Intermediary Authentication Node for Legacy Device Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy devices without wireless interfaces pose challenges for secure remote control command identification and authentication, especially in environments using localized wireless communication networks, as they lack the necessary interfaces to communicate with local access points.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an intermediary node within a cable network service provider's head end that receives device control information, identifies the intended device, and authenticates the control device, allowing secure communication and command execution via the cable network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If legacy devices are used without wireless interfaces, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to wireless communication networks deteriorates and authentication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (authentication server or gateway) that mediates between legacy devices without wireless interfaces and the wireless communication network. This intermediary performs authentication and protocol conversion, allowing legacy devices to participate in wireless networks without requiring wireless hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary device serves multiple functions: it acts as an authentication server, protocol converter, and gateway between wireless and wired networks. This multi-functionality allows a single device to support both legacy wired devices and modern wireless devices, enhancing system versatility without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless interfaces are added to enable remote control over localized wireless networks, then adaptability and remote control capability are improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding wireless interfaces directly to each controlled device, the patent uses an intermediary authentication server that handles wireless communication protocols. This centralizes the complexity in a dedicated server rather than distributing it across multiple devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical wireless interface hardware in legacy devices with a virtual authentication layer implemented through software-based intermediaries. This substitution allows wireless functionality to be achieved through protocol conversion and authentication mechanisms rather than physical hardware modifications.
3Reliability
If centralized authentication via cable network is implemented, then security and authentication reliability are improved, but device complexity and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication server as an intermediary that centralizes security functions. This server handles authentication, authorization, and account management, providing reliable security without requiring complex security mechanisms in each individual device. The complexity is centralized in the server infrastructure rather than distributed across end devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediary between a remote control device and a remotely controllable device implements identification and/or authentication. The intermediary is, e.g., a node or set of nodes within a head end of a cable network service provider. A remote control device at a customer premise sends a command intended to control a remotely controllably device which is also located at the same customer premise. The customer premise includes a network interface, e.g., a cable modem, which has associated identification information. The command and the associated network interface identification information are communicated to the intermediary, e.g., via a cable modem. The intermediary accesses a subscriber record corresponding to the location based on the network interface identification information. The intermediary identifies the device to be controlled, e.g., a particular set top box and/or authenticates the remote control device. A command is sent via the network to the device to be controlled.