Network Card Driver Encryption for Embedded LAN Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network encryption methods primarily focus on the transport and application layers, leaving data communication within local area networks vulnerable, as they do not provide encryption at the bottom layer, making it possible for third parties to intercept and decode network data.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an encryption protocol on the network card driver of embedded devices to manage and perform encryption and decryption of network data at the bottom layer, using an identification package with an encryption method and key to secure data transmission across the network, with the option to adjust encryption levels through a proc node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption is performed on the transport layer or application layer, then data communication above IP layer is encrypted, but data communication within local area network is not encrypted and remains vulnerable to third-party interception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption implementation by layering it at different network levels. The network card driver layer handles low-level encryption/decryption of raw network data, while the upper application layer can independently implement its own encryption protocols. This segmentation allows each layer to operate autonomously without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction by enabling comprehensive encryption without forcing entire systems to adopt complex unified encryption architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The network card driver acts as an intermediary layer between the hardware network interface and the upper software protocols. It introduces encryption/decryption functionality at this intermediate point, capturing all network data traffic and processing it through encryption algorithms before passing to or from the network interface. This intermediary approach enables encryption without requiring modifications to application software or network protocols, thus improving security while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If encryption protocol is implemented at the network card driver layer, then all network data is encrypted including local area network communication, but the driver complexity and development burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network card driver is designed to autonomously handle encryption and decryption operations without requiring active developer intervention. Once configured with encryption parameters (algorithm selection, key management settings), the driver automatically encrypts all outgoing network data and decrypts all incoming encrypted data. This self-service capability eliminates the need for developers to manually encrypt/decrypt data in application code, thereby improving security while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption configuration is performed in advance during driver initialization or system setup, before actual data transmission begins. Developers can pre-configure encryption algorithms, key lengths, and other parameters through configuration files or setup utilities. This preliminary action ensures that encryption is already in place when applications start using the network interface, providing immediate security without requiring developers to implement or manage encryption logic during application development.
3Reliability
If unified encryption of all network data is achieved at the driver layer, then data security is improved, but flexibility in adjusting encryption levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption system is designed with dynamic configuration capabilities, allowing encryption parameters to be adjusted at runtime without requiring driver reinstallation or system reboot. Developers can modify encryption algorithms, key lengths, and encryption/decryption modes through configuration files or driver interface commands. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to respond to different security requirements while maintaining unified encryption coverage at the driver layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements flexibility by allowing changes in encryption parameters such as algorithm selection (e.g., AES, DES), key length (128-bit, 256-bit), and operational modes (ECB, CBC). These parameter changes can be configured through the proc node interface or configuration files, enabling developers to adjust the encryption strength and type based on specific application requirements without altering the fundamental encryption architecture or reducing overall security coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a network encryption method for realizing encryption of a local area network at the bottom layer driver of a network card of an embedded device. By using such method, an encryption protocol is performed on the network card driver, thereby achieving encryption and decryption of all network data in the network card driver within the local area network, and achieving encryption of all data above network linking layer, so as to achieve unified encryption of all data in the local area network, resulting in enhanced safety of transmission of network data. Moreover, since encryption of the network data is performed in the network driver, developers do not need to focus on encryption situation.