Mesh Network Message Security Key Selection for Low-Resource Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mesh networks face security vulnerabilities due to heterogeneous device resources, leading to performance issues and reduced functionality, particularly for low-resource devices, when using cryptographic techniques for message encryption and authentication.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining a security key type based on the computing and power capabilities of each node when securing a network message for transmission within the network. Accordingly, the method includes transmitting a sending a network message with a security key type tailored to the resources of the sending and receiving nodes, avoiding battery consumption and latency for low-resource nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If asymmetric cryptographic algorithms are used for message encryption and authentication in mesh networks, then network security is improved, but computational power consumption increases and message transmission delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different security key types to different nodes based on their individual resource capabilities. High-resource nodes use asymmetric cryptographic algorithms for strong security, while low-resource nodes use symmetric cryptographic algorithms or security presets to minimize computational overhead and transmission delays. This localized adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing security measures according to each node's specific conditions rather than applying a uniform approach across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the security key type parameter based on node resource parameters. The system evaluates computational power, memory availability, and energy constraints to select appropriate security mechanisms. This parameter adaptation allows the network to maintain security while accommodating varying resource constraints across heterogeneous devices, thereby reducing transmission delays for resource-constrained nodes.
2Reliability
If asymmetric cryptographic algorithms are used for message encryption and authentication in mesh networks, then network security is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring security mechanisms to the specific power availability of each node. Battery-powered low-resource nodes use symmetric cryptographic algorithms or security presets that consume minimal power, while AC-powered high-resource nodes can sustain the higher power consumption of asymmetric cryptographic operations. This localized approach resolves the contradiction by matching security intensity to power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the security key type parameter based on power consumption characteristics and energy availability. Nodes with limited battery capacity select lower-power security mechanisms, while nodes with abundant power resources utilize more secure but power-intensive asymmetric algorithms. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between security and power consumption.
3Reliability
If symmetric cryptographic algorithms are used for message encryption in mesh networks, then message security is improved, but computational resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by matching cryptographic algorithm complexity to node computational capabilities. Low-resource nodes use symmetric algorithms with optimized key lengths or security presets that provide adequate security with minimal computational burden, while high-resource nodes can handle more computationally intensive symmetric or asymmetric operations. This localized adaptation resolves the contradiction between message security and computational power consumption.
4Reliability
If uniform security protocols are applied to all nodes in mesh networks, then security consistency is improved, but low-resource device functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality through differentiated security configurations. Instead of forcing uniform security protocols on all nodes, the system allows each node to operate with security measures appropriate to its resource level. High-resource nodes implement comprehensive security protocols, while low-resource nodes use streamlined security mechanisms. This approach maintains overall network security consistency while preserving the functionality of resource-constrained devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by allowing security configurations to adapt based on node characteristics and network conditions. Nodes can dynamically select from multiple security key types based on their current state and resource availability. This dynamic adaptation enables the network to maintain security consistency at the protocol level while allowing individual nodes to operate within their functional capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method of transmitting messages within a mesh network comprises: receiving at a first node included within the mesh network a network message that is to be broadcast within the mesh network; determining a security key type based on at least one of a resource parameter associated with at least one neighbor node included in the mesh network or an attribute of the network message; securing the network message with a security key of the security key type to generate n secured network message; and broadcasting the secured network message to one or more other nodes included in the mesh network that are directly connected to the first node.