Modem Authentication Token for Secure CPE Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale consumer premises equipment (CPE) deployments, existing methods for securely configuring and managing access to SSH servers are insecure, as SSH clients must blindly accept public keys without validation, and SNMPv3 key management relies on a single password that compromises the entire network if compromised.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using encrypted authentication tokens with unique passwords and session keys to securely configure and manage modem interfaces, enabling secure SSH key validation and unique key distribution for SNMPv3, ensuring each CPE has a unique and renewable authentication mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SSH clients blindly accept public keys during handshake in large-scale CPE deployments, then the configuration process is simple and fast, but security is compromised as keys cannot be validated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication server as an intermediary between CPE devices and SSH clients. The authentication server stores and validates public keys, acting as a trusted mediator that enables secure key validation without requiring clients to blindly accept keys. This resolves the contradiction by providing security through the intermediary while maintaining configuration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring public keys in the authentication server before SSH connections are established. The authentication server预先 stores valid public keys, so when SSH clients connect, they can quickly validate keys against the pre-stored information without performing complex validation procedures during the handshake process.
2Device complexity
If SNMPv3 uses a single password for key localization across the network, then key management is simplified, but the entire network is compromised if the password is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single network-wide password into device-specific unique passwords. Each CPE device receives its own unique password from the authentication server, segmenting the authentication credentials. This allows simplified key management through automated distribution while enhancing security by ensuring that compromise of one device's password does not affect the entire network.
3Reliability
If unique passwords are distributed to each CPE device for SNMPv3, then network security is improved, but key distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling CPE devices to automatically obtain and configure their unique passwords through the authentication server without manual intervention. The devices can autonomously request and receive their credentials, and the authentication server automatically manages distribution and renewal. This maintains high network security through unique passwords while minimizing distribution complexity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for remotely configuring a modem securely using an authentication token for use with a service provider. The method includes receiving an encrypted authentication token from the modem, the authentication token having at least one password and being encrypted according to a public key, transmitting the encrypted authentication token to an authentication server, receiving a decrypted authentication token from the authentication server, and configuring at least one modem interface at least in part using the authentication token.