Network Apparatus Pairing via RSSI Proximity and Broker Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for pairing devices lack security, particularly against 'man in the middle' attacks, and are limited to pairing only similar devices, especially when devices without displays are involved, and the use of pre-determined association and encryption keys increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A network apparatus paired with a broker apparatus uses RSSI values to determine the proximity of a user device and employs a Diffie-Hellman key exchange method to securely pair devices, while the broker apparatus monitors for potential 'man in the middle' attacks by comparing RSSI values during key exchanges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-determined association keys and encryption keys are used for pairing, then pairing security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device compatibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of pre-determining physical keys and buttons with a wireless signal-based proximity detection system. RSSI values are used to determine device proximity, eliminating the need for physical buttons or chips while maintaining security through cryptographic key exchange protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter basis for pairing from pre-determined static keys to dynamic RSSI-based proximity verification. By monitoring signal strength indicators and comparing them against threshold values, the system adapts security verification to the actual physical context of the pairing attempt.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pre-determined association keys and encryption keys are used for pairing, then pairing security is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing securityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal pairing mechanism that works across different device types through broker-mediated RSSI verification. The broker apparatus serves multiple functions: facilitating key exchange, verifying proximity through RSSI monitoring, and enabling pairing between any devices that can communicate wirelessly, not just identical device models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a broker apparatus as an intermediary that mediates the pairing process between any two devices. The broker verifies proximity by monitoring RSSI values and facilitates secure key exchange, enabling compatibility between diverse device types while maintaining security through the intermediary's verification process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If physical buttons or chips are provided for pairing, then pairing security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pairing components (buttons and chips) with wireless signal processing capabilities. The existing communication circuitry is used to exchange RSSI information and cryptographic keys, eliminating the need for additional physical components while maintaining or improving security through software-based verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables devices to perform their own proximity verification and security validation using their existing communication capabilities. Each device measures and reports its own RSSI values, and the system automatically verifies proximity conditions without requiring external physical components or additional manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If devices without displays are paired using conventional methods, then pairing is completed, but user interaction becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepairing operationVSAvoidinput method requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables devices to automatically perform proximity verification and pairing operations without requiring user input through displays or buttons. The devices self-report their RSSI measurements and automatically proceed with pairing when proximity conditions are met, making the process accessible to devices without user interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual input methods (display-based password entry or button pressing) with automated wireless signal-based verification. The system uses RSSI measurements and cryptographic protocols to achieve pairing without requiring any physical user interaction, suitable for devices without displays or input mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances security by preventing or reducing the likelihood of 'man in the middle' attacks and allows pairing with various devices, ensuring secure connections without the need for physical input methods or pre-determined keys.

Implementation Method 1

storing each RSSI value measured in the network apparatus and broker apparatus regarding a signal being exchanged with the broker apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRSSI (Receive Signal Strength Indicator):

Implementation Method 2

employs a Diffie-Hellman key exchange method to securely pair devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffie-Hellman key exchange:

Data Source

PatentUS10129272B2Network apparatus for pairing with user device and pairing method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.11.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10129272B2 patent drawing
  • US10129272B2 patent drawing
  • US10129272B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A network apparatus for performing a pairing with a user device, with the network apparatus already paired with a broker apparatus is disclosed, the network apparatus including a communicator including communication circuitry; a storage configured to store an RSSI value measured in the network apparatus and broker apparatus regarding a signal being exchanged with the broker apparatus with the broker apparatus at a close position; and a processor configured to determine whether the user device is close to the broker apparatus by as much as a predetermined distance based on each RSSI value measured in the network apparatus, broker apparatus, and user device regarding a signal being exchanged with the user device, an RSSI value measured regarding a signal being received from the broker apparatus, and a predetermined condition regarding a relationship between each RSSI value stored, and in response to determining that the user device is close to the broker apparatus by as much as the predetermined distance, to control the communication circuitry to perform an association for pairing with the user device.