Secure DER Communication via NDN Trust Rules

The patent introduces a Named Data Networking (NDN) layer as an intermediary between conventional communication technologies and DER resources. This NDN layer implements granular trust rules and security policies that mediate all communications, preventing direct exposure of resources to untrusted network entities while still allowing legitimate access. The NDN architecture acts as a security gateway that filters and controls data flows based on predefined trust criteria.

The patent segments the network architecture into distinct trust zones with different security requirements. Each DER resource is protected by individual trust rules that define specific access permissions. The system divides communication paths into authorized and unauthorized segments, applying security policies at each segment boundary. This segmentation allows the system to maintain communication versatility while limiting attack surfaces by isolating resources from untrusted entities.

The patent implements a universal NDN-based security framework that serves multiple entities and resources through a single standardized interface. Instead of creating separate access mechanisms for each organization or resource, the system uses a unified trust rule engine that handles authentication and authorization for all parties. This universal approach enables multi-party collaboration while reducing the effective number of attack points by consolidating security management into a single robust layer.

The NDN security layer acts as an intermediary that manages all multi-party interactions through centralized trust rules. Rather than allowing direct peer-to-peer access between multiple organizations (which would create multiple attack vectors), the system routes all communications through the NDN mediator that enforces security policies. This intermediary approach maintains collaborative versatility while minimizing exposed attack surfaces.

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the NDN system automatically manages trust rule enforcement without requiring manual intervention for each communication event. The system includes automated trust rule validation, dynamic policy application, and self-configuring security parameters. This self-service capability maintains high security through granular trust rules while reducing operational complexity by eliminating manual security management tasks.

The system performs preliminary configuration of trust rules and security policies before actual communications occur. Trust relationships are established and validated in advance through predefined policies, so that during runtime, security decisions are made automatically based on pre-evaluated rules. This preliminary action approach maintains granular security control while reducing real-time complexity by shifting security management work to the configuration phase.