MAC Header Obfuscation via Offset-Based Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks lack effective mechanisms for obfuscating and encrypting medium access control (MAC) headers, particularly for time-dependent fields like aggregated control, end of service period, and power management fields, which are vulnerable to malicious attacks and data privacy breaches.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of offset-based obfuscation and encryption mechanisms for MAC headers, where a single offset can be calculated for all fields or specific encryption methods are applied, enhancing security by discouraging attackers and ensuring only authorized receivers can decode the data, using techniques such as XOR functions and periodic key changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If MAC header fields are transmitted in clear text, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but data privacy and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the MAC header fields from clear text to obfuscated form through mathematical operations (XOR with offset values). The offset values are derived from key material and vary based on frame control field parameters, creating a dynamic transformation that secures data while maintaining processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism using offset values as a mediator between the original MAC header fields and the transmitted obfuscated fields. These offset values, generated from key material and frame control information, serve as a bridge that enables both security transformation and reversible decryption without requiring complex encryption algorithms
2Loss of information
If offset-based obfuscation is applied to MAC header fields, then data privacy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by applying XOR operations with offset values that are derived from key material and frame control field parameters. This transformation provides data privacy protection while keeping the processing complexity manageable through the use of simple bitwise operations rather than complex cryptographic algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the use of frame control field parameters (such as sequence numbers and packet numbers) that change periodically or uniquely for each frame. This ensures that the offset values and resulting obfuscation patterns are dynamic and prevent pattern recognition attacks while maintaining efficient processing
3Reliability
If encryption keys are changed periodically, then security against attacks is improved, but processing time and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by deriving offset values from frame control field parameters that change periodically or uniquely for each frame. This provides continuous security updates without requiring separate key management operations, reducing processing time while maintaining high security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by transforming the key material into frame-specific offset values through deterministic functions. This allows the security parameters to change frequently based on frame control information without requiring complex key generation and management processes, thereby reducing computational overhead
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for medium access control header obfuscation. One example method includes a first device encrypting a data payload using a first encryption algorithm. The first device can encrypt a field of a medium access control (MAC) header using a second encryption algorithm, different from the first encryption algorithm. The first device can generate a data frame comprising the encrypted MAC header field and the encrypted payload. The first device can transmit the data frame to a second communication device.