Wireless Mesh Node Key Generation and Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mesh networks, it is challenging for a server to send an encryption key used between communicating nodes during network access authentication, as the combination of nodes is unknown at the time of authentication.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that includes an obtaining unit to obtain a master key from a server, a generation unit to generate an individual key using the master key, and a communication unit to communicate with other nodes using the individual key, enabling nodes to mutually authenticate and share keys dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a server sends an encryption key to a client during network access authentication, then the client can obtain the key for communication, but the server cannot determine which nodes will communicate with each other since the combination of nodes is unknown at authentication time
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption key is segmented into two parts: a master key obtained from the server during authentication, and an individual key generated locally by each client using the master key. This segmentation allows each node to have its own unique communication key while maintaining the ability to communicate securely with any other node in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The master key is obtained in advance during network access authentication before actual communication occurs. Each client then generates its individual key using this master key, preparing the key infrastructure ahead of time so that when communication between any nodes is needed, the keys are already in place and ready for use.
2Reliability
If individual keys are generated for each node pair, then secure communication between any nodes is enabled, but key management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each client autonomously generates its own individual key using the master key obtained from the server. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the server to manage or distribute individual keys to each node pair, significantly reducing key management complexity while maintaining secure communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The individual key is generated in advance by each client using the master key, so that when communication is needed, the key is already prepared. This preliminary key generation simplifies the communication process and reduces the complexity of real-time key management.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, according to one embodiment, a communication apparatus includes an obtaining unit, generation unit, and communication unit. The obtaining unit obtains a master key from a first communication apparatus. The generation unit generates an individual key using the master key. The communication unit communicates with a second communication apparatus using the individual key.