IoT Device Validation via Intermediary Mobile Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT systems face challenges in efficiently validating IoT devices and ensuring secure communication and data transmission, particularly in scenarios where IoT devices are out of range of the IoT hub, leading to inefficiencies and potential security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an IoT platform with an IoT hub and service that enables secure pairing and communication using a predefined networking protocol stack, secure key exchange mechanisms, and intermediary mobile devices to bridge communication gaps between IoT devices and hubs, ensuring secure data transmission and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IoT devices communicate directly with the IoT hub, then communication security is maintained, but devices out of range cannot communicate, leading to loss of functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediary elements that facilitate communication between IoT devices and the IoT hub when direct communication is not possible. The mobile device acts as a temporary relay, receiving data from out-of-range IoT devices and forwarding it to the hub, thereby extending communication range while maintaining security through encrypted channels
2Reliability
If IoT devices use secure key exchange mechanisms, then communication security is improved, but the validation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary pairing and key exchange processes during device initialization and registration phases. By establishing secure credentials and cryptographic keys in advance, the system reduces the complexity of real-time validation operations, as the authentication framework is already in place before actual data transmission begins
3Reliability
If IoT devices perform validation before communication, then security is improved, but the time required for device integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs validation activities during the device registration and pairing phases, which occur before the device enters operational use. This preliminary validation approach ensures security requirements are met while minimizing the time impact on actual device functionality, as validation is completed during the setup process rather than during active communication
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for validating an IoT device. For example, a method in accordance with one embodiment comprises: generating a first random value to be used as a first offset into a first block of program code of an Internet of Things (IoT) device; transmitting a challenge request message to the IoT device, the challenge request including the first offset or data based on the first offset; receiving a challenge response message transmitted by the IoT device, the challenge response message comprising first authentication data for the first block of IoT device program code; and using the first authentication data to attempt to validate the first block of program code.