Network Address Generation via Shared Secret Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network address auto-configuration methods in communication networks are inefficient, requiring multiple steps and data exchanges, leading to increased connection time and privacy and fraud concerns, as they rely on explicit requests and may not ensure user equipment is always reachable upon network access.
Innovation Solution
A communication network that uses a shared secret key between user equipment and network equipment to generate network addresses, simplifying the process by reducing operations and information exchanges, allowing auto-generation of addresses upon access and ensuring security through secrecy and dynamic key management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If current network address auto-configuration methods are used, then network addresses can be assigned, but connection setup time increases and multiple data exchanges are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a shared secret key between the user equipment and the network equipment before address assignment is needed. This pre-configured key enables the user equipment to autonomously generate network addresses without requiring real-time authentication or multiple data exchanges, thereby reducing connection setup time and improving address assignment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the user equipment to autonomously generate its own network address using the shared secret key stored in its memory. The user equipment performs the address generation locally without needing network intervention, explicit requests, or complex coordination protocols, thus streamlining the connection process and reducing overall setup time.
2Reliability
If explicit request methods are used for address assignment, then addresses can be allocated, but user privacy and fraud risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared secret key as an intermediary element that mediates between the user equipment and the network. This key, which is pre-shared and never transmitted over the network, enables secure address generation while maintaining user privacy. The intermediary key allows both parties to generate addresses consistently without exposing sensitive information or creating fraud vulnerabilities.
3Device complexity
If multiple steps and data exchanges are used for address configuration, then addresses can be assigned, but the number of operations and information exchanges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the address generation function with the existing authentication framework by utilizing the shared secret key that is already established during authentication. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate, dedicated address assignment procedures and reduces the overall number of operations and data exchanges required for connection setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a network address in a communication network includes at least one user equipment and a network equipment. The method includes: a) providing a same shared secret key both at the at least one user equipment and at the network equipment; and b) generating at least a portion of the network address at the at least one user equipment and at the network equipment based upon at least the shared secret key.