Hop Sphere Radius Management System for Network Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network security measures are inadequate in controlling the range of data packet transmission, as high default Time-to-Live (TTL) or Hop Limit (HOP) values in IP headers allow excessive access to devices, making them vulnerable to remote attacks and unauthorized access, especially in large organizations with sensitive data.
Innovation Solution
The Hop Sphere Radius Management System dynamically analyzes and adjusts HOP limit settings using automated feedback loops to limit the transmission range of data packets, employing modules for discovery, analysis, setting, monitoring, and modification of HOP values to establish a secure communication radius, thereby reducing the attack surface by constraining the number of router hops allowed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high default TTL or HOP values are used in IP headers, then data packets can traverse more routers and reach distant devices, but this allows excessive access to devices making them vulnerable to remote attacks and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the HOP limit parameter in IP headers based on security requirements and network conditions. By adjusting this parameter, the system can restrict data packets to only the necessary number of hops required to reach authorized destinations, thereby reducing the transmission range and limiting exposure to remote attacks while maintaining necessary connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The HOP limit is implemented as a dynamic value rather than a static default. The system continuously monitors network traffic patterns, security threats, and communication requirements to adjust the HOP limit in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the transmission range to adapt to changing conditions, expanding when necessary for legitimate communication and contracting to prevent unauthorized access.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the HOP limit is reduced to limit transmission range, then the attack surface is reduced, but this may affect legitimate communications that require traversing multiple routers
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor communication success and adjust HOP limits accordingly. When legitimate communications require more hops than currently allowed, the system detects this through feedback from network devices and communication failures, then dynamically increases the HOP limit to accommodate the legitimate traffic while maintaining security constraints for unauthorized access attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of communication requirements before setting the HOP limit. By pre-configuring HOP limits based on known legitimate communication patterns, authorized device locations, and network topology, the system ensures that legitimate communications can proceed without interruption while still restricting unauthorized access attempts that would require excessive hops.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of detecting an unauthorized access, phish attempt, or ransomware attempt based on limiting network transmission of data packets within an authorized device range. The method includes establishing a router hop limit value to predetermine an authorized device range for data packets to be exchanged between communicating pair devices and limiting transmission of data packets to within the predetermined authorized device range by discarding data packets after reaching the predetermined authorized device range as a function of the established hop limit value, to exclude devices beyond the predetermined authorized device range. Analyzer, Explorer, Setter, Modifier and Monitor Modules interoperate to suppress spurious communications from remote intruders.