Mesh Node Key Storage for Secure Outage Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nodes in a wireless mesh network face challenges in securely transmitting and receiving messages during outage events due to limited resources and loss of components, which affects their ability to report outage events effectively.
Innovation Solution
Nodes store encryption/decryption and authentication keys in a separate memory capable of low power operation and use these keys to securely send and receive messages during outage events, selecting neighboring nodes for last-gasp messaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nodes use conventional messaging during outage events, then they can report outage events, but they cannot securely send messages due to limited resources and loss of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into two distinct parts: a first memory for storing encryption/decryption keys that operates in low power mode, and a second memory for general node operations. This segmentation allows the critical security functions to maintain operation with minimal power while the rest of the node can be powered down or operate with limited resources during an outage event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing encryption and decryption keys in the low power mode memory before the outage event occurs. This ensures that when the outage happens and power is limited, the necessary security credentials are already in place and accessible, enabling secure message transmission without requiring full node operation or additional power consumption during the critical outage period.
2Loss of information
If nodes shut down completely during outage events, then they prevent further harm, but they cannot send status reporting messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the node with a low power mode memory that retains critical security keys and enables minimal operational functionality. This allows the node to send status reporting messages during an outage event without requiring a complete shutdown, thereby preventing information loss while limiting power consumption to prevent further damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by keeping only the essential security functions operational through the low power mode memory during an outage event, rather than shutting down completely or maintaining full functionality. This partial operation enables status reporting while consuming minimal power, striking a balance between information preservation and damage prevention.
3Loss of information
If nodes use full functionality during outage events, then they can send and receive messages, but they consume excessive electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the node's operational capabilities by isolating the security-critical key storage in a dedicated low power mode memory, separate from the main memory that requires full power. This allows the node to perform essential message transmission functions using minimal power while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from activating full node functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different operational characteristics to different parts of the node: the first memory operates in low power mode with retained key access, while the rest of the node operates with limited or no power during the outage event. This localized approach to power management enables message transmission capability while minimizing overall power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclose a method including detecting, by a first node in a mesh network while the first node is operating in a normal power mode, an outage event; in response to detecting the outage event, switching to operating the first node and a first memory of the first node in a low power mode, wherein the first memory is capable of switching between operating in the normal power mode and in the low power mode where an amount of power used by the first memory is reduced; and while operating the first node and the first memory in the low power mode: generating, by the first node, a first message; securing, by the first node using a key retrieved from the first memory, the first message; and sending, by the first node, the first message to a second node in the mesh network.