Blockchain Data Storage for IoT via Network Node Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

IoT devices lack the processing power to perform encryption/decryption of data, making IoT-generated data untrackable and vulnerable to manipulation in network architectures.

Innovation Solution

A method and network node configuration that enables data from remote devices to be stored in a blockchain database using Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling and Non-IP Data Delivery (NIDD), allowing for data enrichment by inquiring additional information from external systems and sharing records with specified parties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If IoT devices perform encryption/decryption of data, then data security is improved, but device complexity and processing power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network node as an intermediary that performs cryptographic operations on behalf of IoT devices. The network node receives data from IoT devices, encrypts it using public key cryptography, and stores it in a blockchain database. This mediator approach allows simple IoT devices to achieve secure data transmission without having the computational capability to perform encryption themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/computational encryption process that would require significant processing power with a cryptographic system based on public key infrastructure. By using asymmetric cryptography where the IoT device only needs to sign data with a private key and the network node performs verification with a public key, the system achieves strong security with minimal device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If IoT devices perform encryption/decryption of data, then data protection is improved, but processing power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata protectionVSAvoidprocessing power

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The network node acts as a cryptographic service provider that handles all computationally intensive encryption and decryption operations. IoT devices with limited processing power simply transmit data to the network node, which then performs the heavy cryptographic work using its more powerful processors and dedicated security modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cryptographic processing function from the IoT device itself and relocates it to a dedicated network node. This separation allows the IoT device to remain simple and low-power while the security-critical functions are performed by infrastructure with adequate computational resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If data is stored in a centralized IoT platform, then data storage is simplified, but data trackability and protection are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage simplicityVSAvoiddata trackability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data storage system into a distributed blockchain database rather than a single centralized repository. Each block in the blockchain contains cryptographic hashes and data records that are replicated across multiple nodes in the network. This segmentation provides both trackability through the immutable chain of blocks and protection through decentralization, while maintaining ease of operation through automated consensus mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blockchain database serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure data storage, ensures data trackability through immutable records, enables data verification through cryptographic proofs, and maintains a distributed ledger that all network participants can access. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate centralized systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If data is stored in a distributed blockchain database, then data security and trackability are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blockchain system operates autonomously through automated consensus mechanisms where network nodes independently validate and add blocks to the chain. The system self-manages security through cryptographic verification, automatically tracks data through the immutable ledger, and maintains integrity without requiring complex external management infrastructure. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity despite the distributed architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11934385B2Method and a node for storage of data in a network

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 TELIASONERA AB

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for storing data from a remote device in a blockchain database, the method, performed by a network node 112, including: receiving a message from the remote device, accessing the message through a control plane, obtaining data included in the message by the remote device, generating a data record including obtained data, and storing generated data record to a blockchain database. Also disclosed is are network node and a computer readable medium.