model and network node comprising the apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.08.23 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

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AI summary

The invention describes an apparatus (10) for communicating a signal according to a communication model (1 1 ) which is described by a plurality of layers (16; 16; 22; 24; 26;28), each layer (16; 16; 22; 24; 26; 28) describing a subset of a functionality of the communication model. The apparatus comprises a first hard-wired circuit (21; 23; 25; 27) which at least partially implements a functionality of a first layer (22; 24; 26; 28) of the plurality of layers (16; 16; 22; 24; 26; 28; 32) and a hard-wired encryption circuit (31 ) for encrypting or decrypting the signals to be communicated.